noise

My truck makes a hmm vibration like the tire only touches the ground every second. It's only at around 35mph and the noise gets more often until it disappears around 55mph. It's been happening for around 1,000 miles and I haven't been able to figure out why. I hope I explained that decently.

 

Put it in 4wd and see if it goes away.

 

Just took a 15 minute drive around town and it didn't happen like It usually does. The noise normally only happens in the morning and doesn't always occur 100% of the time. Next time I get the vibration I'll try to stick it on 4wd and ride around to see if it's fixed or not.

 

Stuck It in 4wd and it didn't made that noise anymore.

 

Not a 100% on this but seems like i heard possibly some bearing, but it'd help alot more to be able to hear it...Reason being you're description of "KA-POW" might sound like "KER-PLUNK" to me, know what i mean ? haha

 

it's a vibration not really a noise.

 

Then maybe it IS a bearing I just dont remember which bearing they're referring to, maybe wheel bearing, maybe needle bearing in front diff. ??

not sure

 

I should probably take it to Toyota? Is there a way to check the bearings?

 

If it goes away in 4WD it is usually your needle bearing in your diff (Front). Usually the drivers side that goes bad.

This happens a lot after lifting your truck. Does your truck have a lift on it?

Many of us have replaced our driver side bearing with a bushing from ECGS. Kind of a pain but not bad.

The vibration is kind of a rumble strip, vrrr.....vrrrr.....vrrr, vibration. Completely goes away in 4WD

Dealer wont be much help if that is indeed the issue (if you are lifted). They will charge a boat load and I dont think they will replace the bearing but try to get you to replace the whole diff. It will most likely just happen again. Even 2nd gen trucks have the issue. Some even just stock suspension. I have not read much 1st gens having the issue without a lift though.

 

How does one check the front wheel bearings? I am hearing a humming noise from the front end on mine even when in neutral, so it isn't powertrain related.

 

You can lift the truck up and grab the wheel and tug left/right, top/bottom and see if there is any play. Never messed with wheel bearing myself though...

 

It has the bilsteins in the front at 1.75~

 

Then I would almost guarantee that it is indeed your driver side needle bearing. Especially since it goes away in 4WD.

Here is a how-to on how to replace the bearing with the bushing. (once you take the CV axle out).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnA_R3gFf2s

You need the removal tool. I purchased a used one from a member here, then re-sold it to another member. Im sure there are a few floating around.

There are a lot of how-to's on how to remove the cv axle as well if you search here.

You want the 7.5" Bushing. I would also highly recommend replacing the seal as well for $15. It is on the same page. You will need a race driver or make your own tool to pound the bushing into the housing as seen in the video.

http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-14472912-toyota-7-5-clamshell-bushing.html


Here is a good thread about all of it...

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1s...t-gen-4x4-front-diff-bearing-vibration-3.html

The tool i bought was already modified from the previous owner, so it worked fine for me as it was. I am not sure if buying a new tool from ECGS if it will need modified, or if they updated it to work right.

This only needs to be done on the driver side. Passenger side is not affected.

 

I won't be doing this myself, I have zero confidence with me when working on pretty much anything. But I'll bring it up to someone that will help me out,

 

I also have the 5100s on mine . did you install the diff drop kit when installing the billies ?

 

No diff drop because it was only 1.75".

 

I did not do the diff drop on mine but I do have it but did not install because I thought i would not need it if only going the middle setting but I will be installing it now as I dont want to have issues , not sure if the diff drop kit will help prevent needle baring issues but it cant hurt . maybe it will help prevent it .

 

question , so would the diff drop kit put less strain on the needle baring if I am only at the second setting on the billies ? I think its 1.50