Noise from front diff! (1 Viewer)

[sammybones]

I just had a bunch of work done to the front end of my 04 by a reputable shop that works on a lot of Toyota 4runners and Land Cruisers. I trust them. I’ve wheeled it pretty hard the last couple years. It’s got 190k miles.

These are some of the items replaced. All OEM. CV axles, steering rack, control arms, wheel bearings, left and right tie rods and brakes and rotors.

The shop got it completed last week but they had been stumped by a clacking sound coming from the right front. They tore everything apart twice and couldn’t find anything. They think it has something to do with the front diff.

You can only hear the clacking sound at low speeds in the parking lot and if you let off the gas it stops. When I’m cruising on the interstate and accelerate it vibrates and you can hear a slight whirring sound. The 4WD low light does not come on anymore which is weird. If feels to me like it’s in The shop claims they 4WD low drive is engaging, they say they tested it.

Also, when in 4 low it kind of lurches when you go from drive to neutral and there is slight hitch from neutral to park.

What do you guys think? Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[gregnash]

Did they check the drive shafts and pinions (angles and all) to see what kind of condition they are in?
Are they sure the sound is mostly coming from the right?
Does it only make sound at low speeds and while turning (which would indicate a bad CV)?
I would start with the front driveshaft and see if there is anything odd with it, slip yoke having issues, u-joint going out, out of balance, etc. then go from there.

 

[DTCsk8er]

Interesting noise; my gut says its driveshaft related.. although I have seen/heard the whirrrr type noise is related to the pinion or carrier bearing. Depending how bad the pinion bearing is toasted, it can cause driveshaft vibes. You can narrow things down a bit by removing the driveshaft/hub gears, and try to recreate the noise. If the noise persists, it's not CV, diff, or driveshaft related.

Did the noise appear right after they did all this work?

 

[MongooseGA]

I'll put money on it that it's neither drive shaft or diff.

 

[2001LC]

It does sound a little like your CDL switch is engaged. Easy to test. Back up while turning steering wheel all they way left or right. You'll feel binding if CDL is engaged.
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If issue not present pre work done, than it's 90% likely related to work.

Did they do a drain and fill on front diff or top. We loose some lube when pulling the front drive shafts (AKA CV).
Did they replace any of the gear box lubes. make sure levels spot on.

1. You could have a defective CV of front drive shaft (FDS).
2. Did each FDS seat all the way into differentials.
3. Some times the dust shield on end of front drive shaft get bent. They'll rub and some times make a scraping sound at high point.
4. Did they inspect and grease the axle bearing and bushing.
5. Did they check run-out of new rotors.
6. Did they replace hub flange.
7. Did they replace snap rings and set the gap.

I don't see the front end work you've listed as done, having effect on 4WH low or light.