Updated 7/13: Droning or Howling Noise (Drivetrain? Rear End?) Video

nah it won't. If it makes you feel better, i had a legitimate problem with my last truck's diff (pinion bearing). It started to sound like a power drill turned on in the back (it went from howling to eventually whirring) and then developed such a bad vibration that my rear view mirror went completely blurry at certain speeds. You'll be safe.

 

Man triple post here, but...

It really surprises me that auto manufacturers have different requirements for new differentials than if you were to get a diff re-geared or overhauled. The places that do the work will void your warranty if you dont follow a break-in procedure similar to Toyota's, but ALSO don't change the fluid after the first 500 miles.

Makes me wonder....

 

Picked up truck. Still making the howl noise. Waiting for rear end parts to arrive, they're on order. Rear leaf springs (Problem #2) already squeaking again by time I got home. Hey at least they checked the floor mat

 

I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya Smitty99. The new diff gear fixed my howl, perhaps it will you for you too....now, not sure what a new rear end means (more than just diff gears?) but just hope it works out.

 

Admitting they have a problem is more than half the battle. Now if I can squeeze corporate for an extended warranty I'll be happier.

 

@gearcruncher might be interested to hear about this

 

Not much I can add . Use to replace pinion bearings on the Tacoma,s all the time . Managed to change the pinion bearings for the customer without having to replace the complete diff assembly .
Its extremely difficult to set the pre load and backlash on a used set of gears that already have a pattern established .
Hopefully Toyota will do a ring and pinion gear set to start .
Judging from your video , it sure sounds like an issue with the rear diff

 

my step son in law is a certified Toyota mechanic, I'm going to "run this by him" next time I see him. I'll let you know his opinion (if that means anything) of what's going on.

 

This is all very unfortunate. I was planning on replacing the tires with a set of 285s and I also have this howl. I feel Toyota may try to blame the larger tires and OME suspension on a failed diff if it were to come to that and try to stick me with the bill.

All that being said, would re-gearing the rear diff essentially solve my problems should my diff be in fact bad or faulty in some way as described in this thread? I plan on re-gearing once I get the larger tires on and I find a reputable manufacturer of aftermarket gears for the '16 TRD ORs.

 

You know I'm not really sure. One of the things I take issue with is there is no real root cause analysis or diagnosis being specified. So they are throwing parts at the problem. Which means there's a risk that they aren't solving the root cause and a new diff could be fucked up again.

 

Seems like a valid point.

 

As for the leaf springs, I actually agree with the not greasing it mentality. I just had to replace the center pin bolt on one of my leaf packs and did the other side as good insurance measure as well and I reassembled them dry when I put them back together. I have been up and down the road and all over the place with the truck since then and not once has it squeaked.

 

careful, let's not assume. The new sized diff gears did fix my howl...and I've put another 7000 miles on it since the repair. no problems

by the way, did Toyota say the new rear end would include new different sized diff gears?

 

They didn't say they would be any different. I did not notice the noise until closer to 10k mi. There's a chance I may be at 22k+ before I would hear it acting up again if the root cause was not remedied. I know they didn't root cause it because they told me they don't really know what's causing the noise. So they're the ones assuming it needs to be replaced.

 

I see. again, I hope it all works out.

 

Gracias amigo. Appreciate your inputs and sharing your experiences

 

I've had mine replaced at about 450 miles. Mine was for super howl due to being low on diff oil, like maybe a cup in there from the factory the service manager said, lol.

 

Hmmm new carrier bearing assembly. Does that mean they are doing the job there? I thought it would be an actual whole new assembly.

 

No idea man. I asked them if they did the work there or outsourced he said "we have a guy"

 

Oh god, best of luck