1990 Runner with Noise coming from front

[krc333]

I recently started getting a strange noice coming from the front right tire. It comes and goes for a few seconds and then will just disappear for days. Now it's started doing the samething on the right. The right side almost sounds like some type of grinding. Also, the brake light keeps coming off and on, but the emergency break lever is clearly off. Any help would be appreciated.

[forest_grump]

Sounds like a classic case of worn to metal front brake pads....inspect and do front brakejob if nessasary

[krc333]

i'll have that checked out. It does it when i'm driving not breaking though. is it because the metal is sticking together after i release teh break?

[Brian R.]

It's your wear indicators making the noise. They are to warn you about pad wear.

[forest_grump]

What Brian said

Just pull off tire and check brake pad wear...goodluck.

[krc333]

I'll check it out this weekend, thanks for the info I apprecaite it.

[Brian R.]

If you replace the pads, treat them like your grandmother would for a week or so to break them in.

[redel383]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

It's your wear indicators making the noise. They are to warn you about pad wear.

Brian,
New to this forum, but I've been reading eversince and learning a lot, thanx to everybody.
I have the same situation as krc333 last cold season '02-'03, but on the left front side, and mine intermittently goes on and off everytime it's running, brakelites always on. I had to engage then into 4wd to make the noise disappear until this wouldn't apply anymore so I had this fixed(?) last jan'03 and everything went fine the next 2 warm seasons; but this time of the year when the temp starts to drop to 40 degF, it goes back again and engaging into 4wd doesn't help anymore. The tranny shop who did the repair said something in the gear system was loose and engaging into 4wd makes all gears in contact that makes the noise gone. I replaced the pads 2 mos. ago that I ruled out the wear indicator making the noise.
My love is '91 a/t with 219k on it; had it fixed @ 204k ripping me $2.6 G.
Sorry for the long post.

[Brian R.]

If you haven't recently, try changing the front differential fluid (75W90 gear oil) and lube your propellor shafts.

[redel383]

I'll do that this weekend. Thanks a lot and I appreciate your immediate response.

[Brian R.]

You're welcome. Hope it fixes your noise.

[redel383]

I just changed the fluid (75W90 gear oil) today, but to no avail. Any other possible reason? Need help very badly!!!

[redel383]

Changed the wheel bearings, that's it.

[krc333]

i took mine in and the CV Boots had a tear in both which left it with no grease. They said that's what is probably making the noise. They noticed when they were telling me that the calipers and rotors where bad. that was a nice 1400 bill to fix both problems.

[jet1749]

Originally Posted by redel383

Changed the wheel bearings, that's it.

Toyota had a technical service bulletin in the US for this problem. Supposed to be caused by bronze bushes in the front hub affected by cold weather. There is a Toyota mod that replaces the bronze bushes with needle roller bearings. I have the same problem with my Japanese version 2.4 TD Hilux Surf which is identical (?) to the US 4runner and will be replacing the bushes at the weekend.