I've got that grinding noise that goes up and down with the wheel speed in my 2012 AWD XLE. Not the wheel bearings. A mechanic familiar with the issue diagnosed it by stethoscope as the viscous coupler bearing. He's replaced a few, and I trust him. A couple questions for those who know this issue:
—How bad can it get before I bite the bullet? A lot of expenses now, and though his price of about $800 beats the pants off the dealer, it comes at a bad time financially. And what happens when it goes completely? Is it terribly noisy and limp home, or stranded on the highway?
—Another post has part numbers for bearings, but says Toyota will only sell the complete unit. How can I find the correct numbers for the bearings based on my VIN?
—How bad can it get before I bite the bullet? A lot of expenses now, and though his price of about $800 beats the pants off the dealer, it comes at a bad time financially. And what happens when it goes completely? Is it terribly noisy and limp home, or stranded on the highway?
—Another post has part numbers for bearings, but says Toyota will only sell the complete unit. How can I find the correct numbers for the bearings based on my VIN?
