I sold my '94 4Runner to my sister and every time I see them i also take a good look at the ole girl. I took her out for a drive because my sister told me it was making a funny noise and it sure was. Sounds like it's comming from the right rear tire. It's almost a humming type noise and sounds something like "waa-waa" depending on how fast you are going. I thought there might be some ice or something rubbing , but a visual inspection was clean. My theory about there being a little ice caught in the drum was squashed when my brother in law told me he took it on a good 1 hour trip. The tires have a few miles on them so I'm hoping it's just that. Anyone have any ideas what else it might be?

 

Possible bearing going bad

 

Rotate you tires before you try to figure out what it is.

 

Are you sure it's not the rear U-joint?

 

Wheelbearing. Jack it up and feel if there is any play in the wheelbearing by trying to 'lift' the tyre. Only takes a minute and you know what the problem is.

 

How mych of a PITA is replacing rear bearings? I have never done it and wonder what I'm in for should I decide to help them out.

 

Your rear bearings are on the axle shaft and they are pressed on. If you don't have a way of pulling them off (bearing puller) I would recommend taking them to someone with a puller. You also will need a press to get the new ones on. I don't think it costs that much and the hassle can outweigh the costs if you don't have the right tools.

I've seen homemade pullers and presses made to do this.

 

I really would suggest just rotating the tires before you do anything else.

 

Yeah I agree with that.

Also have you tried jacking the rear up and manually turning it and listening for anything. You can also check any play in the u-joints. Also check the play in the carrier bearing for the driveshaft. Sometimes they can make a low noise when worn.

But definately check all the easy stuff first before assuming the worst.

 

keep in ind it's not ym truck anymore. I suggested to my brother in law to roate the tires and even put the spare on the right rear and see aht happens. I'm sure in the end I'll be the one to fix it. based on that you can bet I'll go the easy route first.