4runner gear noise/howling

[youngladdy]

My 85 4runner was sitting the past 4 months.
On the highway or around town when I let off the gas I get a noticeable noise/howling that sounds like a gear howl or gear noise. Not exactly sure what it is...
Can anyone say what this might be?

Thanks

[GMCTruxrule]

Howling on decel is usually a worn ring and pinion gearset. Check your oil level in that axle.

[youngladdy]

Thanks, I will check that this afternoon!

[youngladdy]

Checked the level and theres definitely enough in there, came running out when I took out the fill plug. One thing I noticed is it was a bit "foamy and brown"... is this normal right after it's on the highway driving?
Topped up the amount that spilled out, and still makes the noise.

To clarify, on decel. the noise sounds like gears, at any rpm around 2000rpm or less. The howling is usually on the highway 40+ mph when I am not accelerating past 3000 rpm, usually around 2200-ish rpm.

Still unsure what it could be. Checked for play in the u-joints and they didnt feel like they had any movement. Not sure what else to check, not good at diagnosing these things..

Thanks

[youngladdy]

bump to the top.

I really don't know what the problem could be. I haven't done a lot of work with gears, etc before. I will do some more searching.

Also get a bit of a knocking type noise when I am going slow around corners (i.e. in first gear or second gear in a parking stall, etc).

I dont know why all these problems are surfacing all at once...

[GMCTruxrule]

Double check the u joints on the knocking noise.

If you have the capabilities or know someone who does, check the backlash on the ring and pinion.

As for the u joints, jack up the rear axle so both tires spin free. rock the driveline back and forth a bit by hand and closely examine each u joint for play.

[onetoncv]

c/v or non c/v ? Jess

[youngladdy]

Originally Posted by GMCTruxrule

Double check the u joints on the knocking noise.

If you have the capabilities or know someone who does, check the backlash on the ring and pinion.

As for the u joints, jack up the rear axle so both tires spin free. rock the driveline back and forth a bit by hand and closely examine each u joint for play.

I will jack it up and inspect the u-joints this afternoon.
Thanks

Oh, and no cv joint. It's a stock 85 4runner.

[Yota Up]

Ujoints.
Rear pinion bearing.
Tranny mounts underneath at the crossmember(check the nuts to make sure it's all tight).

Any noise in reverse?

[youngladdy]

No noise in reverse. Weather cleared up so I will check the ujoints and tranny mounts.

How can I check the pinion bearing the easiest?

[youngladdy]

Jacked up the rear end, no movement in the u joints but there was movement in the part right behind connected to the third member (pinion bearing??) which seems like there shouldn't be any play, or minimal. Also looked like oil is seeping from the same area (slow leak perhaps).

Suggestions?

[onetoncv]

c/v or non c/v ?Jess

[youngladdy]

No cv joints

[Yota Up]

Bingo. Pinion bearing. Should be about $15 at the parts store. Can't remember the part number though, sorry.

[youngladdy]

Originally Posted by Yota Up

Bingo. Pinion bearing. Should be about $15 at the parts store. Can't remember the part number though, sorry.

Awesome, tomorrow I will fix that.
Thanks for the help!