Front Diff Vibes ECGS bushing fix.

Ok, I wanted to post this here for anyone experiencing an intermittent vibration/humm originating from the driver's side front diff and my experience with the ECGS clamshell bushing. This is not a new problem but one that is carried on from the previous generation. Lots of literature on this from the second gen trucks, use the search function.

The Skinny: Essentially, the needle bearing used by Toyota on the driver's side front diff is a weak link in these trucks. Any amount of lift on these trucks (3" on mine) can result in the vibration. You have it or you don't. You may have it pop up down the road, listen for it.

Symptoms: Intermittent vibration/humming while driving. Comes and goes, often more present with cooler temp outside, especially when truck is cold. Goes away when 4wd is engaged, comes back when disengaged.

Other Considerations: There are plenty of other reasons for vibration especially on a lifted truck. Do your homework/research first, make sure your symptoms are consistent with this, then read on.

First Option: You can certainly try and play the dealership game and hope for a solution under warranty. Some have had more success here than others. This can range from having the whole diff replaced, the needle bearing being replaced with another, or dealership denying work under warranty due to lift causing the issue. In my case, dealership was a waste of time as they "could not replicate symptoms" We all know those dreaded words. Also, they gave me the "likely caused by lift, might not be covered under warranty". That was enough for me to pack it in.

Also, keep in mind that while it's possible that the dealership will work on this under warranty, unless they are willing to replace the faulty needle bearing with an ECGS Clamshell bushing (more on that later), you are looking at a temporary solution at best as the problem will either continue or come back shortly. If they agree to install the ECGS bushing under warranty, you have just won the lottery. If not read on.

The real solution: ECGS has kindly produced an aftermarket bushing for the Tacoma which addresses this issue and offers a permanent fix. Many 2nd gen owners have put serious miles on their trucks with this bushing and the vibes have not returned. Follow the link below for the part needed.

http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-8536125-toyota-8-clamshell-bushing-eliminates-needle-bearing.html

There are a couple of good videos there for those doing the install on their own.

The 8" bushing is the same one used in 2nd gen trucks. Decided if you can manage the swap on your own or get a reputable shop to install it for you.

My experience: I had the shop install the ECGS bushing, problem solved, vibes completely gone!

Final thoughts: I am not trying to start a thread on diff drop kits here. I am not running one and do not plan on it. Keep in mind that if your needle bearing is the culprit behind the vibes, a diff drop kit will not address the issue.

 

This is a problem on 1st gens aswell. bushing works wonders.


But i never expected after over 20 years that toyota still hasn't eliminated this issue.

 

I did the replacement ECGS about 2 weeks ago. I did it on my 2nd gen also. Bottom line is it worked. I did the install myself since I did it on the 2nd gen and it took me about 3 hours to do. For those doing it yourself I had to use a slide hammer puller rigged to pull the half shaft out of diff, after a few good pulls it popped the axle out. I still had the bearing removal tool and it worked well even though its drastically overpriced. Also used a bearing race tool to install the bushing. I reassembled the suspension and topped of the diff fluid, done. After a test drive no more noise from old bearing.

 

good write up. one of the best upgrades ive done to my truck. i probably only had a bad needle vibe for 10k but it was already wearing on the axle. have my old shitty bearing set aside for when i have my next service appt because they swore it was completely normal to be able to grab your axle and wiggle it vertically and nothing could be engineered with piss poor tolerances. wish i measured and video'd how bad the fit was factory compared to the ecgs bushing

 

No problems with my 3rd Gen so far, but I'm planning to install a lift soon. Will keep an ear out for problems, and perhaps make a preemptive visit to ECGS while I'm living close to them.

 

Hmm I think I'll do this anyway whether it needs it or not.

 

Might be a good call. I was amazed how smooth it is post ECGS. I would go as far as to say that I had more vibes off the dealer's lot prior to lift. Got so used to driving it like this, feels like a different truck now.

 

I had this issue pop up on mine but honestly could not remember if it has been there the whole time and is getting worse or if it just started. Lift installed 5000ish miles ago. Today the roads were nice and slippery so while on a straight I thought I'd put it in 4hi to see if the issue went away and the truck was as smooth as butter immediately. Back to 2hi and vibration was back. Doesn't seem as bad past 60mph. Not even going to bother with the dealership.

Naturally with a vibration comes additional wear...would this be on the axles and is it a slow or fast ticking time bomb?

And thanks @BCJake for the write up!!

 

I did the bushing on my 2G and it was a light switch as far as solving the issue. My biggest regret was not doing it while I was installing my lift.

I now recommend that everyone add this to the list of parts to purchase when doing a lift. It's cheap insurance while you are already in there.

 

Had the same symptoms. Even at times the vibration was not present, cycling 4wd on and off made it come back. I did not have damage outside of the faulty needle bearing but I imagine that long term you would be looking at more extensive repairs. Not really worth it to wait and find out. Get her done, you'll be happy you did.

On a side note, this seems to have also fixed the rumble strip shudder vibration I had when slowing to a stop. It was not major but happy to see it gone.

 

Yeah, very good point. I have some PTO coming up so hopefully I can get it installed then.

 

Is the CV axle seal necessary when ordering from ECGS?

 

Not necessary if yours isnt leaking but i recommend just changing it anyways since its inexpensive and your already in there.

 

Had my bushing installed with new seal and fluid and like @MikeyMcFly said, it's like a light switch. The factory needle bearing had actually started to fall apart! I'll take a photo later and upload it. Thanks again @BCJake for the insight.

 

On a 2016?!

 

@Biscuits

Yeah...and I'm running a 2-2.5in lift. Nothing crazy. Check out the part of the bearing I circled in red. This was toward the differential.

 

Wooooooooow.

 

Great to hear. I've put some miles on mine since the swap, zero issues

 

Yikes I am definitely ordering the bushing after the lift. I feel vibration under driver side floor board and rumble when tires are rotating.

 

mine was the same way when i removed it. im 99.9999999999% sure it was caused by the ECGS puller tool i used. i found the shard in the diff right after the bearing removal.

if you or the shop that did you ECGS bushing didn't remove that broken shard. yikes