I'm trying to track down an issue with my wife's Tacoma. Its a 1996 V6, 5 speed 4WD with auto disconnect. It only occurs after driving at highway speeds (70+) for a while, a grinding/chatter that seems to come from the passenger front, is much worse when going over bumps. At first I thought it was the CV axle I replaced recently, so I had that replaced under warranty, but no change. I also replaced the wheel bearing thinking that might be the culprit. Now I have the front end tore apart, thinking that it may have been the bearing on the stub shaft, but on inspection that bearing seems to be in good shape with no slop. I'd rather not go through the hassle of replacing that bearing just to find out it isn't the issue.


This isn't my video, but it sounds exactly like the problem I'm currently having



Any ideas? Everything else seems to be in good order.

 

No ideas?

 

I have not heard a sound like that before.

Since you said the sound is much worse going over bumps, look at the suspension and steering components that get stressed the most by going up and down.

I wish I could be of more help.

 

Maybe a loose heat-shield, or skid plate?

 

I had some similar thoughts, but it's definitely something that is spinning.

 

What about the u-joints on the front drive shaft? I believe that is ALWAYS spinning on ADD systems.

 

I looked at both front and rear drive shaft, best I can tell there isn't any slop in either. Is there a better way of looking at those?