Humming noise in front end of 07 prerunner at 50 mph

I have a 2007 PreRunner Double Cab with 110,000 miles that in the past 2 months a humming or droning sound started in the front end. It starts about at 50 mph and stops at 55, it comes back when you go back down to 50.

I was told that it was tire noise so I took it to a tire place, they replaced both front bearings and installed new front brakes. That did not fix the problem so all I had to pay for was one of the bearings being replaced.

They could not find the problem after checking everything that they knew to check, drivetrain, transmission etc., They in fact said that everything looked great.

Any ideas what would cause this noise?

 

Do you have a lift or bigger tires that you had to cut out some of the wheel well to fit? Just wondering because i just recently did that, and part of the wheel well is cut out now making the thin plastic not as stable, and when i get up around 50-60 i start hearing the plastic vibrating from the wind, which sounds like a humming sound.

 

No I replaced the tires with the same size as the original. It does not sound like tire noise.

 

Hrm, Prerunner. Not much up there, so no diff, CV's, etc. Assuming they did the bearings (and did them right), I'd try swapping front and rear tires and seeing if the noise persists or moves.

 

Thanks for your reply, I had the tires rotated and balanced twice. It does not sound like a tire the sound is low.

 

Don't think I'd worry about it... Once the truck gets older it'll make more noise anyway.

 

I would also say that the noise has stayed the same through putting the bearings in, doing the brakes and rotating the tires. Could it be a universal joint?

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/189392-2012-whistling-sound-indentified.html

My friend had this problem on his 2012 and I seen it on TW. Fixed his. Don't no if it works on your 07?

link may not work?? If not search 2012 whistling sound identified

 

I can't find the TSB right now, but could this be a humming noise from the rear differential?

I realize that you are saying it sounds like it is from the front, but the frame and driveline can transmit noise from it's source and give the impression that it's coming from somewhere it's not. It might be worthwhile to at least drain and inspect the rear differential.

 

Thanks, I didn't even think of that. I am taking it to a shade tree mechanic tomorrow and I will mention that to him. He thinks it's the universal joint just by talking with him. I will see tomorrow.

I am reluctant to take it to the dealer because I am thinking about trading it in a new one there is a zero percent finance offered.

 

Took this to a certified mechanic it was the right rear wheel bearing that was sounding like it was coming from the front. Fixing it on Monday and will post if that solved the problem.

 

Problem solved it was the passenger side rear wheel bearing that sounded like it was coming from the front. Mechanic said it was common to do that and they have 2 people who confirm where noise like that is coming from before fixing.