Just bought an '11 4Runner SR5 with 106k miles on it. While driving today I noticed a hooting coming from the rear end that seems to coincide with the rotation of the tires. I only hear it after crawling out of a stop and then it disappears once I get over 5-10mph.
I'm hoping it's nothing serious but I just started financing the car. I also had a 2yr warranty purchased in with the financing.
You have a warranty take it in and get it fixed howling can often be the rear differential which cost a fortune but make them fix it regardless. To actually pinpoint the sound see my video finding the source of car noises Scotty
@scottykilmer
Thanks Scotty!
Miles seem low to have any issues with the differential. If you do not have any noise or shudder after 5-10mph My take is has to do something with the brakes. Since you have the extended warranty I would certainly leverage that and bring it in. Emergency brake could need adjustment or rear brakes need addressing. What you could do is after a steady 5-10 minute ride at speed stop the car and then go back and "touch" the 2 rear rims. If they are really really warm or even slightly hot then the brakes are dragging. If relatively cool or barely warm then maybe the brakes are just dirty/touching at low speed.
@porkchophill
Thanks for the help and reply. Sounds like sound logic and that is exactly what I was looking for.
@porkchophill
So when I got home yesterday the right rear rim was hot to the touch unlike the other rims which were just warm. Seems like an indication that something is up with the brakes on that wheel. Anything specific I should be looking for or that can be addressed easily without having to drop it off at the mechanics?
@porkchophill
Also wanted to make note that i haven't heard the sound since yesterday morning.
@porkchophill
Check if the parking brake or the brake pads are dragging
You may want to jack up that wheel and try to turn it with everything in neutral to detect any drag.
@porkchophill
That's what I was thinking. It seems to only do it after driving for a while. I'm no mechanic but I think the heat build-up is causing things to expand or something and the noise increases. It kind of sounds like the noise that some big trucks make when they're braking.