Differential issue - kudos to the dealer

This may be of interest, but it is regarding the differential on my '08 FJ, not the Tacoma... but I would suspect the FJ diff is very similar (if not the same) as the diff in the Tacoma.

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago I noticed a relatively faint whining sound coming from the rear diff. It was clear that it wasn't related to tire noise, road surface, engine rpm or transmission gear. It was most evident between 45 and 65 mph, with the most volume around 50-55. Just a faint whine.

Took it to the dealer. He said the techs put it up on the lift first and listened with a stethoscope. Said it sounded like there was gravel inside the diff. Very noisy. They expected it to be really noisy when driven, but they were surprised the whine was so low-level... but it was still obvious to them.

The dealer didn't even bat an eye... totally new diff on the way. He said they're not paid to take them apart and figure out what's wrong with them - they completely replace them. They also heard a front wheel bearing going out and they're going to replace that as well. I still can't hear that myself. No charge for anything.

There's 51,000 miles on the FJ.

Bottom line: I'm impressed with the dealer's actions. Rodland Toyota in Everett, WA. Nope, I'm not affiliated with them at all. Every time I've gone to them, I've gotten great service. I do have 2 Toyotas - maybe that helps, I dunno.

Real Bottom Line: If you hear any whine coming out of your diff, it's not supposed to be making the noise. Take it and have it looked at by someone if you can.

 

Sounds like a great dealer. I wish they were all that kind! Glad they took care of you.

 

wow and to think i got in a 15 min verbal fight with my dealer about my steering wheel shake. I hate my dealer.

 

Can you give his name and location?

 

A little more info on the great dealer in Everett, WA. If you go there, see if you can request "Jim" on the "Blue Team"... he's the service writer and he owns a Tacoma 4X4 also. Good guy.

 

the hoover toyota location, i have just had problems with getting my truck back in a reasonable time, and getting any information about a wait time, or the status of my truck. 1/2 of the people there are great and really nice. the other 1/2 treat me like i just ran there dog over.

 

My dealership replaced mine at 54,000 kms. Oil seals went and it cooked 'er. They were very accomodating and looked right after me.

 

While it's a pleasant surprise to find a dealer willing to really troubleshoot a problem like that for you it's even more surprising for them to find a bad front wheel bearing on their own, not to mention that it is covered under the 60K powertrain warranty. The cynic in me says that dealer must be hungry enough that even warranty work is welcome revenue.

 

My thoughts exactly. While I was waiting for them to check out the diff, I was hanging around the showroom. There's a Scion in there with fancy paint and wheels... it's the same one that was in there nearly 2 months ago I think.