My Front End Growling/Noise Experience.....

You paid $2500 to fix this ?

 

Hi, Thanks for your inquiry.
Unfortunately, yes. Just the new front differential with tax, here in CA, is $2036, plus 5 hours labor charges. This is from Toyota of the Desert in Cathedral City, Ca.
This dealer is paying the additional $500. for the damaged driver's side CV AXLE, which helps. Still a major expense to me. It has been at the dealer day #3 now. The new CV axle is supposed to arrive today. We'll see.

 

If you use the dealership regularly for servicing, then I suspect they'll split he cost 50/50 with you (they did with me and that was the reason why). Glad my detailed writeup helped you out. And good for you on inspecting your axle! On a side note, you probably could pay an independent shop to replace the bearing from outside after removing the axle, as we've learned to do, for around $600. Doing it myself cost about $126 plus oil (bearing, seal, & axle).

 

Hi Jim,

Thanks for your reply. I have purchased 3 vehicles, including 2- 4X4s, from this dealer, in past years. The dealer's district parts and service manager (DPSM) declined to help with Diff replacement cost, as they said I hadn't been there often enough for much service. Most of my service on this Tacoma, with only 35K miles, has been Warranty issues, including one with leaking frt diff seals in Jan 2010, and TSB Rear springs 3 years ago. A few times regular service, as I live 50 miles from this, the nearest Toyota dealer. Also, just bought a new Avalon there two months ago.

I called Toyota Corporate, but no reply yet on my case. Nevertheless, I must have it fixed, as I can't do this kind of heavy work anymore myself. At least this dealer is paying for the new CV axle. The service mechanic's supervisor, said my diagnosis was exactly correct,and Also my mild 2" lift last week was not the cause.

Thanks so much for your expertise, and great service to our group with Tacoma's!

( My truck has been great except for the rear springs, including TSB springs going soft after two years, bottoming out almost empty, until this frt diff premature failure). I mainly use it on highway, and then off-road maybe 25 days a year, during hunting seasons, pretty mild travels. Quite disappointing, and sorry to hear you had to do it twice! Hopefully, Toyota will get this issue corrected and re-engineered. All my other Toyota 4X4s, (84 4-Runner, 92 SR5, 2000 Tundra, have been pretty much faultless).

 

Toyota Corp called me back in a day or two, so it shouldn't be long. When you talk to them again, bring up the leaking diff warranty problem if it was driver's side, and tell them you suspect that the bearing and axle probably didn't get enough lubrication due to the leak and that you think they failed to replace all the damaged parts (axle, front diff bearing). Certainly worth putting them on notice that you may follow up with a lawyer because you believe it was damaged from a defective part (the bad seal). Long shot, but maybe they'll cover it all. Otherwise, it almost sounds like your dealership doesn't want to pay for half with their discretionary goodwill money. And FYI, my parts guys said not to use OEM axles because of the cost being ridiculously high. So you're not really saving any money with them because you could bring in your own axle for $100. And there's NO additional labor cost to them for changing the axle because that has to be removed as part of swapping the front diff. In all, you're only saving about $100 by using the OEM axle because you're not buying an aftermarket one yourself and having them use it (something you can do if it's not covered under warranty).

 

Hi Jim,

Thanks for your reply. I received a call from the dealer, late this afternoon, that my Tacoma repairs are done, with new frt diff installed, new driver side CV axle, and all related parts. The service advisor stated my truck now runs smooth in driving test, no noise or vibrations as before. I will be traveling the 50 miles to my dealer tomorrow morning to pay the bill and pick it up.

I have not heard back yet from Toyota Corporate, so maybe Monday. I noted your advice, and I will remember that when I speak to Corporate. I will call them on Monday, if they don't call me first.

Looking back, I think you are exactly right. Where I live, small town, I don't know anyone who could do this kind of work, with first rate quality. ( I used to do a lot years ago, but the years have caught up with me a bit, and I've got some limitations).

Thanks very much!

 

I have an 01, lifted 6". When I engage my 4wd, I get that growling in the front end, and tire chirp. I have a bit of difficultly getting her out of 4wd on command. Reverse usually does the trick. I have no idea what the issue is with my truck, but it doesn't sound good. Your post sounded a lot like my issue, except mine makes the sound when engaged in 4wd. Sounded like you said yours goes away when engaged? Do you guys really think my front diff is shot? Any help?

 

Totally different situation. I bet you're engaging your 4wd on dry pavement? If so, don't do that!

 

I am aware of engaging 4wd on dry pavement, and the possibility of binding. To my understanding, turning on dry pavement is the hazard. Enaging the 4wd on dry pavement alone should not cause issues right? Only turning would cause the drivetrain to bind? When engaging on dirt, I shouldnt hear the growling sound correct?

 

What the problem in this thread is about is a grinding noise or vibe in 2wd. You said yours was in 4wd. Thus, it has nothing to do with the problem in this thread (that's really what I meant by completely different situation). The vibe from the front diff bearing is present in 2wd, but not present in 4wd.

 

For those of you who aren't getting results from your dealership, and don't want to do the fix yourself. Go to another dealership. The reason you're getting denied is because when THEY file claim against Toyota Care for yoru repairs, they are telling them about your lift. Many dealerships don't care and if they don't say anything about a lift, no one knows, you get approved. Its ultimately the dealerships that are screwing you over.... not corporate.

 

Thanks for the help

 

Not always the case.. My dealer told Corp. that I had a lift, but they also made it clear that I have the diff drop spacers and how they lesson the stress on the cv's... So they agreed to fix mine... I love the service at my dealer. there awsome! most of the time..

Oh and now after lifting my 2012 I am hearing a similar noise, but it doesnt go away in 4wd. So I assume its a wheel bearing.. Which is complete bull! for being a brand new truck..
So off to the dealer next week so they can fix it.. I love warranty!

 

I seem to have the same problem. Took it to one shop they didn't hear it. The second shop heard it and said its not that bad yet referring to the bearing. I took it somewhere else and they rode with me, heard the noise, used a stethoscope and said it was the bearing. Replaced that and still same problem. Reading the threads I tried the 4 Hi deal and it went away. I have 130k on my 05 (no warrenty). My question is should I pay a dealership or a local shop that is fairly cheap in comparison?

 

You should get the ECGS bushing instead, and Install it yourself..

http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-8536125-toyota-8-clamshell-bushing-and-tool.html