Vibration in floorboard, gas pedal and steering wheel

Knowing that it goes away with 4x4 engaged I'd confidently order the ecgs bushing.

If you don't want to do it yourself I'd find a diff shop that is familiar with the fix and has the removal and instal tools. It should save a ton of labor $ if the shop can take the shortcuts with the proper tools. Otherwise they'll be trying to tear the clamshell apart.

You might have some luck asking a dealer to change the needle bearing under warranty but it will most likely be a temporary fix as the needle bearing is prone to failure.

 

They replaced the entire front diff to correct mine--I would not pay $ for a truck under warranty.

 

I don't think its a matter of the bearing failing, its a design and tolerate issue. That's why lifted trucks are more likely to have the problem but some stock trucks like mine have the same issue.

OP, you can try to have a dealer fix it but like has been said, even if they agree to swap the needle bearing the problem may return and its just considered a normal characteristic of the truck. Either live with it or pay to fix it yourself or have someone fix it.

 

I have a major aversion to dealerships and the kind of work they do especially on warrantee claims. I went ahead and bought the ECGS bushing and made my own removal tool with some scrap metal. Bought a seal driver kit on Amazon for less than $30. So it cost me $90 for parts plus $20 for two bottles of gear oil and few hours of time to replace the poorly designed needle bearing. Overall I have been extremely unimpressed with Toyota. The extremely lack luster power from the v6, to having issues with both differentials. I was able to fix the front diff, but the howling from the rear diff won't be cheap or easy fix. I primarily bought the Tacoma due to it being the only truck available with a manual transmission. I have had a manual vehicle from my very first car and would like to continue to do so. However, after owning the Toyota for a little over a month I am ready to dump this POS in favor of a real truck and just for go the manual . Which is sad since overall I like the way it drives once up to speed, but hate that that you have to wring it out in every gear just to barely keep up with traffic.

 

The race on my bearing was pretty jacked up up. The 8" clamshell spider gears have a surprising amount of play due to Toyota deciding the extra machining in the carrier wasn't necessary. Maybe not a bearing problem to start with but given time it will fail.

 

Based on all the input on here I purchased and installed the EGCS bushing. Although it helps at lower speeds, the problem returns at 60 mph and up. I am glad I did waste money paying a shop to do it or to buy the tool from ECGS. I made my own from scrap pieces. What really pisses me off is that I have not even made the first payment on the truck and am ready to get rid of it. I can not believe that Toyota has gotten away with such poor engineering on the differentials on these trucks. The rear howls and the front has excessive vibration. What a total POS, will never buy another Toyota. Will stick with domestic real trucks. What a total waste of $$$$$.

 

Mine is in the shop now at Toyota. Maintenance guy said he had never heard of this issue, but they were going to take a look into it. I mentioned the EGCS Bushings. No word yet.

Also to note, the vibration stops for me when I get over 65 mph.

 

Mine used to be okay at highway speeds and bad at low speeds. The bushing reversed this condition. I honestly find it hard to believe every Tacoma owner is not bitching about this problem. It is very evident that it is a design flaw on Toyota's part. I only considered Toyota Tacoma because I prefer a manual transmission. I wish I had never even looked a Tacoma. I will stick with full size domestic brands from now on. My 2003 Silverado with 100k miles on it was better than this.

 

Why don't you get rid of it? Or join a forum and make nothing but belly-aching bitch post and contribute nothing.

Whatever works right?

 

I apologize for the bitch fest, I am just frustrated that I have not made a first payment yet and am already considering dumping it. I joined the forum prior to buying to get some insight on the truck, and then used information here to try and resolve some issues I was having. I was trying to let others know that the ECGS bushing may not 100% cure the problem. Some have said that it completely cured their vibration. I was not that fortunate, and wanted to let others know that you may not want to pay big money for an independent shop to do it. If you can do it yourself or convince the dealer to do it, you would be better off. I actually like truck overall, if it was not for the flawed differentials.

 

Your frustration is understandable, but you need to realize, these trucks are like snowflakes, no two are alike. Mine has a leaky diff, but no howl or vibes, front or rear. Some have one issue or another. A lucky few have no issues. If you truly are that unhappy, take the financial hit and move on, life is too short.

 

So got off the phone with Toyota and they are giving me a hard time because they "cant replicate" the vibration.
I called 4wheel parts and asked them if they can handle it and the sales guy seemed to think that all I would need to do was to put in a "front differential drop" because it should have been done with the 5100s and I dont think it was.

Have you guys tried doing that to eliminate the vibration?

 

You can keep going around in circles or you can just install the ECGS bushing and be done with it. You don't have your location in your profile. Did you post in the regional section as I mentioned before to get local info about who can do this for you?

 

San Diego

 

So post in the regional thread for San Diego and I am sure within a couple of hours someone will tell you where you can get the bushing install done.

 

He has been tagged in his local thrwad and that area has a super great mechanic.

 

So Toyota is not replacing the needle bearing in this situation? It was my understanding that the needle bearing caused a vibration at speeds between 10-30 mph.

 

Order the ECGS bearing and slap that sucker in! Youll need an install tool. I made one... looks like ass but it pulled my bearing out like butta.

 

Toyota said they would replace needle bearing, but everyone is saying that that is not the issue? They said they would not install the bushing. Called a drive shaft specialist and they said it would be 5-6 hours of labor.

Thanks for the tag in the other thread. I will have to get in contact with Speed Freak and get it fixed. What a pain in the ass.

How is this such a common problem but Toyota doesnt know about it?

 

All I know is, Toyota is going to address the issue. When I go to the dealer, I'll let you know what happens. I would recommend everyone who has this issue to call corporate, and get a case #. It's going to be hard for Toyota to deny there's a problem when many people are experiencing the same issue.