2015 Limited groaning noise when turning

Hello I am a proud owner of a 2015 4runner. Recently i am hearing a groaning sound coming from the front end. Issue only happens at very low speeds and seems to happen more when turning although sometimes I hear it when backing straight out of my driveway. It only happens at very low speeds 2-5 Mph and seems to only happen after the vehicle has been sitting for let’s say over 4 hours. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Will try and upload video of noise this evening. Thanks again for any help!!

 

Also I did check power steering fluid, levels were normal and it’s not a whining sound like it’s power steering related

 

Check your gear oil level in the front differential.

 

Thank you I will check it. It just doesn’t seem diff related. The noise sounds like a rubber on rubber noise, and does not happen all the time

 

Tires rubbing on liner?

 

Also, check you're brake pads to make sure one isn't rubbing - those can make a grinding sound and it's usually low speeds and when the pads are cold. That would explain why it only happens when you're going slow and after truck has sat for a while.

How many miles are on the odom?

 

Doesn’t seem to be tired rubbing. Rims and tires have been on the vehicle for some time with no issues. Brake pads could indeed be the culprit. You are suggesting maybe one is getting stuck and rubbing on rotor?

 

Yes. The more miles the pads have on them and the more they've been in stuff like salt/snow, the more likely that it.

How many miles are on the Runner?

 

Welcome.
Is the groaning sound more pronounced when turning in a specific direction?

 

120k miles. We have had a lot of snow and salty roads recently so that seems to make sense

 

Original pads?

 

Noise seems to happen more when turning the wheel to right. But also I have heard it when not turning at all

 

Not original pads I replaced all rotors and pads about 9 months ago

 

Pads hanging can cause the exact behavior you're describing - let's let the other members weigh-in, but if were mine, pads would be the first thing I'd check.

If you can have someone stand outside and listen while you slowly move the vehicle and try to locate what wheel it's coming from that could help you isolate it more.

 

It will be interesting to figure out what it is. Could be a wheel bearing, cv axle, brakes, or even a worn-out pulley bearing. Since it is a limited, I wouldn't rule out the front differential.

 

Why the diff specifically on a limited? Because the full time awd? Also if it were the diff wouldn’t it be constant and more of a grinding noise?

 

Even in Fla w no salted roads, my rotors will build up a slight bit of rust, until the pads clean them off. Up until that for a few minutes they will groan or squeal sometimes.

 

If the diff was dry, it would grind. If the fluid is low or water contaminated, it might produce a slight groaning noise.
But if it makes the noise after sitting it's most likely not the diff. I was wrong in my initial assessment.

 

Appreciate all the help so far this community is amazing. I will try and capture the noise in a video when I leave work.

 

Ok so update. I failed to record the sound but when leaving work I have noticed now that the sound also is sometimes at idle. While driving I also heard it for a few seconds a couple times. The noise is not very loud, I can best describe it as a low hum or growl. I can also feel a slight vibration through gas pedal and steering. I am leaning toward maybe a bad cv axle or needle bearing. But would the noise be present at idle if that was the issue? Also noise seems isolated to driver front wheel from what I can tell. Thanks for any help, will be taking it to the shop hopefully this weekend

 

If you hear it at idle it's not your rolling drive train ie: drive shafts, CVs, differentials. It might be the brake system that has a small motor that pumps fluid pressure through the system. Start the engine and pump the brakes and see if you notice the noise while parked.

 

You need to pop the hood and let it idle and find the sound. It's a shot in the dark otherwise and you may set your self up for a shop to take advantage. Get a mechanics stethoscope and see if you can find it. Could be alternator bearings, pulleys, etc.

 

A little off topic and my apologies but I have a 2018 Limited and really like the way yours sits. You ditch XREAS and put in a lift? Looks good.

 

Most LE owners wait until XREAS leaks. Then replace it with the suspension of their choice. OTOH, I’ve heard people mention small compatible lifts (spacers I think).

I’m of the first group, it leaked once under warranty but the second time…

Back to the thread…

 

I’m in the group as you stated that will wait until it leaks to replace everything with a proper lift. I don’t recall reading too many reviews about spacer lifts that I liked.