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Front End Vibration Symptoms, Experiences and Fix

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by EB Group, Nov 8, 2015.

  1. Nov 8, 2015 at 7:05 AM
    #1
    EB Group

    EB Group [OP] Carbon Jedi

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2015
    Member:
    #159469
    Messages:
    1,406
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rudy
    Halifax
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD Sport DCSB 6M
    So believe I've been able to successfully diagnose and discover the cause of my vibration and clunking issues I have been having.
    In my research I have found many tacoma owners describing various symptoms, issues and solutions.

    It seems like front end vibration is a common issue that has been plaguing many 1st and 2nd get tacomas, the problem is the same in both generations and solution is similar as well.
    It has been discussed here and there but I haven't found that anyone has really addressed it completely from beginning to end.
    I am going to try and do so now to help anyone who may be having similar issues to try and point them in the right direction.

    My Issues:
    - Clunking in the front end on the drivers side that doesn't seem to have a pattern to it.
    - Serious vibration in the front end when getting off of the throttle, it does resonate more at certain speeds but it was at almost any speed off of the throttle.
    - Vibration in the front end while on the throttle at specific speeds.
    - Majority of the vibration would disappear when 4WD was engaged.

    What I've Replaced:
    - Lower Ball Joints
    - Inner and Outer Tie Rod Ends
    - Power Steering Rack Guide
    - Drivers Side Axle

    What I've Checked:
    - All of the above
    - Upper Ball Joints
    - Sway Bar Links
    - Steering Column Shafts, Joints and Knuckles
    - Wheel Bearings
    - Front Suspension
    - All fasteners in the front end
    - Front End Bushings

    What the issue actually is in my case:
    Needle bearing tolerance in the front differential is too loose and spider gear bore is not machined to canter the gear.

    Video Explaining the issue:
    (Although this video is describing issues in the '05+ Tacoma, it is the same issues in many toyota trucks.)
    https://youtu.be/BOvoM5irtEc?list=PLaX0YktJvGQuk-Xge30aZX-EXwvlKNUVK

    Solution:
    Remove the toyota needle bearing and replace it with an oil impregnated bronze bushing.

    Video of Installation of replacement busing and results :
    (Although the first two videos are describing issues in the '05+ Tacoma, it is the same issues in many toyota trucks.)
    Installation - https://youtu.be/WnA_R3gFf2s
    Bench Results - https://youtu.be/lzdakZGs1Dg?list=PLaX0YktJvGQuk-Xge30aZX-EXwvlKNUVK
    Another Installation - https://youtu.be/X8UijTh2Mwc

    Where you can buy the parts and tools to resolve this issue:

    Bushing, Seal and Tools for 86-02 4Runner, 96-04 Tacoma, 93-98 T100, 86-95 Pickup, 99-06 Tundra
    http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/c-1169297-toyota-clamshell-bushings-7-5-7-5-clamshell.html

    Bushing, Seal and Tools for 2007+ FJ Cruiser, 2005-2015 Tacoma and 2003+ 4Runner
    http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/c-1169296-toyota-clamshell-bushings-8-clamshell.html

    Bushing, Seal and Tools for 2007+ Tundra Front
    http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/c-1169298-toyota-clamshell-bushings-9-clamshell.html
     

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