OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread

Quickest easiest way to tell is to drive it, wait for the noise, and kick it into 4Hi. If it goes away, it's the needle bearing.

 

I don't have any noise and the vibration doesn't go away when I switch into 4Hi. Actually can't switch into 4Hi when it's really vibrating b/c I'm at 70mph, which is when it's worse. At lower speeds the vib is there, but much more difficult to pin down as to what speed makes it the worst so I can do the 4wd switch and eval the results. Is it possible that all my vibration is coming from a bad wheel bearing on the same side? The bear is starting to click a little, but I can only hear that when it's quiet outside and I'm in my driveway spinning the wheel with my ear to the back side of the wheel. LOL.

 

Here's the best video I could get on the wheel bearing click. It sounds like a dry leaf is being slapped in there. Best description I can come up with.

 

I doubt that's a needle bearing, then. Mine made noise at 30-40 MPH, and it seems like everyone else's did as well. It went away at lower or higher speeds.

Clicks are usually a bad CV axle.

 

Thanks man. I guess if I'm going to replace the cv axle I should probably just do the bushing (or new Toyota bearing). I mean, why not, right?

 

Yeah, you'll have everything apart anyway.

I'd do the bushing. It's tried and true.

 

Any one have opinions about brands of CV shafts to buy? or not buy?

 

I have 10,000 miles on the NAPA remanned axle I have on the passenger's side and it is doing fine. NAPA was the only place open with it in stock on the Sunday afternoon that I realized I needed it. I do generally have better luck with NAPA parts than other aftermarkets.

I accidentally cut the boot on my original and didn't want to deal with replacing that. It's easier to swap the whole axle. Plus I drove on it a couple days before I noticed it and it lost a lot of grease, so I was concerned I may have done a little damage to it.

 

Thanks!, I was looking at Rockauto cardone, but not sure.

 

Google "CVJ axles" they're reman'd factory axles. They also offer upgraded boots as well.

 

Giving this a bump, just to check once more before I place my order...

 

I have one. Pay shipping both ways and you may borrow it.

 

Cool! Can I pay pal you the money?

 

PM sent

 

I am getting ready to order the bearing-replacement bushing from ECGS, too. My issue is most likely a bad CV axle and not the needle bearing, but if I'm already that far into the job I might as well replace the bearing.

I'm getting an up/down wobble/bounce and a slight steering wheel shimmy at low speeds. Like a tire is out of round or something. At highway speed (70mph exactly, actually) the steering wheel is vibrating/shimmying and the whole cab is shaking. I have ZERO noises. Last weekend I replaced both front wheel bearings b/c I was hoping that would fix my issues, but nope. Anyone have an other insight into this? Should I replace my ball joints/tie rod ends/etc while I'm at it? Seems like they are all fine(ish) but I have 186,000 miles on the rig. 06 4x4

 

Did anyone notice the sound at a low speed....when you were coming to a stop?

I just bought an 08 tacoma and noticed the sound at low speeds.... I definitely hear a womp, womp, womp when coming to a stop (like slowing down on short patches of rumble strip). It sounds like mud tires, but given that it's uneven and not a constant whir I'm confident it's not from the tires. The noise goes away when I engage my 4x4. I also have a slight left to right wheel shake at 60+ (Have not noticed it at ~40 yet). I'm not sure if I notice a 30-40 vibration because I'm still getting use to the truck.

Think I need to replace the bearing with this bushing?

 

I'm certainly no expert, but this sounds more like either a front end/steeering component or tire balancing issue rather than a CV axle problem. Normally, with CV problems there will be noise such as clicking when the wheels are turned sharply. Also, you didn't mention whether or not you have visible CV damage such as busted boots.

When you jack the front end up do you have any play in the steering components? I'd start there and maybe get my tires balanced.

 

If the noise goes away when you engage the 4x4, that's a good sign that it's the needle bearing. Is the truck lifted?

 

The vibration- which more like a wobble or hop at low speeds and a shimmy at highway speeds- started before my lift. The lift made ZERO difference in the shimmy. Yes, it is lifted about 2-2.5" (strut shims and AAL). The shimmy started when I had stock alloy rims and cheap tires that were about 40k worn. I balanced and rotated those multiple times with no change in shimmy/wobble. I recently put on some after market rims (larger) and good tires. ZERO change in shimmy. Yesterday I replaced both front wheel bearings b/c it felt like that might be the issue(s). Dammit if that made ZERO difference either. I had it back up in the air this aftertnoon to see if I could ID any rear end issues. No play in rear bearings. No obvious gear oil leaks. Drive shaft spins freely (replaced all u-joints front to back) and there is no obvious wobble. Center carrier bearing replaced recently, too. All steering components seem fine-ish. No cv boot blow outs, ball joints and tie rod ends don't have excessive play.

I am freaking pissed that I can't ID the problem. No noises. No clicks upon steering. 4wd engaging makes no difference. What am I missing?!!

 

Maybe it would be best to replace ball joints and tie rod joints first? I feel like it's in the driveline section somewhere and the steering wheel shake is just telegraphed wobble from something else, but could be wrong. My stick is virtually always shaking/wobbling at highway speeds even when I can't really feel the vibe. Where is the egg-shaped wheel feel coming from at low speeds? Feels like an out of round tire and is subtle most of the time but some roads makes it more pronounced. At highway speeds I feel it in the floorboard/seats and a shimmy on the steering wheel and stick shift. It's driving me mad!