Clutch issue?

DON JAMES

MEMBER
2006 TOYOTA TACOMA
2.7L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
145,000 MILES

Sudden appearance of a loud screechy rubbing noise in the area of rear wheels both sides. No noise coasting engine off. No noise engine on coasting in neutral. Noise starts in gear and stops when clutch pushed in. Rear wheels on jacks the noise not present in any of these conditions. Pulled drums inspected and adjusted. No free play in the wheels detected. Walking beside vehicle sound doesn’t seem to come from transmission area but from the rear wheels. Stumped.

Monday, July 7th, 2025 AT 11:40 AM

11 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,137 POSTS

This is the clue:" Noise starts in gear and stops when clutch pushed in." If you upload a short video of the noise I can tell for sure, but it sounds like the rear gear set is bad. I would remove the drive shaft and turn the pinion gear by hand to see if you hear the noise to help confirm the issue. Here is a view of what's inside the rear diff. You might want to check the fluid but being that it is making noise it is too late. Please upload pictures or videos in your response.

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Monday, July 7th, 2025 AT 12:32 PM

DON JAMES

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With the rear end on jacks I can’t get it to make the noise. So if I remove the drive shaft and turn by hand the noise should present if it’s a problem in the gears? I’ll get a video of it tomorrow morning.

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Monday, July 7th, 2025 AT 6:53 PM

KEN L

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You should be able to feel roughness when turning the pinion gear if the rear end is causing it. Let me know

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Monday, July 7th, 2025 AT 6:59 PM

DON JAMES

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After driving with the door open and leaning out I’m thinking noise maybe from clutch traveling back under the truck. It is hard to run beside and keep up with it. In first gear with no gas no noise starts when give it gas stops when let off I discovered.

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Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 AT 6:25 AM

KEN L

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54,137 POSTS

The squeaking sound like the U joints need replacing. Please use a flash light and check for rust colored dust at the U joint of the driveshaft to confirm. Thanks for the video it helps.

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Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 AT 8:07 AM

DON JAMES

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The rust dust is there as you suggested I can wipe it off with a finger. None really present on the middle and front u-joints. I would expect the recommendation is to replace all 3 and inspect the front seal as well since you’re removing the driveshaft. Here are some pictures.

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Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 AT 1:44 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,137 POSTS

Thanks for the images, a Seized U joint will make this noise, I would remove the shaft and check the movement of the joints. They should be 100% smooth with not hard spots. Please let me know, thanks for the images :)

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Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 AT 3:31 PM

DON JAMES