I have an 86 4runner. While driving in 2 wheel drive a loud noise has developed, the sound then goes to a grinding noise. For the most part it is a constant noise, if I lock the hubs the noise goes away. I thought it was brakes, but the brakes are fine. Oh yeah the sound is only on the driver's side. Anyone have any ideas?

Zach

 

sounds like somethings grinding in the hub. makes sense that when it's they aren't locked, the wheels just spin around the axle. and when they are locked, the wheels are locked onto the axle. i don't know enough about hubs but sounds like something needs to be replaced/lubed.

 

Could be a wheel bearing. I had the same problem. I would replace both sides because it's hard to tell where the sound is coming from. I would have sworn it was my driver's side, replaced it, and the sound didn't go away until I replaced the pass side!

 

Thanks guys for the responses. I'll let you know what i find out.

 

Wheel bearing most likely. Get it fixed quickly, if it's grinding it's near failure.