Chirping noise coming from my drivers side front tire area

For the past 18 months I've had a chirping noise coming from my drivers side front tire area, I've had it in the service dept 4 times and have spent over $1000. The noise starts around 10mph and gets louder around 25mph. 1st visit they said it was excessive rust on the rotor, 2nd visit they said it was my wheel bearing and replaced it. 3rd visit they said it was a rock wedged in the backer plate. 4th visit they said it was a divot on the rotor and shaved the rotor. The noise is not constant, it will stop when brakes are applied. It will not make the noise if it is cold or wet. Does anyone have any idea what the hell could be causing this? It is not coming from the tire, all are brand new.

 

I've got the same problem right now on an 08 double cab pre runner. I thought it was a belt at first so I lubed up, but to no avail. To best describe it, I first hear it from accelerating from a dead stop. It will quit when I get up to around 10 mph. Then when I get on the highway it begins at 35mph but only when I am using the accelerator... I take my foot off the accelerator and it will stop immediately. When I open my windows I hear it more pronounced. Here are some of the tips from other helpful forum members I've compiled so far:

1. "Just a guess but I'd lube the driveshaft u-joints and check the center bearing for play and make sure the rear leaf springs u-bolts are tightened to spec."

2. "Its the U-Joints on the drive shaft, i had the same thing on my 2001 prerunner, Just clean them off and grease them with a grease gun.
THeres one at the tranny, 3 in the middle where the 2 pieces came together and then 2 at the axle, doesnt take to long to do, just make sure You do it right and it should fix it."

3. "Make sure your tensioner pulley is not seized up. I just pulled mine off for that reason. at low rpm it was quiet, but once the rpm's got higher it sounded bad."

4. "If you're not moving when you hear it, it's not the U joints, but they could use grease at 66,000. A slipping belt or throwout bearing for the clutch may be the issue."

5. "Know what it was...something I would not think of. The brakes needed cleaning, they would close but then not open back up all the way sometimes. I know I have to clean the brakes on my bike sometimes too, just never thought of it with the truck. Ever had that happen? And thanks for all the replies."


Hopefully it's just number 5! Hope this helps and please let the forum know what the issue was when you get it fixed. Seems like a common problem but mostly simple fixes.


EDIT: I see you also just bought new tires, interestingly enough the sound started on mine the same time I got new tires installed..starting to make me think it is just the brakes.

 

At those prices did they at least give you a kiss and a pat on the bum for not fixing your complaint?

Well, there's a hint.

The sound is likely a pad or squeal sensor kissing the rotor. Why is a multiple choice answer, as several simple things can cause this. First thing I'd do is pull it apart, make sure the squealers aren't touching, make sure the pads are wearing evenly inside and outside, clean and lubricate the slider pins. All free and basic maintenance anyway. Of course if you find issues, they'll need to be dealt with.

If you don't do that kind of stuff yourself, it's time to find an honest independent shop. One that has a skilled staff.

 

Haha, here's my usual attempts at fixing stuff.. try to fix it myself---fail miserably----screw up a few more things---try to fix them too---make it all worse---then take it in and get my butt patted. Doesn't seem like I could mess this one up though and I learn a little about the truck each time. Is it just me or does it seem that getting your maintenance done at a toyota dealership is the least risk option. A caveat to that is a toyota dealership let me drive off the lot once after some electrical work with no break lights...

 

Just you. Unless I personally know a tech at a dealership, I never take a vehicle to one for anything other than recalls, for which I have no alternative.

If a piece of work is something I do not have the skills, time or tools for, I have an independent mechanic I've used for almost 20 years now. He doesn't get much work on my vehicles (ie he never saw my solo II car other than tire mounts over a 12 year period) but I do refer a lot of folks to him, which become regular customers. They like his work.

 

It's definitely not a belt, dirty brakes, uneven wear on rotor/pads or U-bolt. The noise will continue with my foot off the gas. It doesn't squeal, it's a rotational chirping noise (bird like) After 35mph I can't hear it. A buddy of mine told me that the backer plate might be bent. As soon as I get the time I'm going to try and find a decent mechanic to inspect it. Other than changing the oil I do not have the right tools or skill to be taking things apart to do it myself.

 

I received no love from the dealer, but after contacting Toyota corporate the dealer gave me a complete refund.

 

@08 RedTaco....My 2012 tacoma is currently doing the EXACT same thing. It has 130,000 miles. Did you ever get this resolved? What was the problem? Any insight, expertise would be greatly appreciated. Thx!!

 

I agree with others that it's in the brakes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF7Y9GFY3ok

 

Thank you!! I just came in from taking the wheel off and checking the backer plate. I didnt see anything abnormal....wasn't touching anywhere......

 

Hey man I know this is really old but did you ever definitively find out where that chirping sound was coming from? I’m having the exact same problem in the exact same area and I’m going crazy over this!

 

I’ve got the same thing going on. I’m greasing the u joints and pulling the wheel when I get home from work. I’ll keep ya posted.

 

Thanks a lot brother

 

@Reyes87 I pulled off the front wheels and it Seems like the caliper pistons may have been a little frozen and was keeping the pad from fully retracting thus keeping slight pressure on the rotor causing a chirping squeal. I also greased the drive line so I’m not sure what fixed it but those are the two easiest things and it seemed to work. Check yours out man! Cheers.