Thought I'd update on this issue:

I recently installed new tierod ends and new lower balljoints on both sides of the Runner. The "rubbing" sound has died down a bit but it still comes and goes on occasion, just barely.

 

Did all or any of the rest of you guys find anything that was causing this? I've got same thing and have been going thru the same list as everyone trying to figure it out.

thanks for the help.

Chris


1997 4-Runner 3.4L 4WD

 

The last modification I did was poly steering rack bushings. After that the "rubbing" could clearly be narrowed down to high-speed right curves only.

I'm pretty much set that it's a bad front passenger bearing, but I'm riding it out for now.

 

if it was louder on right sweepers than straight or left hand turns, then its a drivers side bearing..not PS.

 

Right curves. As in the truck is following a road that is curving to teh right.

I figured that with the weight off the passenger side is when the bearings can freely "rub" or grind.

And it's not louder. The noise is ONLY present on those curves.