Driveline Vibration or Needle Bushing?

Hello all,

After lifting (Bilstien 6112 @2.5 inches and ICON AALs in the rear) my truck I stated getting a vibration and groaning from the front end. I think it is this TSB T-SB-0026-15 Front Differential Groaning/Grinding Cyclical Noise. But the dealership says it is this TSB T-SB-0008-14 Driveline Vibration.

I am feeling a slight vibration in the steering wheel and pedals around 30-45 MPH. And I can hear groaning that goes away when I put it into 4WD. I do not feel a shudder or vibration when I accelerate from a stop or anything around 15-25 MPH.

Anyone had any personal experience with these TSBs? Specifically, can someone described what they were feeling that caused them to get the Driveline Vibration TSB completed. Just looking to get some information to differentiate between the TSBs.


Thanks in advance,

Nick

 

i had the same issue with 2005 tacoma 4x4, i had to replace with ECGS bearing up front

 

Did you feel the vibration from the bearing in the steering wheel and or pedals?

 

If it goes away when you put it in 4WD, it's the needle bearing in the driver's side front differential. Get the ECGS bushing. Problem solved.

http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-8536125-toyota-8-clamshell-bushing-eliminates-needle-bearing.html

 

I had the Needle Bearing done. Though I don't recall the steering wheel having any shudder/vibration caused by that.

Maybe you have more than one issue? If engaging 4WD removes the vibration it's likely the Needle Bearing.

Steering wheel could be sign of an alignment issue post lift?

 

I'm going on over 25k with the TSB replacement needle bearing. No issues so far. If you are under warantee, I don't see any reason to not go that route. Out of warantee- go with the ecgs bushing..

 

2010...unless there's an extended warranty, probably going to have to go ECGS.

 

Thanks all..

First mechanic said it was a driveline issue. Told the service manager I disagreed. Went for a ride with a different mechanic, we didn't even make it out of the parking lot. He agreed it was the needle bearings.

Its a certified pre-owned so I have a warranty till 100k. They will do my bearings when/if (been waiting over a month) my new driveshaft comes in.

 

Does it matter if I don't replace the needle bearing? I have the same lift and have the noise but if thats all it is I can ignore it

 

In my world, a bad bearing is not a good thing so I would replace it. If it weren't under warranty I would do the bushings everyone is talking about.

With that being said I will defer to the experts on this forum about the need to or urgency of replaceing these bearings.