OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread

Another for ECGS. I called Monday morning to make sure no appointment was needed for them to install the bushing. Drove 1.5 hours to Raleigh, 50minutes later and 160 bucks.... I was headed home vib free. Very professional group!

 

Tell me about it haha.

 

I have the part sitting on the counter ready to go in whenever. If I could borrow the somewhere along the way that would be great!

 

Going in Monday to have the TSB done. Service manager knew what the deal was, I don't expect any hassle. I've been listening to that damned noise for 30k, I can't wait for it to be gone.

 

All my parts are arriving today and tomorrow. Looking forward to diving in and replacing the bushing and fixing the issue. This forum and the members have been great and a real lifesaver!

 

I honestly couldn't tell if I had an issue at all. Our roads are terrible here and being on 35s I couldn't seem to pinpoint any "grinding". Got given the bushing and did it anyway. Didn't notice a difference. Maybe some are worse than others.

 

hello all! so i was having the issue with the groaning vibration out of my differential as well. put it in 4wd hi on fly and gone. smooth. so i took it to toyota and they fixed it for free as per the TSB. got it back today and so far it is smooth and fixed. hopefully it lasts. i have a 2013 4x4 DC. lifted 3" toytec lift with diff drop. glad i found out what the issue was... Thanks Tacomaworld and all yall for the useful info!!

 

Guys, This is way easier than I thought. My truck has very little rust (California truck) so things are pretty clean. I have everything all out and just waiting for FedEx to drop off the new bushing and seal. The removal tool works like a charm! (Remember to put a baggie inside when you are positioning the tool as that helps a lot.

 

finished a while ago, total time was probably 3 hours and that was including removing my aftermarket skid plate, taking it super slow, and having a little difficulty removing the old differential seal. Other that that it was a total breeze! The tools made it super easy, and in hindsight I don't know what I was worried about as it was made very easy with the help and ECGS's video.

 

Did mine yesterday and problem gone! Smooth and quiet as it should be. Time and money well spent because even if there is a new needle bearing from Toyota to fix this, hands down, a bushing with more contact surface beats a bearing.

 

I've been having the vibration since I put on bigger rims and tires. Finally got smaller tires and took out the front spacers. The vibe was only happening recently at 31mph. Yesterday I had a heavy load of crap in the bed taking it to the dump. The vibe at 31 was completely gone. After unloading at the dump the vibe is gone at 31mph but has now re-appeared at about 51mph. Pretty funny shit.

 

Sounds like your vibration is not the same as this thread. This is for a front end vibration, dealing with the front diff bearing. I think you have a driveshaft or some other rear end vibration.

 

Hey guys, I brought my truck to a shop to have water pump and radiator done here about a week ago. He noted a humming noise that starts around 30mph and vibration at higher speeds. However my ABS light came on here about 3000 miles ago. (125,000k total) I ordered new wheel bearings from a member on here that makes the whole assembly, now I'm wondering if it's the needle bearing. My question is how do you know when to stop hammering on the replacement bushing? I watched the video and was curious on how you know it's in far enough. Any other tips and tricks are appreciated as I expect I will be changing this soon. Also is it only the drivers side? That's where my noise is coming from. Thanks.

 

When it's humming, engage your 4x4 and if it stops when engaged that's what it is. Sorry, I had mine done under warranty so I can't help you on the install.

 

The needle bearing is driver side specifically. Occurs from 30-45mph for most folks. Stops instantly if you enter 4WD and begins again once put back into 2WD. Some hear grinding while others feel the vibration through the driver floor board. Some both.

Depending on your warranty status there is a TSB for fixing this.

 

Ok I just went out and drove the truck. Put it in 4wdHI at 30mph, still heard the hum, and vibration up at 50mph+ was still there in 4wd so I have a feeling it's wheel bearings. My truck has been lifted since new and no problems with the needle bearings so far. I've read that some trucks are not affected?

 

My truck isn't under warranty, do you think I could get the new needle bearing Toyota is putting in or go with the bushing ECGS came out with in the future?

 

If you are out of warranty then do the ECGS bushing. The replacement that Toyota is using is still a needle bearing which may still fail in the future. The ECGS bushing is stated to last the life of the vehicle and never need replacing. The only reason most are going warranty is because it's free.