There is a humming noise comming from the rear I think it is the rear wheel bearings I heard that if you replace these it will cause more problems with the rear because it messes up the angle of the axles is this true. And does any one have any tips for changing the bearings.

 

Humming in my experience has been the gears. A bearing will squweel sometimes. You should grab your pinion yoke and see if there is any play in the bearing there then yank your rear cover off and inspect the gears. Cant hurt anything by looking and changing the fluid.

 

Why would replacing a damaged part cause more problems?! If your carrier bearings are bad replace them and make sure to flush out the carrier and axle housing to remove any debris from the old bearings so as not to damage the new ones.

 

I tried to move the rear yoke and I couldnt get it to move at all.

 

wheel bearings are out at the hub, and their replacement doesn't change any angles or require any special adjustment.

replacement of pinion or carrier bearings is another whole story and requires some careful attention. replacement of gears too.

put it up on jack stands and run it and try to determine where your noise, or play is.

 

Im having the same problem.... i ruled out wheel bearing since i replace both rear. and it sounds like the noise is coming from somwhere near the drive shaft. any one got some ideas?

 

Most likely carrier bearings...I had mine done for $300 cuz i dont like rear end work

 

i like the suggestion about running it in the air. use a stethescope to pinpoint the source of the noise. adjusting the carrier bearings requires a special tool and is done from the ends of the axle housing.

 

iv used a stethescope and i couldnt find the noise anywhere so i asumed it was something to do with the driveshaft. idk iv never heard this noise before thats why im confused.

 

my rear end of my daughters 4-runner is roaring real bad. up on jacks it sounds like its coming from the drive shaft, but its probably the pinion bearing or gears and i think the noise just travels down the drive shaft.