OK, so I got a 91 4runner 3.0 with basically everything stock and I got a front drivers side wheel noise I need some help with. When the runner is really cold, like 30 degrees F or colder, I get this weird rubbing noise when I'm driving and I turn left. After I straighten back out it goes away. After the runner gets warmed up (after about 5 - 10 minutes of driving) the noise goes away too. It doesn't do it when I turn right, just when I turn left. It sounds kind of like I have too big of tires and its rubbing on the fender or something, but my tires are just 31X10.5 with stock rims. And its not like a constant noise either, its like a pulsing noise.

So, I first thought it was my wheel bearing going out. I put new wheel bearings in last night and when I drove to work today it made the same noise again. So it wasn't the wheel bearing. Im thinking now that it might the CV joint or maybe something in the automatic locking hub. I don't know how old the CV joints are, but the boots look good, no cracks.

So, if anyone has any ideas I would appreciate it. Im a little mad that I spent the money on new wheel bearings when that wasn't the problem, and I don't want to replace something else that won't fix the problem either. Any ideas will be much appreciated!!!

Thanks,

 

A CV joint ususally starts going out with a clicking type noise.
Also, check the suspension, and wheel well area for signs of rubbing.

 

also check for broken steering stabalizer. do you know if your 4Runner went in for the recall for the steering stabalizer?

 

Do you REALLY have auto hubs or ADD flanges? If you don't know the difference, search on here.

My guess is you have ADD flanges and the spindle bushing where the CV axle goes through the steering spindle is dry. It needs to be greased periodically. There's a writeup on here about how to make a device to squirt the grease in there, or you can pull the CV and fill the bushing with grease.

 

Yup I'm with TC, spindle bushing. Mine did the same thing the other day when the morning temp was about 17F; pulsing rub/grind sound. I just finished building the lube tool yesterday, gonna lube it up as soon as I get time & a warm day concurrently.

 

I concur with them. It is the spindle thrust bushing. A good replacement is a needle bearing and another spindle trust bushing.

Heres a good link:
http://www.alldata.com/service_provi.../20000706.html

 

Are you sure it isn't just the steering stop rubbing? Does it sound HORRIBLE like metal on metal?

 

That is a horrible noise. I'm still seeking counseling from the first time that happened. It was very traumatizing...

 

thook, i hear electroshock therapy works wonders for just that condition! now, getting back to the op's question, you have two options, spindle bushing and steering stop. from your description, i am leaning towards the spindle bushing.

search out mdt (member), he has a current post on how to make a spindle bushing lubrication device. you know, no matter how i tried to word that, it still sounds bad!


lee

 

Gentelmen,

I appreciate your comments. From what you've all said, it sounds like its the spindle bushing that is making the noise when it's cold. I'll do some searching to find out how to lubricate it. Im very familiar with the steering stop noise, and I know its not that. I only have to barely turn left for the wheel to make the noise. I did replace my steering stop covers and so mine don't squeal anymore.

 

I had the same thing on my 93 truck and built the mdt "tool". I did not weld/braze mine, but used PC7 epoxy to fix the nut to the pipefittings to make the tool. You can use a shorter pipe nipple than what is in the mdt "tool" write-up. Finding the right sized bell reducer could be the hardest thing.

I grease it up once a year now. The noise still happens on the passenger side this second winter when ever the temps are down to 20 or less, so I think the bushing on that side is worn too much. The previous owner let the noise continue for the 6 years he owned the truck. He didn't drive it much but evidently he drove it enough.

 

mines been doing the same thing all that noise and such. I can see the bearing because the thing opened up a little bit. How hard is this to do yourself? im by no means a mechanic but i have done a few small tasks and i have an FSM. Do i only need to purchase the bearing? What is the exact name of this? spindle bushing bearing? And what all tools are needed? thanks a bunch

 

anyone?

 

It's not a bearing - just a little brass bushing.

Pull the cv axle and fill the hole where the axle goes through the spindle with MP grease.

Please search - there are several writeups with step-by-step instructions on how to replace a CV axle

 

I must be the only fool to tear my front hubs apart ever year and lube everything and put new grease in whether it needs it or not.

Once you pull the hub off, all you do is push grease into it with your finger. No muss, no fuss or special tool.

If the front end goes into the water for long periods, it gets tore down and inspected.

After seeing what extended operations in water does to military axles, it's worth the time to fix it right.

 

I just get it while I have the CV's out ... seems that happens once a year for one reason or another... LOL

The factory grease held up for 13 years and 200k+ miles ...

 

My 92 has the same problem but it is a constant LOUD grinding noise now. I would assume I need to replace them but to save a little money would I be able to just lube them up real good?
I've been driving it like this for a few days now because it's my only vehicle and I'm a busy guy. Would it be worth replacing the bushings? Or could I get away with just re-greasing them?

 

I would certainly try greasing them first ... a lot less work and almost free ... worth a shot.

 

Mine does the same thing...It is indeed a terrible sound. Scary.

Now I know how to fix it though