hi i am new to this forum, i have read ALOT of the the threads and the tech threads and am very impressed. well down to the question, i have a 98 4runnner 4wd and it is making a grinding noise when i let of the gas pedal?.?. i have read that many other people have had this problem, so what is the problem? i have rulled out the brakes, the ujoints and the rear axle being low on gear lube because i changed the fluid and didnt notice any chunks. i am baffled.

 

It could be the gears are just worn out, but that's uncommon from what I understand. More likely it's one of the bearings in the 3rd going out. Have you had your rear axle under water at all, or did you run with really low fluid for a while?

 

yeah it was the front pinon bearing. it was pitted. so i took it to the tranny shop and they replace all the bearings and seals for 400 bucks. oh well i hopefull wont have to worry about this for a while.