Rav 4 Loud Whining Noise From Rear Differential. (SOLVED) Viscous Coupler Bearing Replacement 

Little PSA announcement hope this helps as I've been digging for the details for a few days. So the fluidic or viscous coupler on the Rav is the same as the Sienna and several other make and model AWD vehicles. My wife's 2011 Sienna Limited AWD has made this God awful whinning hydraulic pump noise going on 2 years since the van had about 55K miles on it. Dealership said it needed a complete new diff that installed would be $3-4k. There are some slight differences in the part numbers as some were changed up as the years got newer but everything I read says the info below should fix you up. It's suggested to coat the seal surfaces of the bearing with some RTV silicone to seal out the water and dirt. Also get a quart of 75W80 GL5 gear oil. I couldn't find it but did find Valvoline 75W90 GL5 which was about $18 for a quart. Watch the wires when you dissaemble, you might need to dig the sealent loose to let the wires slip thru. Also look to make sure the wires aren't cracked or broken and needing re-soldered. When done seal the hole back up with more RTV also. $200 for that bearing, you got bent over hard and dry. Go to toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com and order some or all of the parts below. While it was apart I figured cheap to replace the parts. Most likely you only need the 90363-95007 which is the NSK 95DSF01 (measured at 120mm OD x 95mm ID x 16.95 mm thick). All with shipping was under $85 bucks for me today 03APR2020 Order Content Part Number Part Name Price Quantity Total 90363-65004 Bearing Radial Ball $17.58 1 $ 17.58 90363-95007 Bearing Radial Ball $32.24 1 $ 32.24 41252-33010 Deflector Dust $ 8.17 1 $ 8.17 90310-54001 Differential Pinion Seal $ 7.62 1 $ 7.62 90560-68002 Spacer $ 3.62 1 $ 3.62 90208-74003 Washer Conical Spring $ 1.42 1 $ 1.42 Subtotal $ 70.65 Hope this helps you all!

Thank you! My 2009 Toyota Rav 4 was making the same noise. Though this is not a typical repair I would tackle, the repair estimate was somewhere in the $2000 neighborhood! Your video was well done, and I had the basic tools necessary. I did run into a problem putting unit back into the housing all the way. I was tapping around the edges in a circular fashion, but mine ceased up only part way in. I ended up bringing the differential to a shop where they quickly pressed it together with my new bearing for $20. The total repair was $130 (bearing) + $20 (pressed together) = $150. The noise is gone and I saved a ton!! Thanks :)

Awesome!! Great video!! I have the same issue... 2009 Rav4. Very much appreciate you taking the time to make the video!!!

Excellent video. It's very clear and I appreciate the part#.

I have just experienced the exact same issue... Single bearing making huge humming sound. Bearing inner race number 61819 2RS and outer race 81 OB 35 . My original had an very thin 'O' Ring groove on the outer race. All cool, thanks for your video as it helped me to confirm there are no other big or medium bearings to replace. Just that one large one. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

Hey thanks for this. Took my Venza in today for a driveline whine. They said it was this coupling. No serviceable parts inside...$3500 plus installation for a completely new rear diff coupler (Southern Ontario pricing). Came home, googled the issue and found you. I'm really hoping the RAV 4 and Venza drive lines are similar. And all for a single bearing, easily removed? Wow. That's dealer thievery at a whole new level.....

I found it! Thanks Buddy! Nice video!

Thanks for the video, was the case for my 2009 Toyota RAV4 v6. Purchased the bearing off eBay, had the same number stamped as the old bearing. Came with a new dust shield but ended up using old one. My old bearing had an o ring going around it so reused with the new bearing. I recommend going to Harbor Freight and buying a floor press vs beating the living hell out of it to get it out, bought the 20 ton for $149. It will press in evenly vs possibly hanging up the bearing when tapping the housing on. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the great video! Very informative

I have this same noise on my 2016. Warranty will cover it. Thanks for the video

Thanks my 2008 is making that noise. You just saved me 1500 dollars!

Thanks for the helpful video

Good work Young Buck 🤟

Did the same on a 2013 Venza a few months ago. Dealer wanted $2600, bought both bearings (replaced the large only) including dust shield/guard ring from ebay (canada)

Some possibly useful tips. I used a large brass punch and a large hammer to separate the coupler from the housing or shell hitting near the bolts like he was doing. It then dropped out of the coupler and the bearing was still in the shell. Had to heat it up with a propane torch to force the bearing from the shell it was rusty refuse to come out. The shell has a edge on it so you pound toward the inner orange side. Otherwise you'll be pounding all day. Do your work on a bench if possible is a pain to drive bearing out and then in on concrete floor. (It's important to tap this bearing in evenly around as possible can hang up on you.) Then like he said you use a brass punch to tap it around the large coupler half. Then you'll have to again heat it up to tap the shell back over the coupler. Be careful with the torch do not overheat it. Only use heat if have to. I used a small piece of 2/4 and a hammer to drive it onto the coupler housing and then on the top side of the shell to get even flush to where it originally was when got toward the end. I used a piece 2/4 to get the deflector seated then used the old bearing to drive it in the rest of the way.Take pictures and note the position of the deflector and the bearing so you will know it's where it needs to be when you put new ones in. Don't overtighten bolts or force off will strip or break off housing is wimpy aluminium and somebody broke a bolt off my drive shaft so it can happen. Use lots of blaster to loosen let it set. Mark the drive shaft position to the differential. Small inner bearing seamed okay so didn't mess with it. And my bearing from Ebay didn't come with the rubber o ring slot so I hope it will work anyways.

Thank you, I am having a hard time finding the correct dust/wear shield for the bearing…is there a part number or certain term for the replacement shield? Thanks again.

Thanks again for video..I just did this job on 08’ limited RAV4.Noise gone now.I ordered same bearing you did,but my original had an o ring on it which surprised me and it was too late at that point and needed on the road.Researched the heck out of this figured it would not have o ring up till the 09’ .I do see a seller on eBay does offer the bearing with o ring and one does not so it seems pot luck?I reused the old deflector.All in about $80 for everything.Got bearing from dealer.

Do you know if the stud can be replaced without taking it apart? One of mine is sheared off

Great video! Do I need any specific gasket maker or do they sell the gasket by itself? Thank you

So.. when you removed those other big bolts nothing moved and you could get those lined back up ok?Did the brackets they hold move easily from around the hub when you got them out?I assume you just drained the differential when you popped it loose instead of using drain plug?I changed mine one time but it was a pain getting in there to fill.

Just got done ordering the no1 and no2 coupler bearings for 167.... I am more than ok with that. Better than 1000+....

Can someone explain when you get the whirring noise? I have a mazda with a viscous coupler and I can hear a whining noise on acceleration but mostly on deceleration... Have not been able to pin point it yet - I assume the Mazda has a similar bearing in the coupler which is why I was hoping someone would describe their symptoms in detail...

Thanks ,I got the same problem,2011 rav4, 120K KM,

Hey firstly thank you your awesome for doing this vid. And helping so many countless people not get ripped the hell off by evil shady mechanics n dealers !! second i have a serious question i just bought a 2010 rav 4 base for 9500 it has 96k miles i hope i didnt do to bad even tho i know i paid a nice markup thats a diff story lol but the market is f'n crazy here in md where i live and i have a baby due any moment now so im broke spent every penny on this thing and it was as is unfortunately !! so like i was saying i just noticed this today after a doc appt earlier when i turn right like either into a parkn spot or just turn right and keep her in a circle there is a noise that sounds like a bearing maybe just starting or it sounds like that vague scrape when you have when you rust on your rotors after afew weeks of sitting if that makes sense lol ?? I was wondering if that could be the coupler starting to go bad or i did notice the new brake pads on the rear kinda are touching or covering should i say a part of the brake rotor thats rusted it looks like they didnt turn the rotors or there the wrong arse pads and are too big for that rotor i hope that makes sense but im not sure of its that or the coupler or a bearing or what else it could be ??? are there way to test each thing to see what it is ? Im praying that its something little and cheap i cant afford a big problem !! im a old school mustang guy so toyotas and awd man that stuffs foreign to me i know the jest but thats it lol brother any help or advice is highly appreciated i dont have money to tale it newhere and all else fails i have to fix it myself !!! Please help !!!! 🙏 Thank you and thank you for all the people youve helped by doing this i was tripping till i watched this video !!

Can you post video before and after? I think I have a similar problem.

was the noise constant or at certain speed? mine is doinf intermittent noise only at 40-45 miles per hour. Thank you

Was the noise constant or only at certain speeds? I have a similar noise but only when I reach 35 mph goes away at 40 mph.

I assume an 08’ rav limited takes same bearing?

I have a noise (since recently) too from my viscous coupler on my Matrix 2010 awd , but my coupler is leaking since 2 years , dealer told it's sealed and I need to change it

I've been looking all day but I'm trying to find out if this solution he just diagnosed is related to brake squealing? I'm noticing after my 2015 Rav4 LE sits for a whole day, when I go to leave work, I can hear it and it can probably be heard from even further away. I'm also noticing after its been parked, when I put it in reverse, sometimes there is a "clunking sound". Not sure how to describe it but the car is still pretty new, just reached 50,000 and was certified. To me, no new car should be having these kind of issues.

Hi I'm having the same problem with my 2008 Toyota RAV4 do you know what I need to fix the problem with my car? Any help please 🙏 Thank you!

Is it the same on HIGHLANDER?

where did you get the new front seal ring that protects the bearing????

Does it only happen when letting off the gas? My car is having a issue when going about 45 and letting off the gas there is a grinding noise... as you go faster and let off the gas the noise gets worse.. the wheel bearings seem fine, cv axle shafts look okay, a small amount of play but nothing too serious.. carrier bearing looks fine on driveline.. I’m kinda lost

Very informative thanks. I have similar noise but it's the earlier 2001 phase 2 Rav4. Will it be the same part do you know. Also do you have the part number/make. I'm in the UK, having trouble identifying the part name/number.

for some reason i can find your 2nd video about this if i search the part but not your channel. next, if you are doing this job that often add some anti seize to those bolts so they will come out better.

Hey if you remember, how many hours was this?

Should the pinion seal be replaced at the same time ? Or does the coupler use gear oil, mine had gear oil in it but seal looks good

Hi, I think I have this noise on my car. Do you know if this bearing is suitable for uk model 2007 2.0 petrol as sold in UK? Does the noise come from the front of the car because I'm sure it's coming from the front of my car. Many thanks.

I have been getting a soft whine while driving and now the AWD, Check Engine, and Trac control light came on dash as well. Wondering if this is the issue. Did you get any lights come on dash?

Great Video! Are the bearings and parts that you used for your 2007 identical to what is used in a 2009 Rav 4? (2.4 engine)

heres a question... since Rav 4 has a part time 4wd... (mine2008 ),, the rear differential is leaking .. but if its out of oil it should be ok if I dont lock the 4wd to engage the rear differential...

if you dont change this will it ruin your toyota? My rav4 started making a whining sound and suspect its this coupler because i dont need to change my tansmission fluid for another 20k

2010 176k miles, that noise probably started in mine at 120-140k miles but I ignored it (there's a toyota bulliten on it if you google it actually). But... now that I'm doing all the wheel bearings, I figured I'd look into it. So my question is, did you have to refill the gear oil?

Thanks for this again, but you skipped over re installing the unit with new bearing back into the housing.Did you put it on the coupler or down into the housing?Pound it in?Still not sure what part fits my 08'?Looks just like yours.Whats seller did you get it from.?Should have that info on your Ebay account.thanks

Having a little bit of a hard time prying my coupling off but Ill just keep working at it. Also, did you drain the diff fluid out before doing this?

Same bearings as Pontiac, I think it's VIBE, available from pontiac at sensible prices

Also one more super important question and your honest opinion please !! How bad did i get ripped i paid 9500.00 for a 2010 base black in color paints decent some blemishes on the roof but no big dents or defects its pretty clean inside non smoker runs great Motor seems strong trans the same ....aside from the noise i desribed in the previous comment its fine ....im just wondering how these things hold up are they as reliable as they say and the resale value are these ravs as good as people say and what i read ?? I feel like you would know better than most lol also if i decide to keep this thing are there any other things i should check or worry about on the 10 model ?? any help would be awesome man 🙏 and if you say it wasnt a solid choice im ready to sell it and get me another 04 and up lincoln town car ive had 3 and there just bullet proof gas hogs there huge but for the most part are bulletproof !!! but i heard and read so are ravs so its like what do i do lol i have a baby otw and its just stressful bro !!! thank u for your time i hope u see these soon and get back to me !! I'm telling all my friends like n subscribe !!!!!

Hi ,thanks for great video! I have the whine noise when accelerating from 30 to 60mph but it stops whining when I stop pushing accelerating pedal. Do you think it will be differential bearing?

Did you ever share the part number for this bearing? If not, I would be grateful to get it from you!

Does the guard ring typically come with the new bearing? Thanks

Is this all gonna work for the AWD Matrix? Same 2.4 2azfe

How long did this fix last for everyone? Replaced bearing and dust deflector on 2008 Rav and less than year later it is noisy again. Maybe didn’t do it right or bad part. Considering buying whole coupler assembly this time. It is expensive but maybe it will be longer lasting? Thanks

You got ripped. Bought the complete kit, both bearings and seal febest brand for 25 bucks

This price is crazy. The bearing is the same as a Matrix bearing. I bought both and only paid 124.00 in Canada. Toyota did not like that I knew what a wanted. They wanted 1000.00 for whole unit. It is a simple job…about an hour

What did you use the clean the part ???

I looked last week in the responses and somebody left a listing of the actual Toyota part numbers including the required shields. This response seems to be gone now?

Great video. I have a 2010 and am having a hard time finding the correct bearing. I have been reading that it may be a nsk bearing.

I wanted to hear that hum to compare to our 2008 RAV4. Starts around 20mph up to 40mph but seems to get quieter when you let off the ignition. I’m worried about the transaxle or transmission. (Only 73,000 miles but driven on a dirt road it’s whole life…tranny fluid was black)

What kind of gasket maker would you recommend? Did you use Permatex Ultra Grey?

How did you take the big bearing out from the housing? What province you from? Thanks

This Might be the same problem I have and they are saying it's the Transfer Case (but when they check the transfer case..the oil and transmission is clean and no metal strippings)

Hello From Honduras. Can you get me the part number of this bearing, or where can I buy this please. Thanks for your help. Nice video.

Just bought an ‘02, and it’s making a growling noise toward the rear end. Diff fluid is good, rear wheel bearings are good, so I’m thinking this may be the culprit. Anyone have other thoughts?? 165,000 miles.

do you have a video of the sound? I'm trying to figure out if this is what is wrong with my 2009 rav4 v6. It gets a high pitched whistling/whining sound that only happens when I press the gas. as soon as i let off the gas the sound goes away. Its almost like a sound of an airline winding up for take off... haha

Mine just went on my 2007 Toyota RAV4 what is the name brand of the bearing

What's the part number of the guard ring?

Toyota has an enhanced warranty program for this issue, it covers it for 9 years from first date of service of the car. Unlimited mileage.

Same problem

Should have recorded whatever noise you were hearing and trying to fix so we know what it sounds like.

Incorrect towing causes this. We buy a lot of Rav4 & Nissan Rogues from auctions (salvage & repos) and 75 percent of them have bad differentials. I bought many new rav4s with super low mileage with the bad bearings.

Bought the parts online on eBay, but I’m having a tough time finding a mechanic to do the work. Anyone in Ohio have a mechanic recommendation who will do this for me? I’m not mechanically inclined at all to do it myself.

My car makes whining sound starting at 20 mile/hour then disappears at 35 or higher mile/hour, any ideas ? any suggestions ? thank you.

I want to know bearing call ! The name bearing thank you

Wish I would’ve seen this before the dealer charged me $3,000 for the entire assembly. Now I know for future reference at least.

FYI: That's just a plain clutch coupler, electrically controlled, not a viscous coupler. Toyota 4WD is not a true limited slip AWD, it lacks a central diff.

My rave 4 makes a loud whineing noise. The noise intensifies with acceleration and decrease with deceleration. Sounds like a airplane is ready to lift off. I've changed all 4 wheel bearings new pads and rotors. My next step is to change out the coupler bearing.

Thank you...you made my day. Can you find me the number for RaV4 2019 4cycl pls

How many miles on the RAV?

Just finished changing the bearning sadly noise rumble whining noise still there

What city are you from? Would you be willing to replace mine in my Rav4? Of course i would pay you

Also I ment to tell you that sound is coming from the right rear I think !but definitely in the rear only when your turning right !? Also driving Any other way it's quiet !!??

I have the noise on my 2011 Sienna AWD

Hello what is the part number and brand of the deflector thank you.

What was the millage when it went bad?

Was the car a 4WD?

My rav4 only whines around 25 mph and 45 mph?? Any idea?

You never posted the part #

I need to know if this will make the vehicle not move. I think this is the orobkem on my 2008 rav4 the seals ar definitely gone its leaking everywhere but the bitch will NOT MOVE its absolutely 1000% not the engine, transmission , cv axels, hubs, rotors,breaks, or the drive shaft. But it just stopped moving. Everything else moves but nothing catches and its got oil everywhere now. All around the outside of the cas.

In my case here in South Africa, easy coast side, river crossings at a local private game park and Spa did not help. 😂😂 See www.gwahumbe.co.za just one of the places nearby where we play...

P.s. Tons of those on eBay for less than $200

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