Gen 3, odd noise @ 60kmph

[Plumberjohn]

Hello all,

So I just bought an '03 Montero limited. I've had it for a couple days, and noticed a few things. Wondering if I could pick your collective brain for ideas of where to start.

1, there is a howling noise @ 60kmph. It's louder on deceleration then acceleration. But at most speeds, it's not really noticeable.

2, seems to be a mild vibration from the drive line. Could it be this block I hear about on the rear diff?

3, ABS and traction lights come one intermittently. Wheel sensor issue? Also, how do you turn off the traction control? The owners manual is in French. Je ne parle pas!

This truck is in amazing shape. Hardly any rust. Interior is clean too. I love the way it drives, and can't wait to get it on some trails and camping trips with the fam in the new year!

I'll be on this forum quite a bit now. I'll post some pics as I go. It'll be a slow go, I want to get it running and driving right before I start to have fun with it.

If anyone has advise on these, feel free to let a new guy know! I've been reading the threads on this site, and they are very informative.

Any who, getting long winded. Thanks

 

[Sabre]

1. Howling? First thought is tires...what type and condition are they in?

2. How do you know that it's a driveline vibe as opposed to something in the suspension or wheels? Some have reported curing a vibe by removing that block, though it's not on the rear diff.

3. Does the ABS actually function? The wheel sensors are easily checked, but it's not the most likely problem. There's no weird clucking noise under the hood? I have no info about turning off the TC, but pulling its fuse will disable it.

 

[montypower]

Driveshaft is carbon fiber composite so not likely. Dampening block attached to the rear of the transfercase does cause vibration around 2,200 rpm. Mine was more obvious in 4th gear. I removed and no noise.

Wheel bearings will make noise. Tires. Lots of things could be howling.

 

[Plumberjohn]

Hello. Thanks for the replies.
The tires are in good shape. The rears are Uniroyal, the fronts are cheapies (I'm going to get some decent all terrain tires later this year). I'll look into it further, I've never heard tires make this noise. Almost like a gear whine. The noise will go away momentarily when you let off the gas. Possibly bearing.
The vibration is minor, and matches the RPM. It's not horrible. Maybe I'm just not used to it, I bought the truck New Years Eve. Need to become acquainted. It does have 220,000kms on it!
The ABS does work, and the light is intermittent. It only came on once today, and I drove 230kms. If it's on, and I turn off the truck and turn it on, it will go away. No clunking that I have noticed.
I'll leave the traction control on. I was just curious.
The truck was parked for a few months. The front wheel indicator was flashing on the first day, but I've been playing with the 4x4 in the little snow we have, and it seems to have stopped (for now).
This truck is awesome. I was nervous when I bought it. Not of the high KM's, but of the type of vehicle. I'm now committed to getting this thing purring.
The body is super clean. Well worth it! I'll try to post some picks. Nothing exciting, just a stock, silver Monteto Limited.

 

[Sabre]

A thought: bearings that are failing will eventually howl like the devil. The letting off the gas comment might imply that it's driveline related...I'd check your u-joints and wheel bearings. The easiest way to do this is to drive for 20 minutes or so, pull over and touch them; a failing bearing will be too hot to touch. When I lost a front wheel bearing last year it was easy to locate as it was obviously much hotter than the one on the other side. And, if you haven't done so, certainly drain and refill both differentials, a simple job. Look for metal particles and/or water in the oil you drain. If you have a limited slip in back, be sure to refill with the correct oil; it will say that it's OK for limited slip differentials on the jug.

 

[kbahus]

If the vibration/noise is around 2100rpm in any gear I would recommend replacing the transmission crossmember to body bushings. There are 8 total, 4 top and 4 bottom. Common issue.

 

[Plumberjohn]

Where is the best place to get bushings? I've found several under the truck that have seen better days.

 

[Sabre]

For all my Mitsu parts I use Google and just pick the dealer that offers what I want. Not all the sites have all the parts. In most cases I only use OEM parts on the Montero.

 

[Plumberjohn]

Is it worth trying to source poly bushings? The ones in it (I assume) are probably original. 13 years and 220kms. Not bad.

I did order a timing belt kit and valve cover gasket set from Rock Auto. With conversion and shipping, it was less than the price of just the timing belt from my local dealer.