2004 Rav D4D

[OldRaver]

Well, I think it's the rear axle.

Just noticed a worrying low humming noise from the back of the Rav. This is speed related the pitch and frequency of the noise increases with road speed.

If I depress the clutch the noise remains the same until the road speed decreases.

Hard to describe this noise but it's a low hum that wasn't there a few days ago.,

Any ideas please? Should I be worried? The Rav is approaching 120k miles.

Thanks!

[avensisd4d786]

wheel bearing maybe?

[Pogle]

Tyres can sometimes cause similar noises to a wheel bearing. Unless they are new consider changing the rears or at least swapping tyres round to see if that solves the problem.

[OldRaver]

Thanks for the replies. Local garage (not Mr T) put it up on the ramps - couldn't really find anything - took it for a run and agreed the noise was there. They suggested I let it get a bit worse and bring it in again. General thoughts from them were suggesting a wheel bearing or maybe, the differential...... expensive!

[gjnorthall]

The rear diff on these models is bombproof and it's not unusual for diffs to whine or rumble a bit. For the modest cost involved, I'd be inclined to change the diff oil - especially if it hasn't been changed for a while. You'll need a 1 litre bottle of SAE90 gear oil. Not a bad idea to allow the noise to develop (it might not!) so that the origin is more obvious.

[OldRaver]

Thanks for this - I'll check back through my service record and see if I can find out if it's been done in the last 5 years, the time I've owned the Rav.

[avensisd4d786]

Hi old raver I hope you get this sorted as my avensis 1cd-ftv is doing this. I have been told wheel bearing but something tells me its gearbox related and dont forget to update if you find out what it is and the fix.

gjnorthall- does the rav4 only take 1 litre of gearbox oil?

[gjnorthall]

No - this model Rav takes about 3.5 litres of gearbox oil. It's the rear differential and front differential / transfer box that each take just under a litre of oil.