OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread

So question: after this is done, should I throw some more fluid in the diff? Or is the loss of fluid negligible? At this point all I have left is to magnet out any metal fragments, drive the new bearing in, and reassemble. I'm gonna leave the seal from the factory on there. It only has 10k miles. And if it leaks, I'll just take a trip to the dealer and say "I don't know of what happened it just started leaking"

 

I know the install of new bushing is supposed to be "flush with the carrier" as the directions state but what exactly does that mean? Anyone have a pic of it installed at correct depth?

 

Interested to see if someone got a good picture showing this.

I don't think I drove mine in quite far enough actually. Not sure if that matters or not since it's longer than the old one. Anyways, I'll fix it one day when I'm not too lazy to take the skids off.

 

Also, for the people who installed, did you replace the seal too? I have a new seal, but my truck only has 10k miles on it. Not sure if I need to do it or not.

 

I did. I tore the shit out of the old one too so im glad I planned on replacing it anyways.

 

I'm not entirely sure how mines supposed to look. I don't see anything weird looking.

Is it as simple as "remove old seal with puller" and "drive in new seal with 2" coupler"? If so, I guess I should probably do it.

Or I can just not do it and if it leaks I'll take it to the dealer and just complain that it's leaking for some reason. Since it's still under warranty.

 

just counted out 34 needles out of my carrier. Good to go to get it all reassembled tomorrow

 

Would this fix work on a 2 wheel drive 2006 tacoma as well? I have the same sounds in the rear.

 

Negative. Probably wheel bearing.

 

I have a 2015 Tacoma that I just lifted and I'm little curious what I need to look for, hear,etc. I only have 2k miles and I read a few other guys here had to replace in first thousand miles on their trucks. How do I know if I need it? Should I just replace it?

 

If you feel a pulsing vibration, drive, stop put it in 4x4, the drive. If the pulsing stops, you need the bushing. DON'T TURN IN 4X4 ON DRY PAVEMENT. I'm not responsible for damages

 

Dry pavement is fine, just make sure you are going in a straight line.

 

Thanks for the help guys.

 

Finished. That job SUCKED. I swear I'm the only person on the planet that had problems with this job lol.

 

I was emailing back and forth with my dealer's service manager about the vibration issue and the rumor that there is a factory fix. I have a good relationship with him, and here's what he said today:

"I just researched Toyota Information Systems (our online bulletin/safety information system) about the vibration issue. I don’t see any new information or Technical Tips on the issue. The last information bulletin was back in 2014. As soon as I see anything new or hear it on our monthly Technical conference calls, I will let you know."

So, no factory fix yet.

 

Ask him to look up tsb 0026-15

 

So I called and asked. He says that 0026-15 describes only a groaning/grinding NOISE from the DS needle bearing. The TSB fix is to just replace the bearing with an identical part. If there are VIBRATIONS felt, they recommend replacing the whole diff. That's what happened to mine. Replacing the bearing with another one is only a temporary fix - as is my new diff I suppose. Fail.

 

I understand, but sometimes when you're playing the dealership warranty dance, you have to go through their procedures of diagnosis/repair, in order to get the right solution.
In the meanwhile, you're building up documentation, which will build up your case to get the correct resolution to the problem.
Or, you can skip all that and just do the ECGS bushing...

 

I just installed my new ECGS bushing today. While I was under the truck, I went ahead and replaced both left and right hubs and bearings purchased from TW user nj636. Also installed new EBC brake rotors and pads, new calipers, new Energy Suspension rack and pinion bushings (total pain in the ass by the way) and new cv axle assemblies. Thanks to all the contributors on TW for sharing your knowledge with the great write-ups and tutorials! Wallet is a LOT lighter now! Have to wait until tomorrow to road test it though. Keeping my fingers crossed that the horrible steering wheel vibration is gone!

 

Update: My dealer says the TSB bearing is a different part number than the original. He can't tell what's different without a side-by-side comparison, but it's listed for all 2011-2015 models with the noise problem. He's going to do some more digging in the morning.