This is the best way I can describe the sound my truck is letting off. This 'problem' started only recently, and there is a VERY distinct moaning coming from the front lower part of the truck, only when partially on the throttle (read 1.5k-2.xk rpm). Has nothing to do with steering or brakes. If I get the moan and either let off the gas or step on it, no more moaning.

Any ideas? Oil level is perfect, no other symptoms. No power loss or anything, just a groaning that I feel is going to worsen.

thanks

 

Oh man, so many jokes there, so little time.

 

Mine isn't a moaner but.......Sorry couldn't resist...

 

man, you walked right into that one!! its all i can do to type this, ive got the giggles from robinhood & ct's posts!! hope you get the 'moaning' quieted down soon or people will start to stare!

lee

 

A pillow may help?

 

Uh oh, sorry Rob, look what I started.

I think you're going to have to get more descriptive. It's not much to go on.

 

you didnt do it, he did...

but hey, things could be worse, such as a screamer.

 

Cr@P! Stole my punchline!

Ooops sorry...on topic...*fades off quietly*

 

If your standing outside and you put your ears by the passenger headlight its probally just the airbox?

 

you guys are too much

kev - definitely not the airbox, almost sounds like 4wd is engaged and the front transfer case has no fluid in it -

 

Wheel bearings? Although I'd expect that to be constant.

 

sounds EXACTLY like wheel bearings going out, good thought. Only you are right, would be constant. I guess I will update this thread once my motor goes to heaven.

 

Did you check for a hitch hiker stuck on the skid plate?

 

BUMP!

Guys, the noise is not going away and I have no idea where to start here. Insight, ideas, comments, bumps - all welcome! thanks

 

I'm getting to the end of a similar problem. In my travels, I've found these threads:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/rub-moan-squeak-front-end-4runner-please-help-47923/
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/steering-rack-movement-sound-can-you-help-me-out-46028/

I went through:

• Front wheel bearing
• Steering knuckle
• Tie rod end (needs replacing, but not the sound)
• Rack bushings (need replacing, but not the sound)
• Dust shield on front discs
• Dragging calipers
• Rear brakes
• Dragging rear pads

It wasn't any of those...

My end diagnosis came from getting a chance to ride as a passenger in my truck and hanging my head out the window while it was moving. The short form - it was the right rear axle bearing. The axles are at the shop now getting the old pressed out and the new pressed in.

 

what a nightmare! I read through the second link you posted and I have already seen the first, but my problem is much, much different than any symptoms others have spoke of. My noise is only heard at partial throttle, and only above 40mph. Off the throttle or completely on it, no noise at any speed.

I am not one to bicker about little squeaks and rattles, but this noise is a PROBLEM. If you were sitting shotgun in my rig and we took off, you would look at me with raised eyebrows from this sound. It sounds like the motor is full of sandpaper and the gears are barely moving through it, but there is no power loss. What I really need to do is write down a list of what components are moving under throttle, and what parts do not (or are disengaged) when off the throttle but still rolling or braking.

Glad you got your problem properly diagnosed midi - keep me posted on the final result.

 

Have you checked your belts and all the pulley's. do you have A/C, how is it working, ALT is that okay, your belt tensioner, power steering pump. Have you tried any of those?

 

hey Red - I am no mechanic but I have inspected my belts. A/C works - no problems. No idea if my alternator is on its way out, but my battery holds good charge and no electric issues.

Not clear on the belt tensioner though..

 

It's not by chance just your fan clutch doing it's job is it?

 

I was more thinking along the lines of something in the transmission. Do you have a 5spd or auto? Check the fluid level in it. I am not sure if you have a tensioner pulley in the 3.4, but that is exactly what my PS tensioner sounded like when the bearing went up. I thought I didn't have any oil and the pistons where just eating them selves. Toyota has a very good design with there tensioner pulleys. The bearing has a bronze bushing that the bolt tightens to that goes thru the inner race. If the bearing seizes it will just slip on the bushing until you can get it fixed. Instead of tearing everything up.