'16-'18 Front Differential Cyclical Groaning/Grinding Noise TSB

Just updated and includes 2018 models. Not sure what the difference is, but there is actually an UPDATED part number for the front differential according to the TSB. Maybe a needle bearing factory fix?

 

Yes!!! Ive had this problem for the past 3 months and couldn't figure it out! Now the real question is will my powertrain warranty be a fight because I have a 3in lift on the truck??

 

It is good that it is covered, but they are still replacing the whole diff. There are no notes about what was changed or upgraded. Considering the time, hassle, and possible screw ups, it might still be best to do the ECGS bushing?

In the right conditions (downhill coasting at slowly decreasing speeds), I have felt front end vibes that go away if I pop it into 4wd. I am on the stock suspension and wheels with 4,400mi on it. I have only felt it a few times, so I am starting to think about what I might do if this is felt more often.

 

Ive had it for the past few months. Its started like yours coming and going but now its more often. Probably at least once per drive if not more. So far the 3 months Ive had the truck I havent had any problems with it. Just had to live with this noise/vibe until spring when I could be outside and figure out whats going on down there. I took it into Toyota because I originally thought it was because of my bigger tires or wheel bearings and it wasn't. Im at 45k miles with 1" larger tires lifted a little over 2.5"

Do you have more info one the ECGS bushing? I haven't heard that mentioned before.

 

There a a bunch of threads in the 3rd Gen forum. Here's a good one:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-diff-vibes-ecgs-bushing-fix.464941/

The bushing is reasonable, the big costs are in the removal and installation tools and possibly labor costs if done at a shop.

I have a Harbor Freight blind bearing puller and am wondering if it can be used? I haven't dug into the threads that far yet.

 

Do you think its worth getting the diff swapped out and then ECGS bushing change or just start with the bushing change?

 

That's the thing. I think there is a post somewhere showing that Toyota may have gone with a slightly wider needle bearing. I don't know when that might have been rolled into the production trucks.

The diff swap seems silly to me when the dealerships could save a ton by just swapping the bearing. I don't necessarily want the front end pulled apart when it is just a matter of pulling a spindle, a seal, and a bearing. Then there is the dance at the dealership to get this approved and the time wasted in the process.

This is why I am wondering about doing it at home if it gets worse?

Also, there is nothing in the TSB about inspecting the end of the drive shaft for wear. It might be out of spec and they might just slap it back together with a sparkly new diff that might end up with the same problem.

 

ya but if they replace the entire front diff and then have the ECGS bushing changed your truck should be brand new with no vibe and you got rid of the part that is actually causing the problem right?

 

The dealership will not install the bushing, esp under warranty. That is why it seems silly to me. I don't want to go through the hassle of a diff swap and not have the problem fixed.

That said, there are a few threads that note the bushing didn't fix the vibes. I believe all of those that I read were on lifted trucks.

I'm going to give it a bit more time, miles, and research.

 

The fact of the matter is that we don't know what is different about the updated part number. It could very well be a better design with tighter tolerances or not, we simply don't know!

 

I think ill have both done. Then I can try and swing a trade with the dealership. Replace my front diff under powertrain warranty even tho my truck is lifted and then ill pay you to change the bushing. Hopefully they go for that?

 

where did you find this service bulletin?

 

And I just got off the phone with the service at my dealership. They said the fix is a needle bearing and they don't just drop a whole new front diff in. Im not sure if hes looking at a different bulletin than the one that started this thread but thats what was said over the phone. The new needle bearing is a new part number so hopefully its redesigned and they don't just stick the same problem part in

 

Hello world

 

But where did you find it? I search Tacoma TSB but didn't see anything over 2014

 

So is it a better Needle Bearing?

 

TIS

 

The service member I talked to on the phone made it sound like a needle bearing and not a completely new front diff

 

It sounds like he is unaware of the new TSB as it came out yesterday. If you are experiencing this particular drivetrain N.V.H., you should print out the .pdf above and go to your local dealer to explain the situation to them.