Front End Vibration/Humming

I have a 2008 V6 4x4 DC that's started making this humming/groaning/vibration sound and it sounds like its coming from the front driver's side wheel. I thought it was just engine or road noise at first, but I've identified a unique sound and it seems to be getting worse.

Some characteristics to help diagnose the issue.

--It varies directly with vehicle speed, and sounds the worst between 30-50 mph.
--The sound/vibration actually goes away completely when turning to the right, but it does not go away when turning left.
--It is definitely coming from that particular area. It doesn't sound like its near the middle of the truck, which could mean a differential or something.

Any ideas? If it is a wheel bearing, is that a relatively easy DIY for a slightly mechanically inclined individual??? thanks for the help!

 

Does it go away when you put it into 4Hi? See here
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/152173-official-2nd-gen-4x4-front-differential-bearing-vibration-thread.html

Wheel bearing also makes that noise, someone else will chime in with the procedure for that, as I have no experience doing one on the Tacoma.

 

I'll check that out and report back. I'm kinda hoping its a wheel bearing and not something else.

 

I'm having the exact same issue to a T! I believe it's a wheel bearing but I'll be watching your thread to see what you determine. And let you know if I get mine solved in the meantime

 

Cool. Glad to know I'm not the only one. Well...kinda glad. I still hope its something relatively easy/cheap to fix. I'll let you know if I figure out the problem. I'm going to do some reading on what parts I need to order and the process to change it and see if I can do it myself.

 

I just got home and lifted the front of my truck and sure as shit I have quite a bit of play in the drivers side bearing, passenger side was still firm. No doubt now it's the bearing. I guess my Saturday is now planned, unless I decide to drop the coin on a shop repair(as I don't own a press)...depends on cost, I'll call tomorrow. Good luck to you

 

Good to know! Thanks for the info. I'm not sure what tools are required to do the job.

 

Tried it this morning. It still makes the noise even in 4HI. I've found that its really loud when I coast from about 40mph down to about 10mph. Gotta be a wheel bearing.

 

Is that the only part that isn't a relatively easy DIY?

 

New bearing going on today! I'm hoping all goes well on the removal and installation...I can't wait for the smoother ride back.

Did you solve yours or identify it as a bearing yet?

 

Replaced both front wheel bearings, all went smooth and fixed the issues completely

 

Thanks for the heads up. Next.

 

Great to know! I've had fires to put out on other vehicles (not literally), but the wheel bearing is next in line. Great to know it fixed the issue!

I also found a couple local shops that can do the pressing. Do you need a press to remove them or just to put them back on?

 

Remove hub and bearing assembly as one unit, then take it to take it to have it disassembled and assembled.

You can do it with basic hand tools, an impact, and BFH! You'll need a 35mmsocket if your trucks a Gen 2 4x4(thanks to members in attached).


http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/286718-socket-size-help-please.html#post7172020

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/286568-help-wheel-bearing-part-help-needed.html

Good luck!

 

Thanks again for all the info! I'm probably going to order the parts this week. I think I'm just going to order one side. Do I need to the bearing only or are there seals, bushings, or other parts that come in a kit that I'll need?

 

Did you order the bearing only or the entire unit?

I'm seeing this: http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...k=Search_C0055_1441490_177&pt=C0055&ppt=C0337

And this: http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/s...000001.html?loc=Front&tlc=Engine+&+Drivetrain

 

I actually spent the extra $ and got this:

http://bluepitbearings.com/buy-toyota-tundra-complete-wheel-bearings.html

Now I have a spare assembly to have bearings pressed at my convenience for next time. And it made changing extremely simple. I know a lot of guys would say it’s a waste of $, but it’s still cheaper than paying a shop to do the job!

Or try this: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...s-4x4-sale-complete-best-price-ever-save.html

Which wasn't available when I bought mine

 

Gotcha. I was thinking about just getting the bearing, since I'm actually planning to sell/trade the truck once I get this repair done. If I was gonna keep it, I might invest a little extra so I could have the spare parts.

 

I'm ordering my wheel bearing today. I'll let you know what the result is.