Gx470 drivetrain question

Good afternoon, looking to gain a little insight on a Front end noise. My wife drives a 2003 GX470, I just got done replacing the passenger front wheel bearing with one of the complete hub assemblies from blue pit bearing. Unfortunately, it did not solve the issue.

The noise is an intermittent grinding rattling coming from the passenger front. It usually happens the worst over 60 mph. To me it sounds like you were to throw a tiny Pebble in a bearing. It just grinds/rattles for 2-3 seconds and then is gone. Happens every few minutes or so.

Since it's a GX I cant switch in and out of 4wd to check for the front differential needle bearings. It definitely sounds like a drivetrain noise though.

Anyone have any ideas?

 

For one, GX doesn't have the needle bearings. They do have a big passenger side bearing in the diff tube. Those can go bad. Its not terribly difficult to replace em, but setting the seal depth on that side is kind of a bitch.

 

@Pickup90 where are you located?

 

Learn something new every day. I just assumed it would I guess. I'm in NC

 

ECGS sells those bearings n seals. They may also do the work as well if they're close to you.

 

Do you think that could be the issue? It is just weird being intermittent, a bearing seems as though it would always give off noise if it were bad.

 

Your front diff is part time when its in full time 4wd. When you lock the center diff, then it's an actual 4wd. This could explain the intermittent noise. Only way for me to actually identify what the problem is, is to diagnose myself. If you can't successfully be 100% sure what the problem is, then I would suggest a mechanic with experience with your vehicle such as a Toyota or lexus mechanic.