Gear whine, any ideas?

[Battleship]

The last few days is has been kind of cold here in NC. I have been hearing a whine/groan for the first 1/4 - 1/2 mile of driving (no, my wife isn't in the car). Similar to the noise the smaller cars make when they are in reverse, but quieter. It goes up in pitch as speed increases, it only happens when the car sits for at least several hours and gets cold. Seems to be coming from the right front area. Is this typical, or should I be looking at the transfer case, a differential, or something else? I didn't find anything in old threads, just looking for ideas, thanks.

 

[KathmanduCruiser]

The last few days is has been kind of cold here in NC. I have been hearing a whine/groan for the first 1/4 - 1/2 mile of driving (no, my wife isn't in the car).

What about your girlfriend? Was she in the car?

I have nothing productive to add - but just felt like being a smartass. Sorry.......

 

[100 TD]

More red wine will cure the problem!
All gear assemblies will make a different noise when cold compared to hot, it may be this or something else. If you can get someone else to drive for you and you listen, try and pin point where it is coming from. and investigate that area further.

 

[stomek]

I have had the same issue you have described. It only occurs when the temperature is around 40 degrees and below, a speed dependent whine radiating from the front passenger area that diminishes and then resolves within a 1/2 to 1 mile. I took it into my local Toyota dealer last winter and again 1 week ago and had two techs take it out. They claim it is gear noise from the transfer case and it is common for this vehicle and not to worry. I hope they are right.

 

[stomek]

Would a synthetic transfer case oil 75wt 90 potentially help with this issue?

 

[NMuzj100]

Would a synthetic transfer case oil 75wt 90 potentially help with this issue?

Potentially yes. Also look at the transfer case TSB if yours really makes a racket.

The "like a car in reverse sound" is normal for a cold start. It doesn't indicate a problem. Just go easy on the truck until it warms and remember that the diffs and transfer don't warm as quickly as the engine and transmission. If you haven't changed the gear oil in the last 30,000 miles it might be good to change it and see if you find an improvement.

 

[DoctorJay]

FWIW, I've noticed this lately also. It started right as:

1. I switched to M1 75-90 in the diffs and t-case (I assume there was dino oil in there before, but have no service records)
2. The outside temp went down to about 5*F

I'm waiting for some warmer (like 20F) weather to see how it sounds.

 

[Maniac]

Same noise on mine, its from the transfer case and only when its cold. It did not make the noise until the dealership changed the diff and transfer case fluids. I think its normal.

 

[macneill]

Ditto here. My truck sits for a week at a time and now with the cold weather, it whirs for a while after warm up.

 

[Drinkin40s]

Good to know it's common - Mine has been doing it lately, for 1/2 mile or so then goes away - I was thinking the worst - MUD is great!

 

[flyfish4life]

Have the same problem on mine - I usually notice this at highway speeds and it remains constant with heat and/or radio off (below 40 degrees after a night outside). Sounds like a very faint, but high pitched radio frequency - sort of like your ears are ringing slightly, if that makes any sense. The sweet spot for this occurs usually around 2,300-2,400 rpms or approximately 70-75 on the highway. At first, I thought it could be something with the new VVTi set up or the EFI, but the noise completely goes away when coasting. As soon as gas is re-applied, it comes back - I suppose it is gear related. Any thoughts?

 

[calbo]

May I suggest checking your power steering fluid level?
This hasn't happened to my LX yet, but it sounds similar to the occasional noise I had in my previous vehicle.

Cal

 

[DarkStar]

mine does the exact same thing...too...

Still does it after changing ALL the fluids last week and having the driveshaft lubed.

 

[Dan Dibble]

Potentially yes. Also look at the transfer case TSB if yours really makes a racket.

Do you have a link to this TSB?

Our LX has made T/C noise for the last few years, and yes it is more noticeable with cold weather. She has 175,000miles.

Dan

 

[Pskhaat]

I have a light whine from the tcase too when cold. What was the TSB???

 

[mikeacs]

Mine started after a diff fluid change at 60K, now at 125K so it must be no biggie.

 

[gjh]

Mine too, below 20 degrees, had the fluid changed 15k ago. Def from tranfer case area.

 

[DMX84]

Good to know it's common - Mine has been doing it lately, for 1/2 mile or so then goes away - I was thinking the worst - MUD is great!

What about your girlfriend? Was she in the car?

More red wine will cure the problem!

Drinkin40s- Did you switch from 40’s to drinking red wine??
DMX