Update: FIXED!!!!!!!

Have a 91 4runner with auto hubs. Its making an awfull noise.

Video - you can hear it about 20 seconds in:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaYQH...&feature=g-upl

I thought it was the bearings, so I replaced the front and rear bearings and races. I also tried the needle lube trick for the steering spindle bearings.

It happens at any speed when the truck is in 2H. I cant get it to make the noise in 4H or on the lift. Definitely coming from the front passenger side. I'm at a loss.

Any ideas?

 

Wow, ive never heard anything like that before.

 

i have a 1993 4runner, same deal with that noise, when i replaced the cv axle, i damaged the c-ring, i replaced my c-ring aka snap ring, and noise is gone....try low range offroad they have them for about 3$

 

Posy, where is the c-ring? Is that the clip that holds the axle in the hub?

 

sure is, pull the dust cap off, pull one little bolt out the center, then there is 6 or 8 nuts with acorns in them, pull the nuts off, use a hammer and tap on top of the hub, the acorns will start to pop out, after that is removed you should see the c ring

 

Hmmm, I'll try that, but can't see how a bad clip would make that noise. Also should mention that it started making that sound all of the sudden. No bump, curb check, just driving.

 

mine does/did the same thing, i need to replace the other side, all send you the links, im not sure why but they keep getting stretched, if i replace them every 3,000 miles noise stops

 

http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/index...snap-ring.html

 

my 4 runner did the same thing and from what ive read its the spindle bushing

 

Are the main hub nuts tight with the lock ring tabs bent into place? That sound makes me think of bearings unseating and rubbing in places they shouldn't be...

What auto hubs are you referring to? I was under the impression that Toyota was using the ADD system with fully-locked hubs during these years. My 90 had the ADD anyway.

 

Yes the hub nuts are tight and the tabs are bent. I'm leaning towards spindle bearings.

 

Also, yes it's ADD.

 

Any other thoughts? I don't want to tear into this thing again unless I am sure I have a fix. Thanks!

 

just re-did my valves and they were all just about spot on this time, and im at the 10k mark

 

So I pulled the hub and removed the spindle bushings. I don't see any serious signs of wear - that is before I destroyed the outer bushing trying to get it out. You'd think with all the racket, if it were spindle bushings, there would be serious damage. Dunno - I really hope this solves the problem

 

When that sound occurs, can you feel it in the steering wheel? If not, I'd think it was coming from somewhere else.

 

Yes, I can feel the truck pull To the right.

 

Then I'd be pretty certain it's the spindle bushing. You can't tell unless you pull the axle out; did you do that?

 

I have the axle out now, just got the spindle bushings out. I'm heading to the dealership tomorrow for parts. I just hope this fixes it.

 

I had the exact same noise when I lifted my blazer, ended up having to get an extra cv joint to correct the driveshaft angle but it sounded EXACTLY like that!! And it was intermittent. But I have no idea what that means or if It helps you just thought it was weird it's the same noise.