Rear end noise???

I have a 2011 Prerunner xtra cab with 36k miles. I bought the truck new. Lately I am hear a low howling noise and it sounds like it is coming from the rear end. (the sound that older vehicles had when the rear end was going out) The last few months it has gotten a little louder. Only hear it on the freeway. If you let off of the gas slightly the noise goes away, go back on the gas and you can hear it again. Toyota dealer can't find any thing wrong. Any ideas???

 

Nothing may be visually wrong. It's probably inside the differential. No one here can tell you for sure without hearing it themself.

 

Grease your u-joints if you can, check the carrier bearing and then dive into the diff.

 

Start with the cheapest solution then work your way into narrowing the problem.
First, I would replace the differential oil (synthetic if possible), and grease all the U-joints. If that does not help, then replace U-joints first (cheaper than replacing drive shaft). If that does not fix it, then we are entering the dreading expensive zone, with mayor parts. My take, is that is had to be on the drive line. Wheel bearings tend to make noise all the time. The problem you describe, seems to appear when you put stress (torque) in the drive components.

 

Took the truck back to Toyota and this time they could hear the noise. They ended replacing the entire differential (luckily still under warranty so no charge).
Two hundred miles later, there is now a different noise coming from the rear end!
Back to Toyota today.

 

That sucks..

 

sounds like the rear end housing that is not right since the new third member is now starting to make noise right away, something has to be tweaking the way it is rotating the axles, causing stress big time..

good luck with the dealer...

 

I am having the same problem with my new 2014. Toyota, supposedly, replaced the rear differential, but on a trip from Michigan to Arizona the noise came back with a vengeance. I sent an email to the dealer over two weeks ago with no response. I think I will have to take it to another dealer. Does anyone know how I can contact the factory customer service?

 

I took my 2014 Tacoma to another dealer and had the differential and transfer case oils replaced. Independently took oil samples prior to my visit.
After installing

$50 08885-02506 Differential Gear Oil LT - 1 Liter Bottle

08885-02506 oil to the differential it appears that the noise has lessened some. Will post the results of the oil analysis when I get the results.
I not sure there could be an alignment problem, or the rear diff gear mesh is not correct.