Hum in front diff. Leave it, rebuild, or get used one.

2010 Taco TuRD Sport 4X4 auto. 330k on the odometer.

-There's a grrrrrrrrr in the front end. It's pretty subtle - wife thinks I'm crazy.
-Two different mechanics have told me, "your front diff is quite loud."
-Front bearings have been redone. They say the rest of the front end is fine.
-I recently changed the diff fluid, not that I thought it would help, but to see the magnet. There are ZERO shavings or bits of metal on the magnet.

Edit: truck is stock all around.
I've tried putting it in 4WD and back on a perfectly straight stretch of hiway. NO change to the sound.
Edit: NOT the tires. I’ve had 3 different sets on it and always the same grrrr noise.

Looking for suggestions as to:

A. Just drive it for another few hundred K. No big deal.
B. Get a new one.
C. Have it rebuilt.
D. Score one from a wrecker and have a someone put it in for me.

Thanks for your ideas.

Cheers
Keith

 

Does the hum go away in 4wd? Might be the notorious needle bearing

Read these 3rd gen threads. Our front differential is the same across all gens..

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-diff-vibes-ecgs-bushing-fix.464941/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ecgs-bushing-is-it-a-must.527875/

Most guys start to hear it after lifting the front but even stock height trucks can be affected.

 

I've tried on a perfectly straight stretch of hiway to go in and out of 4WD. It does successfully and there is no change to the sound.

 

Carry on.

You’ll know when it’s broke broke.

If it goes, replace.

 

Okay thanks.

 

Does it make noise if you jack up the front end and spin the wheels? Any chance it could be your tires?

 

also…

‘rock’ the front wheels, gently, side to side, back and forth, up and down, turn the steering, etc. and try to isolate the noise. (make sure the truck is well secured on blocks/stands first)

In all ranges (H2,H4,L4) cut the wheel all the way and drive slow circles, forward and backwards in an empty parking lot while you listen for changes in the noise(s)

check both diff (front and rear) oil levels

look for oil in both rear drums

wiggle all the U joints and carrier bearing in the drive train and inspect for loose/damage

clean/degrease the diff housings and axle/shaft seals and revisit for any leaks

 

Just drive it, see if it gets louder or worse, if not, try to find a good tacoma mechanic.

 

Hey all,

Same noise with the winters, the all seasons, and the current tires. And it’s different from tire noise.
And as I said, I’ve been told by two different mechanics, “your front diff is really loud.”

 

Thanks for the suggestions lads, but we know it’s the front diff. That was never the question. The question is whether or not I should have it rebuilt, replaced with new, or just drive it. So far the two people who’ve given opinions on that question say just drive and if it gets really bad, address it.

But a truck is supposed to be a man’s sanctuary. This is like having your wife whine at you the whole time you’re driving, spoiling the whole experience.

 

Sounds more like a wheel bearing.

 

No. Addressed in my original description.

 

Then replace it.

Order one from ECGS. They ship you a rebuilt unit and then you ship your old unit back to them

 

No one said part it out yet?

 

Yeah Toyota (and others) thought it would be cool to have a electric disconnect instead of lock out hubs that unfortunately leaves a lot of things still spinning in the front diff along with both axles.

 

I get a hum aswell in my 1st gen but it is only when i lock the hubs, idk y your front diff would be humming in 2hi

 

Because our hubs are always locked.
Which turns the CV axles, that are turning the side/spider gears.
There always something moving inside the front diff of a 2nd/3rd gen and any other Tacoma with out locking hubs.