Wah wah noise?

Greetings, I just signed up for the forum. I have a 98 4Runner manual 5 speed with about 170,000 miles. Lately, I have noticed a low-pitched noise on acceleration, and easiest to hear at low speeds and present when accelerating in 1st and 2nd (and probably all gears, tho' not as easy to hear at high speeds). Initially, I suspected a wheel bearing. But, the noise is only present when under load and it goes away when coasting or decelerating, so I expect it is instead coming from the transmission or other parts of the drive train. I checked the driveshafts and they feels tight (no slop in the bearings). I read about the dreaded rumbling noise at 30-40 mph that is a problem with some 4Runners, but these seem to be all automatic transmissions.

Anyone else with a manual 5-speed seen this

 

Welcome.

 

Following up.. .forgot to mention, it sounds light a low-pitched "wah-wah-wah-wah...." Almost like something that is out of round, but no associated vibration, at least none that you can feel, just the sound.

 

I am thinking rear axial bearing...but I will tell you I had a weird noise that sounded like a tail shaft bearing on my W-56 manual transmission and what I found was one of my starter bolts was loose...just slightly and it made a consistent noise at 2500 RPM...just a fluke that I found it. Is your noise at a specific RPM?

 

Thanks NightOwl. It is not associated with any particular RPM. In fact, it stops when I push in the clutch or put it in neutral. Only there when under load (e.g., accelerating from a stop.)

 

Sounds like a driveline issue. Since you said the noise stops after you push in your clutch, it could be something with the gearing. Might want to inspect, and change if needed your fluids.

 

Drain and Fill 5 quarts of transmission fluid using only Toyota brand.

2005 SR5 V6 (no off road) 150,000 miles / AISIN Automatic transmission. Still shifts like when I bought it brand new. no slip. No hesitation

Could be one of your front wheel bearings. They go out around 150,000 miles. Cause noise.

Check it out at Alignment shop. Buy whole hub assembly not just the bearing. Big job to replace just bearing. https://www.amazon.com/4110446-Bear...ly+4runner&qid=1587553477&s=automotive&sr=1-7

Has your 5 speed transmission ever been serviced?

 

3rd gen doesn't have that assembly. You have to do the actual bearings. The 3rd gens last 250k-500k miles.

Also...I recommend only buy Toyota bearings. $80 for a bearing assembly is not something I would touch. It's too important a part.

 

Thanks for the replies. Good to know about the bearings. That was my first thought... but, because the noise goes away when the clutch is pushed in, I also am thinking a driveline issue. Figuring on a trip to my local transmission shop to see what they think.

 

Any update on this? I have my Tacoma doing the same thing with a R155F trans.

 

I honestly think it's probably just the throw-out bearing as the noise goes away when pressing the clutch, so if you're in need of a clutch job, now's the time. Also possible, as far as driveline rumbling or whirring under acceleration are concerned, I had that with my M/T in the 45mph-60mph range and it was the rear U-joint, $15 part, about an hour of hammering to change it out - smooth as butter now.

 

OP hasn’t been on here in three years.