Jimbone

Hey guys. Looking for some help. Lately I've been hearing a humming noise from the front end. Usually happens around 40 mph. It seems to be coming from the right side but I can't be positive. Also it seems to be more often in the cold weather. It will last for as little as 1 sec to a few minutes. I was thinking wheel bearings? I do feel a small vibration in the floor too. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Black_1985_SR5

iTrader: (1)

How many miles have they ever been done? Jack it up and shake the tires listen to see if it is the wheel bearings

Dylan92yota

I would start with the wheel bearing. I just had the same problem. Should be pretty easy to replace.

Jimbone

I don't know if they have ever been replaced. I've only had the runner for a few months. I'm going to check some things out this weekend. If it is the wheel bearing do i need any special tools to replace them?

Dylan92yota

On my 92 pickup I used a 55mm 6 point wheel bearing socket. That should be it for special service tools.

Dylan92yota

Also a good variety of sockets wil help for removal and installation

Jimbone

Hmm. I have plenty of hand tools but no 55mm socket. How sure are you that a 1990 uses the same size? Maybe the local parts store would have one. When did you get yours?

Dylan92yota

Not sure where I got it from.. It was a loan tool from a friend. But I would assume that a 89-95 should be the same, that's also assuming that you have 4wd

19864runnerHawaii

Hey I know this goes against all mechanic rules about using the right tool for the right job, but I used a huge adjustable wrench, and/or a big channel lock to replace mine. My bearing is still fine (knock on wood)

Jimbone

Ok, latest update. On my way home from work I dropped the runner into 4WD. The humming noise was suddenly gone and stayed gone even after I put it in 2wd. I probably had in 4 HI for about 5 minutes. Now I'm thinking a CV axle. Whatta you think?

Dylan92yota

Do you have manual or auto locking hubs?

Jimbone

Auto hubs

Dylan92yota

It's hard to believe that it's a cv axle because it should not spin while in 2wd. So in other words it should've only hummed if it was in 4wd... Maybe I'm wrong

Dylan92yota

IMO I would still check that wheel bearing before anything

Jimbone

Yeah, I hear what you're saying. The CVs still turn in 2wd though. Man, I don't know, I'm gonna jack it up tomorrow and see what I can find, hear, feel. I just know that when it's hummin it drive me nuts. I'll update the thread when I know more. Thanks for your two cents.

Dylan92yota

In this link he has a 87 with manual lockouts.. Could be different from the auto locking hubs

http://www.ttora.com/forum/archive/i.../t-110212.html

Dylan92yota

One easy thing to do is check that hub after a good drive and compare it to the other hub, they usually are noticeably hotter if it's bad

Jimbone

Cool, thanks for the info

Jimbone

Ok, latest update. Today I checked the bearing play with the tire on. The was a little bit of play. Maybe about 1/16". So, I took everything apart and looked at the bearings. They were fine, no rust pits or excessive sloppiness. I did notice that the end of the CV shaft had play up and down. It seemed like a lot. Is this normal? Also, I was looking at some other posts and the bronze bushing inside the spindle might be the cause. Anybody else heard of this? The one thing that got my attention was the repeated reports of this problem when it's cold outside. I first noticed my issue on a really cold morning. Anyway, I cleaned everything really good and put it all back together. No more play, took a drive everything seems good but it's not cold out today.

KaptainKoolz

I get a humming noise from cupped tire tread over about 30mph. old/worn shocks i presume