Over 60k miles I assume, if so maybe some help from Toyota, what exactly failed?

 

There is no viscous coupling or viscous clutch on a 2007 RAV4. The 4WD system is electrically engaged.

 

After returning from a road trip a couple of months ago, our RAV began to make various howling, whining, whirring and whistling noises from the rear axle. I recently took it in to the local dealership, and they diagnosed a failing coupler. It will be replaced under warranty. The RAV is a little under 3 years old and has travelled around 54000km.

A new coupler has been ordered but has not arrived yet. The cost of the coupler alone is $900, not including installation.

 

A new coupler has been ordered but has not arrived yet. The cost of the coupler alone is $900, not including installation.

The replacement coupler finally arrived and was installed yesterday. The car is much quieter now. There is still a little noise remaining, but that may be simply the sound of worn Yokos on wet roads. According to the invoice, the cause of the noise was scored bearings.

The RAV is a little under 3 years old and has travelled around 54000km.

That should read "a little under 4 years old". Apparently, my elementary arithmetic skills aren't too hot. Also, the odo reading is closer to 52000km.

 

Its an electric coupler at the front of the rear dif. We have done a few over the last couple of years. Maybe 2-3 a year.

 

2008 2.4 4wd.... do you have to remove the differential to change out the coupler?

 

Here's a PDF file that gives a good overview of the rear differential and electric coupler:

https://www.rav4world.com/d1/attachments/pdf/2006/rav_diff.pdf

 

My too!!!

I have a Rav4,3,5L,6 cyl,2006,124000Km and i just replace my viscous,i need to find a used one because they have a waiting list for this piece for the Canada...Maybe it's almost a recall.

Anyway i'm not satified about my Toyota but i like the size and the look so i keep it for the moment.