I need some advice. My son took the 00 4runner to a mechanic today to check out a low rumbling noise in the rear end. They claim that it probably needs a new differential at $1600-$1800. My cruisers have gone well over 200k with no such problems. Is this common for 4runners or are they looking for an easy buck? Truck has mostly highway miles, 5speed manual, minimal towing (canoe trailer occasionally). Any experience or help is appreciated.

 

take it and get a second opinion. It is possible that its gone bad...but I would think you would be able to notice it more.

 

I'd check the fluid myself. If it's bad most likely there will be metal in the fluid or the fluid will smell very bad.

 

Sometimes, a fluke will happen. My next door neighbor bought a new Tacoma 2wd and lost the differential slightly out of warranty. Cost him $1500, he immediately sold it and bought a Nissan. ;-)

 

My old man says buy a new 3rd member (locker?)and swap them out. shouldent be even 1/3 that cost if you do it and its easy. If you can do a brake job you can do this.

 

Depends on how often, if ever, the rear end oil has been changed, and how low it is.

If the oil has never been changed then yea, chances are they are correct and it needs to be replaced.

However, for almost $2000, i would get a second opinion.

I know you can find low mileage used units at wrecking yards (such as http://www.nix99.com) for muuuch cheaper than that.

 

Is there a rear axel leak?
Just curious?
I noticed a slight noise caus fluid was slowly coming out...
But could be me...

 

well my first diff oil change was at 160k....LOL

 

When mine made that noise it was just an $80 wheel bearing.Of course I replaced it myself,which saved money.Jack it up and see how much up and down slack is in the wheel/drum/axle shaft assy.It may be hard to tell if the brakes are adjusted properly,but there should be no free play.

 

i have 141k on mine

 

you can find lots of toyota rearends in junk yards, there is an 04 TRD taco, near me for $300, a non locked rear will be around $150

 

I would get a second opinion, just because there are some dishonest people out there.....and some dumb ones too. Unless it has been run without oil or abused somehow, I would think the chances of a bad rear end are low for a Toyota. I am sure it happens though.

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

derosa--- that rumble could be a loose pinion.....or it could be a sloppy u-joint....or wobbly wheel bearings. With the tranny in neutral, shake the driveshaft and see if the pinion moves slightly.
Check the UJ for rotational play also.
Jack the tire off the ground and check for tire wobble.

That Runner might have an E-Locker? so it might be worth it to have it repaired if that is the prob. The on-line Toyota dealerships can get BRAND NEW genuine Toyota E-Lockers for about 900.

 

I just had the rear driveshaft UJ replaced after getting a low rumble at 35mph & higher. Get a shop to disconnect the read of the driveshaft and check the UJ - no amount of checking with it in place will determine if it's gone. When it is checked, it should be obvious if a bearing is done.

 

I also had a work vehicle (Jeep Cherokee) that was making a vibration and noise in the rear a couple of months ago. The mechanic replaced the rear u-joint and all is well.

I would say it is a greater chance the u-joint is bad rather than the diff-especially if it has never been greased.