OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread

TSB = Technical Service Bulletin for the dealerships, officially recognizes an issue and provides official direction and/or updated parts to correct the issue.

 

The TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) I was referring to is T-SB-0008-14: Part 1 / Part 2

Your dealer might fix it. That TSB is only applicable to 2005-2014 model years, so while 2015 isn't technically included I guarantee it's the same problem. Note that a TSB is not a recall; your dealer does not have to perform it just because you brought your truck in. I took that TSB into my dealer and said, "I'm having an acceleration vibration from 15-25mph." They test drove it, confirmed the problem and fixed it. The tech notes on my invoice stated they replaced parts per the TSB which, among other things, included new leaf springs (hence the term "TSB leafs").

Just to be clear that vibe is completely different from the front diff vibe this thread is about, easily diagnosed by engaging 4HI, etc...

 

Did they do all of the steps in that TSB, or just the rear leaf?

Is it true that the TSB leaf adds an 1" to the rear?

Thanks for the clarification. I own a 2013 and I only bought it a month ago. I'll definitely bring this up to the dealer and hand them this TSB.

Correct, I know it's not the diff. bearing vibrations, so sorry for derailing a bit. My vibration is only under heavy acceleration, up to or around 20mph.

 

Anyone in the Vancouver bc area that has a puller I can rent or borrow over te holidays?

 

I'm interested in picking up both the install and removal tool if anyone wants to sell/let me borrow them. PM me!

I'm in Colorado. Thanks.

-Dan

 

Decided I had better check first, and it turns out my truck already has the 3+1 leafs in the back. Those are the updated TSB ones, correct?

Should I still take it in about the vibration?

I've been reading some articles on Tacoma's though, and it seems like some people are convinced that these trucks always seem to have some level of vibration to them. - so maybe I just need to get used to it.

 

Alright so I've read the 150+ pages on the ECGS front differential bushing replacement, just couldn't find my EXACT symptoms listed. I installed a 3" spacer lift in the front, and an add a leaf in the rear. I did the front 2 days before I did the rear. When driving with the front spacers, I didn't notice any problems/noises. Once I lifted the rear however, a pulsing growl was apparent. Between 20-30 mph is when it's most noticeable.. But keep in mind that it pulses. It isn't constant. Someone described it sounding like I'm driving on egg shaped wheels. I had this problem on my old tires, so I just got new Toyo AT/II 285/70/r17's with alignment and balance.. Still same problem. Les Schwab Tires is convinced it's a ujoint (I checked for play in these- none). Fat Bobs, of all the shops that I thought would have an answer, said that its my tires rubbing against the UCA... Really? Then why does it go away as soon as I put it in 4hi? Frustrated and looking for answers.. Anyone?

 

How much play do you have in your left front CV axle at the diff?

 

If it goes away in 4Hi then comes back when switching back to 2wd, then that sure sounds like the front diff.

 

It almost sounds like rotors going bad.. That pulse you get when they are going out. But the pulse is constant.. Not just with brake pressure. I don't have much play in the cv

 

How can I check this better? And how much play, if any, should there be?

 

Here is a video of mine, when I had a vibration, before I put the ECGS bushing in:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0KT_Bz2nAs

 

I just got under and checked this again. Exact same play as yours. The new bushing fixed the problem?

 

Anyone have a removal tool for loan/buy/trade?

 

Thats right about how much play my brand new 2013 w/ 9k miles had on it. Swapped the shit needle bearing out for the ecgs bushing, havnt had a vibe problem since.

 

I should have the removal tool available later next week.

 

sub

 

Yes it did.

 

Hell, I have the tool. It's just sitting around here gathering dust. Used once. You pay shipping. Also, if you have a Harbor Freight in your area, you can get the installation kit for about $34.00. the same kit as East Coast. Let me know.......Don

 

Well the dealer had no problem feeling/hearing the problem, and they were very cool about calling around and checking out the ECGS videos. Apparently this is finally hitting Toyota's radar as the Baja warranty claims start coming in. Toyota told them to put "chassis ears" on the diff to confirm it's the source of the vibration and noise. Step two is to change the fluid and try again. Step three is a new diff. Each step requires a good cool-down, so this will take a couple of days. I'm off for the holidays so I'm letting them keep it so everything can be done by the book. The dealer admits that this is likely nothing more that going through the motions until a real fix is developed or the ECGS solution is officially accepted, but I'm willing to work with them. I'll let them replace this diff and see if Toyota has an answer when it starts vibrating in a month or two. At least Toyota is acknowledging that there is a problem and they're looking into it. It would probably be helpful if they heard from more dealers, so take 'em in if they are vibrating and reference the Bajas if they give you the lift kit excuse.