Cyclic Noise, but only in 2WD

Thus far, I've replaced or had replaced the 4WD actuator on the differential and I replaced the driver's side front wheel hub assembly. That is what the local Toyota dealer concluded was the source of the noise. Took the "scope" to pinpoint the noise. Wrong. I finished replacing that on Tuesday and the noise persists. You only hear it at slow speeds and when you're slowing down. During acceleration, the engine noise drowns it out. It is cyclic in nature, sort of like an out-of-round rim on a bicycle hitting the forks with each revolution. IOW, it is not constant. You think it is the tire rubbing on the plastic lining of the wheel well. It has gotten progressive worse since it showed up. The only legitimate clue that I can offer - put it in 4WD and you can no longer hear it. Brakes all look good, tires are in good shape. Why does it go away when you engage the front axle? One of my most respected mechanic friends, who has been right when everyone else has been wrong threw out a u-joint. If I remember correctly, he said putting it in 4WD would take some of the strain off the joint and that may be why the sound disappears in 4WD. Any ideas, any thing at all, would be appreciated. Unfortunately, I cannot tell if it is coming from the front or rear. I'm half tempted to jump in the bed and have my wife drive me around to see if I can hear anything. Driving me bonkers!

Thanks in advance.

Mike

BTW, 2008 DC with 73k miles

 

Sounds like the needle bearing, common issue

 

Sounds like needle bearing. Some people upgrade to ECGS one. I did mine about year ago.

 

Needle bearing as previously mentioned. I would install the East Coast Gear Supply bushing.

 

Yep

 

Fellas,

First, a sincere thanks for the quick replies! I really appreciate it you taking time from your day to lend a hand. It sounds like at least a couple of you have done the repair with the ECGS fix. That is my plan as well. After watching the video on their (ECGS) site, I was wondering if there is a genuine risk of the tool (that I'll buy from them to remove the needle bearing) falling into the differential? That makes me a bit uncomfortable. I noticed that the guy recording the video stuffed from saran wrap in there. Did you guys follow his lead and stuff something in there? Also, I guess I'm not 100% clear on a couple things. First, what is actually causing the noise - the axle hitting the needle bearing? Second, why do you only hear it in 2WD. Anyone know why it seems to be limited to just the driver's side?

The other question I had involves responding to posts. I gather my post will be number 6 in the string. What if I wanted to reply to directly to someone's post, rather than the entire group. Do I simply click on their name and hit "start a conversation?"

Thanks again!!

Mike

 

Just shove a plastic bag in there. It won’t fall in. Just “@“ someone’s username and it will tag them.

@takeadoe

 

Thanks for the note. I’m sorry, but I don’t follow you on the @takeadoe. Not super tech savvy

 

@takeadoe that will alert another user. You can also quote one of the posts and it will alert the person who you are quoting.