Need help identifying a problem Options

[b22ri22an]

ok the noise its making sounds like truck tires road noise, loud consistent with vehicle movement, low pitch at slow speeds higher pitch at higher speeds. it does not however vary with engine or transmission rpms or steering directions left or right much like tire noise. the noise appeared indiscriminately one second quiet next second noisy while driving. the noise appears to be coming from the passenger side or center of the vehicle cant pinpoint while driving

here's what i have checked so far
changed tires and the noise remains

here's vehicle history regarding driveline
11/12 drivers side wheel bearing replaced
11/12 front rotors and pads placed
8/12 front end alignment
8/12 front tires replaced
7/12 passenger side wheel bearing replaced
12/11 cv axles replaced

friend of mine suggested its the bearing that supports the passenger side cv axle extension to the transmission but for the life of me i cant find what that bearing is called to price out a replacement
any thoughts or if you know this noise please reply

[Special_Edy]

A small amount of metal can be expected from normal wear. Drain it and put new fluid in.

I would suspect the carrier bearing(on the pass. cv axle) or wheel bearing. Replacement parts are 100x more likely to fail than factory parts in my experience, so its always best to suspect repair work first and Toyota's work second.

You could place the front wheels on jackstands and rotate the wheels by hand to see if you can hear or feel the problem. You can also very carefully place the vehicle in drive/gear with the engine running while it is still on the jackstands in order to replicate the noise. But I cant in good faith suggest crawling under the vehicle with the engine while its in gear.

Good luck and be safe.

This post has been edited by Special_Edy: Jan 7, 2013 - 10:39 PM