Is rear end noise common at 72K odometer?

Since Feb, I've been using this little '09 Taco as a commuter on a 180 mile round trip, often over 75MPH. Sitting in the cab killing time, I've noticed a howl from the rear. At first I thought tires, then realized it didn't change with road surface, but of course easier to hear on a smooth patch of pavement. (Which is almost impossible to find, as CA.s roads deteriorate) I had a local shop listen and drive it, and look at stuff on the rack while getting tires. Of course, what are you going to see? SO,..... The question is: are these 2nd Gens prone to bearing, ring&pinion, axle wear and noise? Since it's almost impossible to nail down a noise while driving, I guess the only thing to do is wait till it get worse! Is it a common issue?

 

Have you checked the diff fluid level, or changed it?

 

No, I haven't changed fluid in the rear end. And looking at your links, we are worlds apart!
Mine is a base regular cab, 4 Cyl, auto.
I just wondered if these trucks have a kistory of rear end, or wheel bearing issues,,,,,

 

Wheel bearings, yes, fairly common. Rear diffs almost never fail in these trucks, though.

I'd start by changing your fluid since you should at that mileage anyway.

 

Rear end noise is never 'common'.

Of course it does happen, and stuff has to be fixed. If it's making noise, something is already wrong and a fluid change will just, well, put clean fluid it. It can't repair any worn bits.

I suggest finding a shop in your area that specializes in differentials/axles and such. Let them check it out and repair as required.

 

Wheel bearings do have a history of failure on these trucks. With that being said rear ends do not. They are very well built actually. Just to revisit what the other guys said, get your fluid changed and have them inspect for a possible bearing noise if you will not be doing the work yourself.

 

Drive through any deep water recently?

 

^^^ That was my next thought. Diff breather, if not relocated higher, could have allowed water in at some point.

 

I have seen the pinion bearing fail on some of these rear ends (mostly on FJ's and 4runners), could also be bearings as stated before.

 

I lost a rear wheel bearing ony my 2002 tundra at 80k so it can happen. It's not a incredibly difficult repair only a few bolts and an fluid change although I did need tall
A press and a creative amount of metal scraps to stack it on there for the tundra that is.
I blame the failed bearing on the nasty salty caustic mud of the salton sea which I had to winch out of with multiple cables.
A friend decided to do the one thing I told him not too in my truck go near the rotting fish mud.

 

We have several base model Tacomas at work, loaded down pretty good. We had an 05 that needed rear wheel bearings around 80K. Growling noise like rough pavement, but no difference going from one road surface to another.

The 2009 I was driving did have a howl at light throttle application, I believe this to be backlash between the ring and pinion, if I understand correctly. The 2014 I have now has done it since day one, mile one. The 09 has 100K on it now, the 14 is up to 50K, it does not seem to be getting worse on either truck.

I had a Dodge Dakota that did the same thing, bought it at 30K, sold at 65K, never got worse in the time I had it.

My 2006 4x4 has had a harmonic type noise at certain narrow speed ranges on the freeway for the last 8 years I've had it, it has not gotten worse, almost to 90K now on it. I know there have been issues with broken E locker ring and pinions on the TRD Off Roads, but it does not seem to be widespread from what I read on here.