Toyota AWD Differential Bearing Noise 

I know right.

What did you do to fix the problem

It was probably a wheel bearing. I misdiagnosed my neighbors cars loud noise while turning left or right and turned out to be either left or right front wheel bearing

@@jean-pierremallet3524 It ended up being the tires. The AWD models come with run flats. I changed them out for some michelin latitudes non run flat tires. Noise is gone.

From Mike Riley: The video in question refers to Toyotas 2006-2012 due to the differential bearing failure. Newer models will have this upgrade done at the factory. Replacement parts availability is dependent upon what Toyota thinks is applicable. It may be that by 2017 Toyota has chosen to not offer the components separately but rather with the viscous coupling assembly only. Contact Toyota to determine what is available along with any adjacent parts that are needed

​@@autoprojobs4941 Sure! According to ToyotaDIYers, this part is unserviceable (1) (please see links at the end of the comment): As the company claims with `N03` code "This part is not supplied as an individual part because it's difficult to keep the function/quality of parts assembled/disassembled". Curious that is not the only part that is treated the same for Toyota (There are other parts that you can't buy at the dealer). Talking with my mechanic friend he told me that achieved to find the damaged bearing (an NTN 6819 LLU 95x120x13mm (2), also manufactured by NSK). I haven't talked with him since then, not sure if the new bearing has a seal or not. Not sure if the O-ring seal is needed since it seems like water can't enter since the enclosure is kind of "sealed". I'm afraid that Toyota will need to publish a TSB in the next couple of years for this kind of component since I'm seeing all over the internet that I'm not the only owner with this issue in the car (i.e. they extended the warranty for some RAV4 series 3 XA30 (3)). I'm putting all the info here in case someone is in the same situation as me. Links: 1 - www.toyodiy.com/parts/p_U_201704_TOYOTA_RAV4_ASA44L-ANTMKA_4101.html 2- www.ebay.com/itm/NTN-6819-LLU-Deep-Groove-Ball-Bearings-95x120x13mm-/323942380235 3- static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2016/SB-10092682-5448.pdf

This bearing issue impacts several models of Toyota's. Although the cover and viscous assembly may be different, the bearing in question is the same. The factory bearing is proprietary to Toyota and not available separately although a comparable bearing (size wise) is available in the aftermarket but without the O ring groove. Water intrusion between the bearing and cover is not the issue but rather water intrusion into the bearing itself which is why Toyota implemented the large metal clad seal and redesigned deflector. It is those two parts that prevents bearing failure due to moisture. If a bearing through the aftermarket is preferable then use that and purchase the metal clad seal (41302-42050) and one of two deflectors based upon design (41252-42013 / 20). An OE bearing can be obtained by purchasing a new cover w/ bearing (90304-94005) and rob the bearing.

@@TransmissionDigest Thank you for all the information. I'll share it with other owners since this is affecting so many models.

Just a heads up, I don’t think the revised deflectors will work unless you buy the updated coupler housing (cover). Based on the pictures in the TSB, the revised cover OD has a shoulder that the revised deflectors fit over top of. I can’t see the new deflectors working with the original covers, if you are trying to do the bearing replacement only. Someone correct me if I’m wrong. I’m planning on doing the bearing replacement on a 2013 Sienna. I think I’ll have to use the originally designed deflector, without the “metal clad seal”. Does anyone know if the RAV4 covers fit the Sienna couplers?

There are many noises that Toyotas make that are supposedly "normal" but still indicate underlying issues.

Noise can be extremely difficult to diagnose. A noise affected by throttle position normally denotes a gear issue and not a bearing problem. Try to determine the source with the vehicle on a lift.

I have the same issue on my rav4 2011.

@@karlschauff7989 have you figured it out

Same issue for me on a 2008 rav4, have you found any solution ?

Yes

The viscous coupler does contain oil (fluid) which is unique and separate from the differential oil. The viscous coupler is not serviceable but can be tested, as mentioned, to ensure that the oil has not leaked out into the differential. If the inner spline moves freely it's an indication that the oil has leaked out and that the viscous needs replaced. ~ Mike Riley

Not sure of the differential design in a 94 Caldina as the model Is not used here. Check with a local dealer and review an exploded view of the differential and also check for any TSB's.

The complaint typically is noise-related but, as Mike indicates elements, particularly moisture, will eventually cause bearing failure.

It's an issue.