Excessive front-end noise over 60mph

Hello all, this is my first post so let me know if this is misplaced etc.

I am the second owner of a 2006 quad-cab TRD off-road Tacoma and have owned the vehicle for about four years now. Over the past year and half I have noticed a progressively louder noise whenever I drive at highway speeds (~60mph and above, worse with higher speeds). I had attributed this to uneven tire wear as the noise largely disappears when making a hard right-hand turn, but after replacing the tires six weeks ago the noise remains.

It does seem to be related to wheel speed and not engine speed, so my first thought is to look at wheel bearings and repack those. I have a technical job but have never worked on cars much and would like to do more of this, so I would like to troubleshoot this myself if possible. Recommendations for things to check and/or try would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

if the noise goes away when you turn in a specific direction, it is probably a wheel bearing. It likely needs replacement.

 

If it is a wheel bearing, you may find this thread helpful.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/wheel-bearing-replacement-questions.453820/

 

Also, Front wheel bearings are a weak spot on these trucks from what I understand. I've replaced the left on one at only 65k and the R one needs it at only 71k. They tend to get louder as they get worse.

 

122,450 miles on mine and not a peep out of my bearings yet...(knock on wood)

 

Maybe they fixed the issue since my 09? Also... as you can see by my Avatar they have not lead an easy life.

 

Jack the truck up and see if you can move each front wheel by grabbing it on each side and move it back and forth. if one is loose, it's a bearing. You can remove your wheel and hand turn your hub also. If the bearing is bad you can feel a rough spot or a spot that doesn't want to turn freely.

 

I am at about 136k on my '06 which sounds like better life than others have had here. Thanks for the link @scocar there is a tutorial there that looks helpful.

 

Speaking of links... If it is the bearing and you don't have a press (which I don't have) you can order a hub assembly from here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-ive-done-the-work-you-save-the-money.288282/

 

Yeah, no prob. I've never done it on my 2015, but many others have.

 

That is exactly what I was hoping for, a way to confirm what the issue is before I start spending money on parts that may not even be worn out yet and time that is hard to come by.

 

Yes - always check first. My front ones were fine but my back wheel bearing went out.

Fronts can be replaced as a whole unit - there is a seller on here who sells a full bearing assembly. Buy that and you can swap the whole assembly on with just hand tools. If you buy the bearing only you will need a press to install.

Rears require a press to install no matter what.

 

Bill is a good guy to buy from and ask questions

 

Hi. I have 2015 With 21k miles on it and noticed today a strange sound when driving between 75-90 MPH. The best way I can describe it is that it sounds like a barking seal. Is that what yours sounds like?? Mine also appears to be related to wheel speed and not engine speed. It seems to be coming from the front passenger side. I will try and get it into the dealer next week but I suspect they won't be able to duplicate the problem since it has only happened to me twice now.