OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread

Kind of? Some people got that, mine is worse at certain speeds, so accelerating into them or out makes it worse.

 

Hey Justin - I would agree with Moose on this. I had almost the exact same thing happen after I had my mechanic install the bushing. Had a really rough growling at about 60 mph and higher and a slower whirring at about 25 mph. Both were new noises and were completely different than the differential vibration that came after I put the 5100s on and before I put the ECGS bushing in (which did correct the initial differential vibration).
Thought the new growling and whirring were possibly from an incorrect bushing install since I didn't do it myself. However, one thing I noticed is that both whirring and growling sounds went away when veering to the left, putting more weight/load on the right side which told me the front driver wheel bearing was bad.

My truck has 105k miles and I put 5100s on the front and followed with the ECGS bushing less than 1,000 miles ago. Replaced both front wheel bearings about a month ago and the ride is much, much smoother. My mechanic showed me the old bearings and they were pretty much shot. I've also heard of wheel bearings on our Tacomas going out as early as 50k miles so I guess I should consider myself lucky to get twice the mileage on em.

The new bearings did alleviate the 60 mph growling but the 25 mph whirring seems to have transitioned down to the 10-15 mph range. It honestly feels like it's still coming from the front but I guess it could always be the rear wheel bearings since I've had the rear TSB for several years now.

I've decided to go down 3 different paths from here:

• 1. I could just live with the whirring sounds and chalk it up to the fact that my ride is probably never going to be as great/smooth as it was before leveling the truck.
• 2. I could try to relieve the awkward CV angles that were created as a result of the 5100 install by dropping the differential. I've done a little research and have found that it's not that hard to do and probably only costs about $40.
• 3. If the new whirring sounds progresses, I'll probably go back to my mechanic and have them take a listen to the rear wheel bearings to find out if they should be replaced as well. The fronts costs me several hundred and I'm guessing would be the same for the rear.

I guess I'm telling you all this because it sounds like you might have bad front wheel bearings. You might try veering slightly one way or another when at those speeds and see if you notice a difference. I felt mind in the accelerator pedal and in the steering wheel and both went away when veering to the left.

Don't be surprised if by fixing a few things you end up unmasking a new set of issues. Depending on how many miles you have on your truck, you could look at fixing this or that as normal maintenance due to wear and tear. I'm no mechanic and far from it but thought I'd at least share my experience in hopes it helps you solve yours. Good luck and let me know if you decide to try and fix it.

 

Just be careful when trying to diagnose the front diff bearing doing a hard RIGHT turn because the diff bearing vibe will lesson or go away on a hard right (left side drops and levels out the CV angle). It was one way I diagnosed the front diff issue.

 

Thanks for all the input. I have 138,000 miles on the truck so I guess its time for wheel bearings. Isn't there a guy on TW that sells them assemble?

 

@BamaToy1997 sells wheel bearing assemblies

 

Thank you!!

 

Thanks for the kind words!

 

So Bama I have a question. I've done the ecgs bushing replaced the axles and done both front bearings. The pass side I've done twice within a month. I still have a groan that sounds like a bearing. Any ideas what to look at next? It's leveled in the front with lr upper controll arms alignment is good there's no vibration at all smooth as can be just has the noise. I'm at a loss!

 

Been struggling with a heavy vibration since my lift. Have tried a few things to correct it (center bearing drop, diff drop, new driveshaft u joints, rear axle shims)

Pulled the trigger today on the front diff bushing from ecgs. When installing the bushing I'm also going to balance my driveshaft. Depending how everything turns out I might even drop the coin on some rear dakar leafs.

FYI, I have every vibration there is: 0 to 15 mph suspension studder, 35 - 45 mph growl, and a 55 - 65 mph vibration. Most all of it started after installing the procomp lift.

Eventually I'm planning on going dakar rears and icon fronts. We'll see how it all turns out.

 

I would suggest getting someone to help you duplicate the noise while you listen for the fault. More detail or perhaps a video of the noise might help me a little.

 

Let me know if you're able to resolve your vibration issue. I currently have Dakars in the back & Icons up front and am trying to get rid of my vibrations.
I've also tried: New U-Joints, OME Carrier Bearing Drop, Diff Drop, and just ordered 3 degree Shims from WheelersOffroad .

 

I tried 3 degree shims with little satisfaction. My ecgs bushing sand seal should be here tomorrow as well as the center carrier. See how it all goes.

I did however take my front diff drop out and the vibration at 55-65 got worse. So hopefully the bushing solves my issues.

 

If it goes away in 4H its the needle.bearing from my experience the ECGS bushing stopped the vibe..From what I understand if you let it go, it will eventually score your cv axle and the needle bearing will wear out and then you will have 2 issues instead of 1.Hopefully someone else will chime in..

 

N

oNot to be a smartass but what you describe is just like so many other members in here. Just read back and all your questions will be answered.

 

so if putting it in 4wd dosent make the sound go away but turning right does and I just replaced a passenger wheel bearing whats the thought.

 

Subd

 

So, I have a strong vibration up front due to a lot of play in my drivers side cv axle. I just ordered the needle bearing replacement bushing from East Coast Gear Supply http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-8536125-toyota-8-clamshell-bushing.html
Is it possible that I caused internal damage to the front diff by driving with that much play for an extended period of time?
Or, will everything go back to being snug & vibe free after installing the new bearing replacement & new axle?

 

The other wheel bearing.?

 

Doing this a couple weekends from now. Quick question without digging through 100 + pages, which side of the bushing faces out? One side is smooth and the other has a "lip"

 

I'm under the impression from what I've read, the side with the lip should be facing outward(towards the wheel)

EDIT: Ok, I think that I need to go watch Chase's video again to make sure. Don't follow what I've said just in case.