Binding noise while running in 2WD

Hello folks,

My tundra is making the binding noise when running in 2WD, but the noise goes away and it runs smoothly in 4HI. Any thoughts?

 

I think it is happening when driving straight although I have not done any close observation on turning. It is happening at low speeds below 30 mph I believe and hear it on the driver's side, but when I switch to 4HI it is completely gone. Any idea of the rough cost to repair? and is this something any mechanic can fix or do I have to take it to a Toyota dealer?

Thanks!

 

You can take your truck to a Toyota dealer and they will charge you for a new front differential (well over $1000).

You might be able to find an independent mechanic to do this for you. I did mine in my garage in a couple of hours.

 

Lol. I first read this as ‘blinding noise’. Glad it’s not that.

 

Thanks, audiowize. Okay, I don't want to spend that much money by taking it to the dealer. I am a bit mechanically inclined. In fact, I have a 2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ where I added a bunch of after-market stuff to it, including installing a 4-inch lift kit. I also did the clutch kit replacement of it which required the tranny to be removed to access the clutch/flywheel.

Do you know of any youtube videos or resources/instructions on how to do the repair for the front differential needle bearing?

 

You're waaaay more than qualified to do this. ECGS has a video on how this is done. I would recommend buying their optional tool for popping out the old needle bearing.

 

Something similar has been happening recently in my 2018 on the driver side. Except the only difference is that I hear a thud ( I guess it's a binding noise?) when I'm in 4wd going straight under or right around 30mph - usually when im downshifting / engine braking down hills in 2nd gear. I thought I might have heard it in 2nd gear 2wd the other day, but not entirely sure.

Would my issue fall under the same category here?

Seems like the infamous differential needle bearing issue is only in 2wd and goes away when 4wd is activated.