So I drove through (right side only) a puddle maybe 6" deep, so nothing really, the other day and ever since then there has been a squeaking from what sounds to be the back right. Now here's the tricky part, when I have the clutch in and coast (no more than 10-20km/h) there is nothing. But when I'm stopped and go in either reverse or forward I hear it. Could a frickin' puddle cause something of serious nature? Even though I was driving in 2nd gear through it...so not fast? I'm going away this weekend too so we need this working and hopefully it's not that serious. Could this be a bearing...something with the clutch or tranny? And it has that rotational sound to it and gets faster and faster until I can't hear it driving over 30km/h. Any suggestions?

 

Rear wheel bearings?

Have a friend hop in the bed and listen close when you try to get it to make the noise.

 

If you've got the time, perhaps pull the rear wheel and brake drum off and check for anything that the puddle may have washed down onto the brake shoes and springs. Spray everything down with a good brake parts cleaner and see if it clears up.
Wheel bearings don't typically make a squeak, they usually groan or hum.
U-joints can squeak, actually more like a fast high pitched click, so possibly repack the rear.

 

Well, just went out to see if we can pinpoint what's up. It sounds like it's coming from directly under the cab...I'll fire some grease in the u-joint and see if that'll make a difference. Guess we may as well check the rear too just to be sure.

 

Okay, so my girlfriend pinpointed the noise and it's from the Center Bearing to the rear diff or maybe just to the yoke and u-joint. When I first bought the truck the mechanic said to "watch out for those toyota center bearings when they get old" and that it won't leave me stranded but should be remedied. If this is the case could I drive about 500km with it like that. Back in the fall I drove it for over an hour somewhere and it was smoking from underneath, like a burnt rubber smell. Seems it was coming from the center bearing but it has held up until the other day. And responses and opinions are welcome still please.