[dtescher]

2004 Tundra Dbl Cab 2WD. For the past year or so when I turn the wheel to the left it sounds like something is grinding
on the front end. I've looked under the truck and can't see anything. My mechanic said it was a loose cover panel underneath.
But after he (so called) "fixed it" the noise is still there and getting worse. It only happens when the wheel is turned about 1/3 to
the left. It makes noise halfway in a left turn from a dead stop. And also when backing up slowly with the wheel turned slightly
to the left. What should I check? I don't want to take to the Dealer $$$$ and my mechanic can't seem to figure it out.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Remmy700P]

Wheel bearing? Also, make sure the inside of the tire isn't making contact with the UCA.

 

[dtescher]

Checked, and the tire is not rubbing. What's the best way to check a wheel bearing? I'm mechanically inclined but, not a mechanic.

 

[Remmy700P]

Jack the wheel off the ground and slowly spin it by hand. If you feel a grinding/roughness, it probably is a bearing.

Also, check for play by holding it in the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions and try rocking it back and forth. There shouldn't be any play, movement, or noise when doing this. If you feel and/or hear a knocking/clunking, that's pretty symptomatic of a failed/failing bearing or a failed/failing ball joint.

 

[dtescher]

Thanks. I'll try those suggestions.

 

[Highwaylizard]

Dust shield on rotor?

 

[dtescher]

I jacked up the truck, spun the wheel and no grinding. Also, checked for play by holding it in the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions and try rocking it back and forth. No play. What next? Amsoil Slip Lock additive? Road Force Balance? Center Drive shaft Bearing? It seems different solutions for the same problem from what I've read here on the forums.

 

[Remmy700P]

Why are you looking at the driveline for solutions? You have a 2WD, so there's no front driveshaft to worry about. Didn't you say that it only occurs when you are turning the steering wheel to the left?

 

[dtescher]

After doing some research on this site. Other threads describing the exact same problem I have on my Tundra 2WD. Vibration when slight turn left could be from the drive train. The solutions I listed are from that research. There's quite a few people that have had this problem. Some have solved it with one of those solutions. Almost none of them got any help from Toyota. I know it sounds weird but, many posts describe rear differential or u joints. Bent or miss aligned drive shaft etc. as the problem.

 

[dtescher]

Dust shield on rotor?

I looked at the dust shield. It doesn't seem loose. I'll look at it again. Thanks

 

[2003bajatundra4x4ac]

do you have a limited slip differential in the REAR? it is you diff fluid that needs to be replaced and put some LSD additive in first. search for details here ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------->

the vibration transfers up the driveline and feels like the front end. it was the reason i first signed on here a few nights ago!

 

[Remmy700P]

do you have a limited slip differential in the REAR? it is you diff fluid that needs to be replaced and put some LSD additive in first. search for details here ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------->

the vibration transfers up the driveline and feels like the front end. it was the reason i first signed on here a few nights ago!

Are you guys with LSD rear diffs in need of friction additive feeling it in the steering wheel as well? That's how I was reading the OP's first post.

I would think that you'd be able to differentiate a front suspension noise from one sourced at the rear. I've heard LSD noise as being described more as a "growling", less as a "grinding", that's why I focused on the possible front end components and assemblies that can make the noise described by the OP.

I hope it's something as easy as a $6 tube of friction additive.

 

[dtescher]

I think I should have used the term vibration instead of grinding. I did a search for vibration and boy did I get a lot of posts regarding vibration on 2WD and 4WD Tundras dating all the way back to 2000. How do I know if I have a LSD? If so I'll try the additive.

 

[dtescher]

Also, I forgot to mention. When I check the drive shaft yesterday. It was missing a small balance weight at the end closest to the rear diff. Not sure if that makes a difference but a few posts mentioned out of balance drive shaft could be the problem.

 

[Remmy700P]

An OOB driveshaft will manifest problems at speed, not at the slow rotations you're talking about.

A vehicle with a LSD will usually have a white sticker on the pumpkin saying "LSD". If not, you'll have to either have the VIN decoded or jack up the back of the truck and spin the tires to see (spin one... if the other one spins the same direction, it's a limited slip. If it spins the opposite direction, it is an "open" differential.)

 

[dtescher]

Looks like I have an open diff. So, does that mean I shouldn't try the additive?

 

[dtescher]

Correction! I do have the LSD. So I'll try the additive and see if that helps. Thanks to all for your input. Especially Remmy700P!

 

[2003bajatundra4x4ac]

or just go floor the gas pedal on a dirt road and look to see if you have one or two burn out tracks....

 

[dtescher]

do you have a limited slip differential in the REAR? it is you diff fluid that needs to be replaced and put some LSD additive in first. search for details here ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------->

the vibration transfers up the driveline and feels like the front end. it was the reason i first signed on here a few nights ago!

Thank you Baja2003!!!!
I found a Amsoil dealer less than a mile from my house. Purchased (1) 4oz bottle of Slip Lock $8.00

. Did a few figure eights and no more grinding/chatter! Just amazing!

 

[dtescher]

But, seriously this works!!!!! I've read all the posts regarding grinding, vibration & shutter and this
was the definate fix. I towed my boat to the water today and no chatter vibration what so ever!