Unusual humming noise possibly from drive train in my 05

I am hoping someone can help diagnose where this noise is coming from. It is definitely from the drive train because it doesn't matter if I go 20 or 60 mph I still hear it. I know its not from the engine. I really started noticing it after I rotated the tires so I changed them back to where they and the noise didn't change. I think it has been there for a while and just thought it was from my tires but after the tire rotation is I really noticed it, but I think that is coincidental.
One interesting fact is that when I turn to the right the noise the humming noise all goes away and when I turn back straight it comes back. Not sure if this means brg or what.
I'm not sure how to troubleshoot this since you need to have the wheels moving or at least the drive train spinning. I hate to put it up on jackstands and put it in gear for fear of it jumping off.
Is there a known problem for this loud hum, the truck has 65,000 miles on it and doesn't get any hard use. Thanks for any help you can offer.

paul

 

It sounds like a wheel bearing especially because it didnt change with the tire rotation, but with vehicle weight load shifting its causing the noise to stop.

It's likely a right wheel bearing, you may be able to feel play in the wheel while on jackstands if its worn enough.

 

As stated by Bishop84, suspect one of the right (passenger) bearings. When you turn right, you are unloading the right side. With a reduction in weight, the bearing is less stressed. Many times it works the other way - it gets LOUDER when you turn. For example, a bad right bearing will groan louder on a left turn because when you bank left, the weight of the car shifts to the right side. The caveat being that it's NOT a golden rule thing. I can't tell you how many times the general rule doesn't pan out, so it's important to be sure or you'll waste time and money.

I use a Chassis Ear to make sure. The problem is that there are two sets of races in each bearing. So the rule can be affected by whether it's the inboard or outboard section of the bearing.

 

That is definitely a wheel bearing that needs replaced. I’ve had to replace one three times so far. That’s exactly how I knew it needed done.

 

Definitely your wheel bearings. Front bearings arent difficult to change but it's those rear ones that are a PITA. Might have to take them to a shop to press them out if you don't have the housing tool and a press.

 

Is there a sticky on changing front wheel brgs? Or even a section from the manual about completing this job? I usually do my own work unless it is something that I know I can't do alone. Thanks for the help.

paul

 

I had a bad rear wheel bearing. It's sound droned through the whole cabin. Napa has the koyo oem brand replacement. Removal requires a tube with holes to bolt the axle and brake plate to on one end and a nice thick plate on the other end to sit in the press.

Front wheel bearings aren't that difficult. Remove the axle nut, brakes, and 4 bolts behind the hub. When removing, use the back of the wheel studs to push against, and an open end wrench. You'll see what I mean.... You should replaced the seal on the back of the spindle as well. Remove the upper sway bar link and 2 bolts under the spindle on either side of the LBJ. The spindle will swing forward so you can install the new seal. home cheapo or blowes will have a 3" PVC female adapter. It slides over a pipe and has threads on the inside. Buy a cap that screws into it. You'll be hitting that with a hammer to install the new seal. Tape the new seal to the other end and it'll pop right in with a couple of taps of the hammer. Clean up the mating seal on the CV and put some grease on it all the way around before reassembly to help keep water out.

 

Is it worth replacing with a OEM toyota brg?

paul

 

What is the recommendation on a good supplier of replacement front wheel brgs, OEM or some other brand? Do you buy the complete rotating assembly or only the brg and then have to press the old brg out and new in? Thanks

 

Anyone here used Bluepit bearings? Sounds like a reputable company. Before ordering anything I would like your feedback. Thanks

 

Much easier to install if you buy the whole wheel bearing assembly. Pay more for quality brands and avoid places like autozone etc..
I would look into the ones sold by a TW member:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ce-4x4-prerunner.537080/page-46#post-22301786

 

Does anyone have the torque specs available for the bolting?
Large Axle nut
Caliper bolts
Four Hub bolts
Lug nuts
I just got the new assembly today, quality piece. Thanks
Paul

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-torque-spec-guide.318116/

 

Wow thank you very much for that.
While changing the bearing I noticed that the 1/2 shaft if that's what you call it at the transfer case is very wobbly. I can move it up and down quite a bit like approx 1 inch or so. Is this normal? It just seems like it shouldn't move this much. Thanks for the help.
Paul