Hey guys I need some help! Rear end trouble!

So my 2007 TRD 4x4 is making some noise from the rear end. I got under it yesterday and put my hand on the differential and it was warm. Like hot cup of coffee warm. My question is how do I fix it? I felt the hubs and they were not warm. If it makes a difference I also have the locking diff button on the dash and when I hit the button it flashes (not sure if that's normal or not). Thanks in advance!

 

You have to be in 4low to engage the locker...

How many miles on your truck?
Ever had any rear end work / maintenance done?

 

Ohh ok I didn't know I just tried to hit the button and nothing happened. But it has 126k and to my knowledge nothing has ever been done to it. Could it be a bearing or 2 going out? I did a little looking and I see there is a 8 inch and a 8.4 inch how do I tell which I have?

 

Locker = 8... the noise could be alot of things, is it making it at all times? Only when pressing gas? Only when braking? High pitch? or more like a grind?

Also will note that the most common thing to go out and start making noise are your u-joints in the rear driveshaft, grease them and see if anything changes.

 

I'm pretty sure locker is 8" rear. Have you checked the fluid for level and metal shavings?

 

It makes a grinding noise but between the tries and the exhaust it's doesn't seem very bad and very rarely it will be high pitched but only for a few seconds

 

With everything your reporting I would check fluid. Pull the fill plug (the higher of the 2) and and stick your finger in there and see if you can feel any fluid. It may not hurt to do a drain and fill.

 

Shyt you are correct

 

Ok what's a good fluid to replace it with?

 

I just use some store bought synthetic, ie. Valvoline, Mobil 1, etc. Others prefer amsoil, royal purple, redline. Up to you. Don't worry about the bottles that say they have friction modifier in it, that's for limited slip diffs and doesn't apply.

 

Heres a great how to if you need some guidance. Pics beforehand always help me.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/changing-differential-fluid-a-step-by-step-how-to.24545/

 

Great thanks for your help guys I'll work on it tomorrow!