Grinding noise

I just got back from Mexico, and my truck is making a grinding noise. Sounds like wheel bearings to me. But, I changed the wheel bearings and it is still there? I am at a loss. I can feel the grinding in the brake and gas peddle.. crazy..
Any help would be much appreciated.

 

When you're driving switch lanes back and forth and listen, sound should be louder when you're turning to bad bearing side if it's bad . Also check brake rotor guard might be bent and touching rotor.

 

I just changed the bearings, and I did it myself. I have a 20 ton press and it is pretty easy. The rotor guard is not touching for sure. It is funny it seems associated with the brakes. I put in new pads before i left and noticed after I put them in.. not sure.

 

I had similar issue after brake change on wife's lexus. One of the brake pad pins got bent and was grinding in to rotor

 

maybe you got a Rock in the Caliper? Happened a few times to me in my old Subaru and I about filled my drawers when I first heard it.

 

Any vibration (while braking or otherwise?) Speed related? Exactly when and when doesn't this happen?

 

As i speed up it gets worse and when I slow down you can hear it go away. Braking is smooth. It is driving me crazy, or crazier... haha
It sounds like bearings to me but, I just installed new bearings and it didn't help..

 

4WD or 2WD? Did you check the rear diff oil for signs of metal. You could have bearing or gear damage. Did you pull the rear axles? If gear oil gets in the bearing it will ruin it. More vehicle info would help to give you more suggestions.

 

Two wheel drive, 2006, V6, SR5 access cab.
I did not pull the rear axles, I changed the fluid at 100K, 150K now.
Tomorrow I will look to see if rear axel is leaking, and drain fluid to check for medal shavings.
Any other suggestions? I will post the results tomorrow on what i find.

 

Did you also check the driveshaft support bearing?

 

No I have not. I will check it tomorrow. I hope it is something simple. I will post tomorrow what I find.. It is driving me nuts. I bought the truck new and have never had one problem with it. The engine is absolutely bullet proof.

 

Well, the center support driveshaft bearing looks to be bad. Wow, I hope that is all it is. There is about a .25" play in it when I push it up and down. I didn't drain the fluid in the back axel, I will take a look at it when finished changing the bearing. I will change the center bearing today and let you know. Thanks.

 

I think that amount of play is normal. How does the rubber look on it??

 

The rubber looks to be perfect! I bought a new one so might as well change it. If that doesn't work then back to the drawing board.
I will post the results...

 

With the type of noise you are hearing it still might be bad. The rubber insulator could be fine but the bearing could be shot. When you get it off see if the bearing feels smooth or rough when you spin it by hand. I'd replace it regardless but at least you will have an idea if it's your problem or was part of the problem.

 

My money is on something other than that center support bearing. I don't see how that would create a grinding noise.

 

I agree, it's unlikely but I've found in troubleshooting don't overlook anything. The stuff I didn't check has bit me over the years. If the bearing itself was bad it could echo down the driveline. I would still be checking the rear brakes/bearings.

 

That is pretty good. Mine moves a lot more and its brand new. The old one had the rubber completely missing and didn't cause any problems. I suspect this is not your problem, but all you have to do is unbolt the center bearing from the frame, don't even disconnect the driveshaft, just let it sag, and spin the bearing around the shaft, you should be able to hear any grinding or feel any roughness etc.

 

Well, I have removed the old bearing and I don't think that is the problem. It had some play in it and the new one is tight. But, the bearing was not growling and turned smooth. Tomorrow I will put in a new U joint. The one I had to remove to pull the bearing. The piece that holds the bearing in place was extremely difficult to get off. I had to use a torch and beat it off. I should have it all back together tomorrow by noon. Then I will drain the rear end and inspect it. After that, is it your suggestion to check the back break bearings? I have learned allot, amazing. I am an old A/C mechanic so I had most of the tools. But I have never done much auto mechanic work.
Also how do I check the back bearings? It is clean so the seals are good. But, I will pull the drums and check to make sure.

 

Luckily I am retired now and have the time to play with the truck, and I enjoy it. It gives me something to do. Also I am really getting to know the truck and doing some pretty complicated maintenance, The engine runs like a top, I bought it new in 2006 and changed to synthetic oil, and it is garage kept. So pretty clean. I want to keep it until the engine starts giving problems. But, the engine purrs like a kitten. So, we will see.
It would of been cheaper to take it in to have it fixed... haha

 

Sorry to hear your driveshaft bearing gave you so much trouble. The rear axle seal can be leaking without any signs of gear oil on the backing plate. I just changed my axle bearings 2 weeks ago. My driver's side had oil all over the backing plate and my brake shoes were saturated. My passenger side was completely dry. The first sign of the seal leaking was when I removed the ABS sensor and it was covered with oil and when I removed the axle the cavity had oil in it.

The bearing is behind the brake shoe backing plate. The only way to visually see it is to remove the axle. It's not hard can be done in about 20 minutes but to save possibly unnecessary work I would first remove the ABS sensors and check for signs of oil on them and look into the axle through their mounting holes. With the rear end on jack stands you could also rotate the axle and listen for noise or roughness and feel for any side to side play. If you do need to replace the bearings they need to be pressed on along with a new tone ring and misc. collars. I recommend using only OEM parts. I took my axles to a machine shop to have the bearings and related parts pressed on.

 

Ok, will do that in the morning. I will let you know what I find.

 

I have the drive shaft back together how do I rotate the drive shaft to line up the bolts on the rear housing?

 

Chalk you tires then put the truck in neutral.

 

Got it thanks.
I just finished test driving it and it still has the same problem. So???
So far I have installed new front wheel bearings, struts and shocks while I had the front end down. And new u-joints and support.
I will drain the fluid in the rear end and take a look. If that looks good then I will try and see what is causing the roar..
It is getting worse. hummm
On the flip side it drives like a dream. The new struts and shocks helped the ride more that I thought possible. Amazing.

 

Check the rear wheel bearings like I explained earlier before you drain the rear end fluid. Although I've had differental bearings go bad axle bearings are more common to fail. Before you spend more money and time replacing parts try to confirm they are bad and the source of your noise. Also, just because a part is new don't assume it's good. New parts can be bad. Also, double check the work you have done if the problem persists. We all have made mistakes on reassembly.

 

I will check the back wheels. Yes, I assumed it was the front wheel bearings. Since I am not a mechanic, I should of taken it to Toyota to look at it. But, I have the time. If i cannot find the problem this time I will take it in.
On the plus side I am learning allot about the truck. Very valuable information for me since I am going to keep it until it dies.

 

What size are the bolts to back out the brake drum?

 

Since you are keeping the truck till she dies, everything you’ve done with the exception of the front wheel bearings is an improvement. Doesn’t hurt that you have new bearings and knowing you did them DIY saved yourself $.

Now on to the roaring.

I had a bad rear drivers side bearing for about 6 years. Sounded like a light rolling wha wha wha that increased with speed. A few months ago it turned into a loud grinding wha wha that was almost unbearable at highway speeds.

Took it to the shop and a mechanic test drove shotgun with me. He dialed right in on it being the rear drivers side bearing.

These bearings are hard to troubleshoot as the sound location is deceiving in the cab.

 

Yes, I am not sweating the money, and I am keeping the truck until it dies ( I may shoot it though ) haha
I would not sweat it to much, but I use the truck to pull my pop up and haul my kayak around. So I have to find the problem.
I will post what I find tomorrow. Sunday football, so stopping for the day.