Drivetrain vibration?

I own an 08 6spd manual Tacoma with ~150k miles and lately have been experiencing vibration/groan coming from what feels like the front of the drivetrain. The groan/vibration is barely audible and minimally felt through the steering column and shifter. It cycles, ~2sec of groan/vibration then nothing for ~2secs then groan vibration again. Often I experience it in 3rd and 4th gear. I read a post that mentioned something similar coming from the needle bearing. Any thoughts and or suggestions for a solution?

 

If it goes away in 4wd, then it could be the needle bearing. The ~40 mph range seems to cause it the worst, which would correlate with 3rd or 4th gear

 

What blueSTL said. It could also be wheel bearings slowly going out. grab the tire and push/ pull on it in and out, there should be no play. If there is might want to look into replacements.

Welcome to tacoma world !

 

Thanks for the suggestions BlueSTL and BrianT23. I was thinking of the correlation between the ~40mph range and 3rd or 4th gear last night and it matches my scenario. I will look into these suggestions this afternoon.

 

BlueSTL after taking another look and listen, yes the ~40mph range seems to cause it the worst and the vibration/groan does go away in 4wd. Is there any other means to test and confirm the needle bearing. I need to do some research but how critical is this? Suggestions for solution, do parts need replaced, things just need greased etc? I would appreciate any advice.

 

if the noise diminishes in a turn left or right it could be wheel bearing. If its popping maybe its the cv joints.

 

Having a similar issue. Could it still be the needle bearing if the roaring is there even in 4-hi? The only time I notice it getting quieter is when I turn right at 20+. It's actually been there for a while but has been noticably louder since getting new tires last week. No vibrations... just a constant roar that gets louder with speed. Thanks

 

My vote is a bearing going out.

 

Only other way to tell I think would be to get in there with your hands and move the inner CV back and forth. Some play is fine, but if it is excessive, that's another way to tell you need a new needle bearing. I put the EGCS bushing in my truck and it alleviated the loose cv issues and vibrations. Parts/tools you will need for the install are EGCS bushing ($60) bearing removal tool ($60) and axle seal ($20). Along with basic hand tools you'll need a bearing/race driver set to drive in the new bushing. There's an official thread about this as well, search the 2nd gen forums.

 

There is a little slop on the driver's side cv. Not nearly as much on the right. I don't want to do the bushing swap so I just ordered the bearing. Will let you know how it turns out.
Pray for me!

 

Winner winner chicken dinner Ricky B. Very thankful it was the wheel bearing and not the needle bearing. Ordered a Bluepit bearing. Very smooth and quite.