Noise fixed ! 2018 front differential replaced under TSB 0018

Hi all. New here. Have a 2018 limited.Just want to report the fix for the needle bearing grinding noise under tsb 0011-0018.

Needle bearing started to have the notorious grinding or humming noise at around 30-40 MPH speed. Noise will be gone with 4 wheel high. It was more obvious after I lifted the car. Was planning to replace the needle bearing with ECGS, but right after I placed the order, I found the tsb start to cover 2018 model and they actually will replace the whole front differential. Brought the tsb with me to the dealer, around lunch time the service advisor told me it is the symptom under the tsb, they will get the part and replace the whole thing tomorrow. Will report back.

 

Diff wont fix it, it will still do the hum after the diff is changed. Surprised they are trying to do the TSB, I would never bother, even the 19's hum when lifted. Always ECGS bearing, no choice for the customer.

 

Welcome to TW, also this ^^^^

The new front diff will just have the same needle bearing in it.

 

They told me the new part actually has a new designed bearing similar to the ecgs, let me check if it fix it. If not I will do the ecgs

 

Have you get it replacwd with a new diff?

 

I would ask them to install the bushing on the new diff.

Separate work order of course.

 

Most everyone on here with any moderate lift will do the ECGS bearing.

In your case, we’re just saying a new diff from Toyota will have the same needle bearing as the old diff.

 

Not sure if they are willing to put a 3rd party bushing in there since it a whole new diff. Anyway, I will let them change the diff first and will report.back. I got the ecgs out of mailbox just now.
The truck only got 16000 miles so far

 

Is that why my freshly lifted 2019 goes wum, wum, wum, and i can feel it in the steering wheel, between 20-30 and 40-50? Oddly slow rythmic noise

Dealer said that TSB didn’t apply to my vin

 

Some Toyota dealers are actually using the ECGS clamshell bushing now. Our local 4wd shop does one on every Tacoma they lift.

 

update：no more bearing noise after the tsb fix, dealer changed the whole front diff. Tested at 25-40 MPH, no noise no vibration. I am happy now, not sure if I will return the ecgs and the removal tool.

 

The tsb only apply to 16-18. But you can try, it you turn to 4wheel high and the noise go away, it is the needle bearing

 

How much lift do you have? You might hold on to that bushing a little while.....

 

1.75 front，2.5 rear。 guess I just keep the bearing

 

It's not too difficult to swap out (if need be).

 

It is amazing that Toyota hasn’t changed that bearing design in 15 years and through two generations of trucks.

 

Prolly cheaper to not redesign.