1991 Toyota 4Runner 22RE 4X4 5spd. (stock)

I was getting a noise in the front end a while back and would get worse when hot. It was like a rubbing noise almost like bearings (friction noise). The noise would change with speed and didn't matter if the clutch was in or out, having it in neutral or gear didn't matter, and it was worse between 20-30mph.

I brought it to Big-O tire shop and they said my inner wheel bearings were bad. After the repair I didn't notice the noise till I went on a long trip... same noise. I brought the truck back to them and they couldn't find the noise, I even drove with one of their mechanics and the noise wouldn't happen.

Now the noise still happens but mostly when it's cold and sometimes worse for no reason. I took it to my local 4X4 shop and they couldn't get the noise to happen. I drove it with their mechanic and still no luck getting the noise to happen. They looked at the wheels and said the bearings are all good.

A few days later I take it on a good drive and do a little off roading in the snow. The 4hi didn't do much and the 4lo was a little better but I started thinking that maybe this noise is actually comming from the front axle or transfer case. The next time the noise started happening I pulled off the road and put it in 4hi for a couple blocks then back to 2wd. The noise was just as bad in 4hi but no real change in noise.

I'm going crazy tring to track down the source. Has anyone had this noise before? A rubbing noise in the front that speeds up with wheel speed and is not a wheel bearing or debri in the brake rotor.

Thanks for any help on this. All suggestions and opininons welcome.

 

Have you checked the oil in the front diff? Does it have auto hubs?

 

So I am guessing that you have the ADD hubs? The noise sounds alot like the spindle bushings need to be lubed or replaced, I have the same noise in my truck when it gets cold if I lock in my hubs. If you have manual hubs then just disregard everything I just said.

 

I have auto hubs. Thanks for the leads, I'll have the front serviced. I was thinking the transfer case was low on oil. Updates coming soon.

 

Update: My 4Runner is in the shop for a full service of: Transfer case, transmission, and diff. I really hope this does the trick. If not I'll probably have to look into a new transfer case...? Anyway, the 4runner should be ready by friday just in time for my Phoenix trip this weekend. I'll keep this thread updated on the outcome.

 

So are they doing anything about the bushings?

This is the process of replacing

https://www.yotatech.com/~corey/tech...imrockford.htm

and this is the part

http://www.marlincrawler.com/axle/fr...s-axle-bushing

 

Thanks for the info, I just talked to the shop and I'm going to have the front spindle bushings replaced, along with manual locking hubs, full exhaust system, full drive service and tow hitch. I'm going to order all the parts and bring the rig back to the shop next week.

 

X2 on the spindle bushings.

 

MudHippy just pointed out to me in another thread that those spindle bushings are only for the solid front axles and not IFS so those may not fit.

 

Thanks for looking out. I had my 4X4 shop order the bushings specific to my rig. Will I be good with just any bushings or should I go with a certain type?

 

Did you ever try to see if your brake calipers might be sticking. I had a metal on metal friction kind of noise that was worse with speed and it would only happen every once in a while, then it started happening regularly until one day it wouldn't stop. Both of my calipers were sticking and sometimes i could get it to go away if I slammed on the brakes but then when I tapped them again, it would keep on.

 

^ Good point but I did have that looked at and the pads are only 4 months old (4K miles). The owner of the 4X4 shop agrees that it's most likely those spindle bushings. I just need to order the exhaust header and he'll order the rest. Just need to convince myself that spending $1,400.00 on the 4runner is a wise investment after already dropping $5K in the engine, suspension, tires, etc.

The $1.4K in work include:
Full exhaust system with street header and 2.25" pipe.
New front spindle bushings and manual locking hubs.
Full service: Transmission, Transfer case, Rear diff.

I have the stock exhaust with the new engine and it seems to have poor back pressure and bottom end power. This is how I justify spending the extra money on the 4runner...
I will have more power and get better gas milage from doing the exhaust system and the locking hubs will help a little because the front axles won't move unless the hubs are manually locked.

After all is said and done I will have invested about $8K in my 4runner including the initial purchase at $2k. I'll have a reliable truck that gets decent gas milage, no payments, cheap registration, cheap insurance, cheap parts, and easy to work on. I'm pretty sure this rig will be worth every penny spent on it after a couple years of reliable transpertation.

 

Just got the rig back from the 4X4 shop and I now have new spindle bushings, front manuel locking hubs, and full exhaust with LCE header.

So far it seems to have fixed the noise in the front, I've only put about 10 miles on her so far but I'll keep you guys updated. I'm pretty sure it was the bushings the whole time. The owner of the shop told me there was play at the bushings and they needed to be replaced.

 

I hope the bushings were your problem!

x2 on investing in old Toyotas. I would hate a monthly payment, and it's nice being able to smash into trees without worrying about damaging anything serious.

Oh, and knowing that a 20+ year old truck will get you to and from work (heck, to and fro across the country!) any day of the week.

 

People think I'm crazy for investing in an old toyota when I could have purchased a new car. Glad to see people who really understand my method of madness.

I'm driving down to the Valley again this weekend so that'll be another 500 + miles on the old rig. I'll update any future issues relating to the front noise but I'm 99% sure the bushings fixed my problem. The manual locking hubs also seem to help too. The guy at the shop did mention that there was play in the front axle and the bushings were deff worn.

 

are you able to send a link for the bushings you bought cause i have the exact same symptoms with my truck and its driving me nuts! buts mine usually starts when i hit a bump

 

The 4X4 shop ordered them for me so I don't know the name or cost.. I think they were a higher quality aftermarket bushing though.

Also, the noise is completely gone.

 

I have the same prob with my 91 4runner. buzzing under my feet or on the passenger side during cold weather. Am looking into it fiercely. If I find something, will let yall know. TY for yer post!!!!!

 

Check Marlin Crawler. They may have what you are looking for, or Rockauto.