Rebuilding Suspension? Nope it was the Rear Diff. Fixed

[coachhomer]

Good morning all. I believe I am a first time poster. We have 4-4Runners so I spend way too much of my time on that forum. Nevertheless, I have a rubbing sound when turning our 2021. I am assuming it is either the CV axle or the hub assembly. At 80k miles I am thinking of replacing the struts as well once I am in there. So at this point the job looks like new brakes, struts, cv axles, and hub assemblies. Once I inspect the ball joints those might get done too. I have done this type of work on other vehicles but never this beast. Does anyone have any recommendations on the job? Anything I might be missing or direction you can point me for additional info?

Anything is greatly appreciated!

C

 

[2024 White Tahoe]

Bfor

Good morning all. I believe I am a first time poster. We have 4-4Runners so I spend way too much of my time on that forum. Nevertheless, I have a rubbing sound when turning our 2021. I am assuming it is either the CV axle or the hub assembly. At 80k miles I am thinking of replacing the struts as well once I am in there. So at this point the job looks like new brakes, struts, cv axles, and hub assemblies. Once I inspect the ball joints those might get done too. I have done this type of work on other vehicles but never this beast. Does anyone have any recommendations on the job? Anything I might be missing or direction you can point me for additional info?

Anything is greatly appreciated!

Before you order all those parts and do that much work - I would suggest doing an inspection to determine what is wrong?

The noise you hear could be something as simple as a front disc brake splash shield out-of-position.

My advice is diagnose first, to determine what to repair.

 

[Doubeleive]

Good morning all. I believe I am a first time poster. We have 4-4Runners so I spend way too much of my time on that forum. Nevertheless, I have a rubbing sound when turning our 2021. I am assuming it is either the CV axle or the hub assembly. At 80k miles I am thinking of replacing the struts as well once I am in there. So at this point the job looks like new brakes, struts, cv axles, and hub assemblies. Once I inspect the ball joints those might get done too. I have done this type of work on other vehicles but never this beast. Does anyone have any recommendations on the job? Anything I might be missing or direction you can point me for additional info?

Anything is greatly appreciated!

C

even though it is a 21 it's a bit to early for about half of that, have you looked to see what is happening?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

The above advice is spot on. Preventive maintenance is great, but first diagnose and fix the rubbing sound at hand. It could very well wind up being a very minor repair.

Unless you see leaking shocks, they should still be in decent shape at that mileage. Same with the other suspension parts. I performed just about all that you are planning at ~150k miles.

 

[K5-Z71]

Good morning all. I believe I am a first time poster. We have 4-4Runners so I spend way too much of my time on that forum. Nevertheless, I have a rubbing sound when turning our 2021. I am assuming it is either the CV axle or the hub assembly. At 80k miles I am thinking of replacing the struts as well once I am in there. So at this point the job looks like new brakes, struts, cv axles, and hub assemblies. Once I inspect the ball joints those might get done too. I have done this type of work on other vehicles but never this beast. Does anyone have any recommendations on the job? Anything I might be missing or direction you can point me for additional info?

Anything is greatly appreciated!

C

Could also be the rear diff, there's an SB out addressing a moaning sound when turning.

 

[coachhomer]

Thank you for the responses. I have tried to diagnose it and cant seem to see any issues at first glance so I was assuming that I had a bad wheel bearing. Have seen that in the past on one of my trucks and it made a similar sound. I dont see any issues with the splash shield or any fender liners. At first I thought it might be a stuck caliper but the wheels spin freely. I agree that this is a lot to tackle this early in the game but I dont own a shop and once I get in there it is all accessible. Just my thoughts. I will investigate the SB of the rear diff. But I dont think that is it as it sounds like it is coming from the front. Thanks again for all of the responses!

C

 

[Doubeleive]

Thank you for the responses. I have tried to diagnose it and cant seem to see any issues at first glance so I was assuming that I had a bad wheel bearing. Have seen that in the past on one of my trucks and it made a similar sound. I dont see any issues with the splash shield or any fender liners. At first I thought it might be a stuck caliper but the wheels spin freely. I agree that this is a lot to tackle this early in the game but I dont own a shop and once I get in there it is all accessible. Just my thoughts. I will investigate the SB of the rear diff. But I dont think that is it as it sounds like it is coming from the front. Thanks again for all of the responses!

C

ya there is a service bulletin (TSB) for the rear diff making noise when turning, they change the fluid is the fix, if you poke around online you can find the specifics, not sure if it is a covered repair or not you would need to reach out to your local gm dealer.

 

[K5-Z71]

ya there is a service bulletin (TSB) for the rear diff making noise when turning, they change the fluid is the fix, if you poke around online you can find the specifics, not sure if it is a covered repair or not you would need to reach out to your local gm dealer.

The diff fluid changes are not covered however if after the third fluid change the noise remains they will cover the parts change if you remain within warranty.

@coachhomer Id change out that diff fluid before diving into a front end rebuild. Two quarts of gear oil and easy access to the drain and fill ports is easy troubleshooting especially since the diff fluid should be changed at that milage anyhow. Mine made the noise last week, it does not sound like any failing diff I've previously heard and was difficult to pinpoint where the noise came from initially.

 

[JKeller]

Ditto what others have said about the rear diff. I thought I had a front hub bearing going bad because it mimicked the sound of something "rubbing" when turning. Upon further inspection, the noise was coming from the rear diff. The first time this happened, changing the fluid with OEM fluid fixed it (note you must use GM fluid for this). The second time, I had to use a couple additives. I'm at 109k miles on my 2021 for reference.

 

[coachhomer]

Thanks for all of the replies and help. I did the rear diff fluid change and voila the noise is gone. Love forums and the peoplke that contribute.

Have a great day!

C

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I'm glad to read that your issue is resolved. Please add the word "FIXED" or "SOLVED" to your thread's title, and perhaps the words 'rear differential noise' as well, to let others who are experiencing a similar issue know that this thread has an identified solution.