Rattling / Grinding noise

Hey everyone, I have a 2015 Tacoma V6 4x4. Automatic. Roughly 75,000 miles. Having a lot of trouble tracking down a noise I’ve been dealing with the past few months. I describe it as a rough grinding noise, almost a rattling sound coming from in front of me (when I’m in the drivers seat). It does not happen in park, only when in drive (or reverse) and when I very slightly accelerate, the sound goes away once I hit 1,000 rpms, sometimes goes away at 800. If I’m on an uphill, I can recreate the sound the best the truck doesn’t go forward and I can let it rattle. After reading tons of forums I narrowed it down to a rattling catalytic converter, bad engine mount, or “pinging”. But by now I have done enough research, talked to enough people, and have even taken it to the dealer and I have eliminated all those possibilities. I’m hoping someone has dealt with this issue and can give me some feedback. Thanks

 

Front differential needle bearing on driver side?

 

That’s a new thought, I haven’t looked in to that. But from what I’m reading the noise tends to happen at 30-40mph and I haven’t noticed anything at those speeds. Only creeping 1-3mph or stopped, super low rpms. I’ll have to look into it thanks

 

Possibly wheel bearing on the driver side as well. Those tend to go out sooner than the passenger side. Jack it up and grab the tire and see if there is any play.

 

Check the heat shields

 

X2 heat shields first before you go diving into expensive stuff, other cheap stuff to look for would be front brake splash guards, license plate, loose grille or bumper, wheel well plastic lining, rocks stuck above the skid plate, skid plate itself, and possibly idler bearing but I think they make more of a chirping sound.

also possibly a grille guard or side stepsif you have them

 

Long stretch here, torque converter bolts? Not likely but something to check. It doesn't sound like it's vehicle speed related.