intermittent squeal after driving

[Rod72]

I have been having an issue with an intermittent squeal coming from under my 2012 Hilux after driving it for a while.

I had the Toyota service department to try to find the issue, but as it was an intermittent issue, it was difficult to find.

We all thought, including myself it was coming from the front wheel bearings, but no.

So I replaced the front wheel bearings, but the issue was still there.

Just before Christmas I finally jacked it up hot after driving it for an hour or so.

I ran all 4 wheels whilst jacked up, crawled under and finally found that the squeal was coming from the front bearing of the transfer case. (linkage to front differential)

To replace the transfer case bearing was a huge job so off to "Gearbox Express" at Ingleburn i went..(very helpful guys)

They found why the bearing had worn badly due to 3 sheared off and missing bolts for the gearbox mountings. (my truck has had a hard life)

The gearbox mounting bolts were re-tapped and bigger bolts installed.

A new transfer case was installed as the bearing replacement is a big job. 

I have been driving it for the past month with no more noises. Just clicked over 350,000Km.

I sent this hoping this information may be of some help for someone else who may have the same issue.