OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread

I had the same response from the dealer. I put cameras under the carriage for when I'm rock crawling and discovered via my cameras that when I get the grinding, the front propeller shaft (transfer case to front diff) is spinning up, which it should not be doing in 2wd. It's a clear indication of the binding in the CV differential joint spinning up the diff. I videod the problem so I can prove the issue next time I can get it in, even if its quiet at that time. I will post the video when I get a chance. It is pretty telling.

 

Um, I'm pretty sure that shaft always spins as well as the cv axles no matter what, could be wrong though

 

Corrected, the cv axles spin, not the shaft

 

That's right, the CVs will always rotate, but the propeller shaft should not unless shifted into 4WD. Anyway, here's the video, such as it is. Thrown together kinda quick. It also shows you a bit of my camera set-up. Hope this works as I've never posted video before. (I should probably get a good audio recording of the grinding to go along -- this version has no sound.)

 

Dang dude. How could they say thats not a problem jeezuz

 

The problem is it does it most when the vehicle is cool -- like the morning, first thing. My dealer is a 45 minute drive away, so it's generally not binding after that much driving. I know this is more annoying than anything else, which is probably why Toyota's not doing anything too serious about it. My desire is to make sure the dealer documents another case, and then eventually, I'll get the ECGS bushing installed. Hard to deal with right now with my elk hunt coming just around the corner.

 

Doug, install of the ECGS bushing is fairly quick and easy. Having been down this road, I would not bother with the dealer. I'd be happy to help you install.

 

Update.

Over 100k miles on the ECGS bushing. No issues.

 

Wow, that's great! Only issue with mine is that it still vibes a tiny bit once on a while in turns or something. I do need new cv axles though, so after that it might get better.

 

OK John. I will order up a bushing and maybe towards the end of the month we can tear the crap bearing out. It will be good to get rid of that annoying vibe.

 

Ordered. Meh. Sucks I have to do this on a 6 month old truck but hey, that's what I get for wanting a lift. And tires. And everything.

 

I had the Toyota tsb done today, didn't notice anything on the short ride home...

 

Did they use the same shit part that is already garbage? Or did they use an ECGS part?

 

I'm guessing same crap. My stock needle bearing was fine for 2k miles then developed the groan

 

Can you please elaborate the circumstances in which you get vibes?

I have the ECGS bushing and have been chasing a slight grind at low speeds as well as a slight grind at 15-20 mph when decelerating. Truck only has 36K on it, so I'm hesitant to assume bearings/CV. I do need to take the wheel off and check the dust and heat shields, but I'd love some info.

 

I can't answer that, but I doubt they'd install the same problem.
Took the truck out last night, still not feeling any vibes from the diff area!
We'll see...
They didn't use the ECGS bushing.

 

I think it's mostly when I'm turning, meaning I'm putting stress on the cv axles which are 10 years old with 111k miles. I don't get a vibe in a straight line, but I still gotta check my passenger wheel bearing.

 

Doing this install on the 20th. Any chance I can use someone's tool? I'll pay shipping both ways obviously.

 

Messaged

 

I've got over 50K miles on my latest needle bearing and still no vibes. Random luck of the draw. I'm almost to the mileage where the first needle bearing was bad. I thought for sure this one would have worn out by now, so you never know what it's going to do.