OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread

Hey guys. I'm trying to get rid of my, new in box, ECGS bushing for a 2nd Gen Tacoma. I bought it but upsized to a Tundra before I got around to the job. If interested please PM me. $50. Includes the ECGS bearing puller. Both brand new. I'll cover the shipping to the lower 48.

 

PM’d

 

2012 Tacoma 4x4 double cab.

I noticed a noise recently and first thought the tires needed a rotation, even though they were not due for a while. I had the tires rotated at Discount and noise was still present.

Next, I had my local mechanic change out both front wheel bearings (light grinding noise/vibration seemed to be coming from right side) but left bearing was not in best of shape either.

Grinding/vibration is still present. I found this thread and read through 20-30 pages and called Toyota about TSB. Just to be clear, this isn’t a call issue? I was blown away after seeing. 224 page thread with virtually everyone having the same issues. Lastly, new needle bushing or ECGS bushing is best route?

Thanks in advance.

 

ECGS bushing without question. The dealer may cover the new needle bearing under the TSB but it is the exact same bearing as before.

 

My issue started before I lifted my truck. 2007 dbl cab. The noise got worst as I started off roading it more and after installing an ICON Stage IV lift kit. Parts are ordered bc the noise is worst.

 

Wondering the same lol I have about 50k on a bad one! Im just waiting on a free saturday to swap it out with the ECGS.

 

Its been making noise for about 50k miles, I orignally thought it was wheel bearings but I changed them out and it was still making noise, I should have just swapped the bearing out orignally because the noise would go away in 4wd lol.

 

I have 217000 miles on my Taco and I am pretty sure the needle bearing is just now starting to fail. I lifted it at 170000 and haven't had any issues till now. I know my drive train is well out of warranty but do you think Toyota would still replace it anyways? For the TSB (T-SB-0026-15)? Cost Estimate? I would normally do myself but its 20 degrees here in MT so I am forced to bite the bullet.

 

I would just buy the ECGS bushing and have a shop install.

 

Thought about it but would Toyota install this?

 

Yeah the cold is not waiting around! I will try and give the shop a call here on Monday and see what they can do.

 

I have the bearing puller tool for $40 . Used once . PM me if interested.

 

I took my 2015 Tacoma to the dealership today to have the needle bearing replaced under the service bulletin. The response of course was "I cannot hear any noise except the suspension and tires." So just how loud does this problem get? Can it get loud enough to be noticeable without causing any other damage to the diff? Once it starts squealing, I suspect one is hosed as the housing will be scored.

I will be do an oil change on Tuesday... So I guess I try yanking the axle around to check for play. Any other way to convince them to fix it sooner rather than later?

The service writer and master tech had not heard of this problem prior to my visit. I did have them search for the TSB, but it was new to them. They did find a tech in the shop that had done two replacements, but he said th bad bearing was LOUD.

 

I have a puller for sale for the cost plus shipping. Or if you live in Middle TN, can meet ya.

 

Just installed my ECGS bushing tonight and could feel/hear the difference before I even made it out of the driveway (‘12 TRD Sport 2” leveling kit). Thanks to everyone that has contributed to this thread. I’ve read and re-read many of the posts and the information helped immensely.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/want-to-share-ecgs-removal-tool.612201/page-2

 

I have a question. I bought my 15 Tacoma about 4 months ago with it certified pre owned. I just installed an OME lift and Im getting light vibes in 2wd at around 10 mph and disappearing about 20 mph. In 4 high the vibes aren't there. I'm assuming it's the needle bearing on driver side. My question is can I take it to the dealer under warrenty for a replacement? I know they have a service bulletin for it. Or will they tell me to kick rocks since I put a lift on it? Ill try and do the fix myself otherwise. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

I too have an OME lift set to 2 inches. I took mine to the stealership for this issue. The service writer said that the lift did not invalidate the TSB. He said the dealership sells lifted trucks. it would be problematic for them to be selling new trucks not covered by the TSBs.

So far, it is not loud enough for the technician to hear. He said he heard tire noise. Either he is not hearing the same thing I am hearing or he thinks tire noise is rythmic at 35 mph. I need to take it back when it gets louder.

They tried to sell me new tires even though I have tread above the wear bars. After I snapped at him about his claim about the tread, he disappeared quickly.

The stealership thieves in Escondido, CA are billing service time at $145/hour.

 

FYI. I installed the ECGS bushing in my 2013 Tacoma in 2013 with less than 10,000 miles due to vibration after 3” lift (5100 billies with 650 coils and 1/4” spacer). Just removed cv due to torn boot at 90,000 miles and replaced with new. NO ( none, nada) shavings on drain plug. Minimal wear on cv no visible scoring on bushing. Will post pics and update on how the new cv works with the old bushing as I have not driven it yet

 

I just had my 2014 Tacoma lifted & started to hear this grinding noise. Thanks to this thread, I was able to quickly identify the problem. This thread also helped me by informing me that there is a TSB for this exact issue. I called the dealership against my better judgement, and explained everything to them. They said to bring it in, it didn't matter if I lifted the vehicle or not. I had to tell them the exact TSB number that I got from here, he said they can't search for them. I ask about cost & he looked up my account. I was over the 60k power train warranty, but they must of suckered me at some point at purchase into an extended warranty; and that would cover this issue. Since no money out of my pocket, I took the truck in w/ multiple print outs of the TSB; one for the counter & I left one in the truck for the mechanic. They agreed that the TSB was exactly what was going on & had to order the parts & I had to bring the truck back two days later. I guess they can't take your word for it & order parts ahead of time, I understand that. I took the truck back, they performed the TSB & the sound is completely gone. It's been a month now & all is still well. FYI, the cost for this if you have to pay a dealership to do is around $288.43 (no tax). That's $250.00ish for the labor & $46.00ish for the parts. If I had to pay, I would consider the ECGS bushing option; but this is working good so far.