OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread

Could be. Did you top your fluid back off after you were done changing the bearing? I would change it and see if it does anything. Even using synthetic, you're talking less than $20, can't hurt.

 

This has been reported before by a couple of others. I'm wondering if there is not a second underlying problem? Fix one thing and the other comes to the forefront.

As far at the bushing itself, the only things I can think of that might be related would be driving it in a bit too far so as to contact the spider gears, and getting an odd ball that has too much clearance. With the truck sitting on the ground in a relaxed position, wheels straight, grab the CV tulip at the diff and see how much relative up and down movement it has. There should be some for sure, but is it real sloppy?

Otherwise you may have to chase the famous Taco vibes and noises problems. From your previous post it sounds like a cyclic noise and that is often typical of a bearing. What does the magnet on the diff drain plug look like? Anything other than gray goo? Also, I would not automatically rule out wheel bearings just because of low mileage. And, check your backing plates to see if they may be contacting the front discs, although this is commonly more of a scraping noise.

 

Fortunately for you the service dept. there is now rumored to be one of the better around here, if there is even such a thing. I remain skeptical.

My money is on them saying they have never heard of it, or some other denial, or blame it on you. Maybe if all goes really well you get a new diff and then wait for it to go bad too. Keep us posted.

Frankly, I think that this would be one of the first mods I would do on any 2nd Gen. 4WD, stock or lifted, brand new or with some mileage. Mine went south on a low mileage stock truck.

 

Thanks for the reply, The bushing is flush with the carrier and not to far in. Im changing the fluid today.

 

I don't know if changing the fluid completely will help, but after 30k on my odometer, my front diff fluid was just slightly gray, not black. My transfer case was still nice and golden. The rear diff was black as sin.

 

Based on the facts that I have:
1. Vibration between 30-40mph, that i can feel in the gas pedal.
2. Goes away with 4x4(actually seems to go away for a while when back in 2wd but it comes after awhile)

I'd say this is my issue..

 

im going to try the fluid change and top off tonight. I can't figure this out for the life of me. Im very frustrated

 

how did the cv shaft look when you removed it?

did you check the wheel bearings?

 

The cv had very light wear marks but no scoring or grooves. The truck has just 12000 miles on it and if it goes away in 4wd I don't see how it would be the wheel bearing.

 

Thanks for all the helpful info. I'm having this problem on my 02.

Is it dangerous or causing major problems if I continue to drive my truck with the faulty bearing? My vibration is pretty minor at the moment, sometimes it's really noticeable other times it disappears.

Thanks for your input.

 

Never heard of a catastrophic failure occurring due to the bearing. I've driven my truck for 60k+ miles with the vibe without any issue.

 

Needle bearing? No.

Wheel bearing? Yes.

On a trip in the mountains once I ended up with a shudder on the way up a sketchy road. Got to the top and removed a speed sensor to find metal shavings. Only thing I could do was head back down for the highway. I squirted some oil in through the sensor hole and headed back down. I made it about 10 min from town when the tire locked up on the highway. I was able to pull off safely and get it towed.

Funny thing is 2 years later in the same area the damn bearing went again. Lol had a spare this time around though.

 

Beings as this whole thread is about the faulty needle bearing in the front diff, why would anyone think I was referring to anything other than that....

 

My thoughts exactly, Daniel.

 

Sorry I've been subd to this thread for a bit now. Most of the discussions would start at the needle bearing and some would turn out to be issues with the wheel bearing.
Didn't mean to confuse you guys.
Not sorry though.

 

The shop said my front diff is "worn out". If I replace the needle bearing with ECBS's fix, will that make my diff no longer "worn out"?

Sorry if that question is obvious, I am not a mechanic by any means.

 

^^^Probably not worn out. lol (not lolling at you just what you were told) How many miles does your truck have? Why did you take it in? because of a vibration? Does 4wd work? I'm betting it's just the needle bearing and possibly a cv shaft.

 

^^^75000 miles. I have the "rumble strip" vibration. Driver side CV has a little play on the diff side. 4WD works.

 

^^^EGCS bearing and tool and possibly a shaft. No way would I replace the diff.

 

Cool. Thanks Yotabilly. I am going to get it and see if I can fix it myself.