OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread

a length of 2" pipe will give you the reach you need and you can hammer on it.

 

I'll pick some up...gotta remove the shock anyway...my needle bearing was actually fine...never had any issues besides one of the needles was broke. Less slop for sure though.

 

Ok figured out my issue. Long story short ..... took a good hard hit on the left front. When I took off the tire found where the control arm hit the c/v axle. My suspicions are the ECGS bushing and axle seal where damaged. The axle has quite a bit of slop.
Going to try and replace the axle , bushing and seal .... keeping my fingers crossed.

Has anyone removed the ECGS bushing with the removal tool ??

 

I wonder if there's enough room since its longer ? I think @blackhawke88 did

 

Ok this fix is kicking my butt. That said I am ready to put the cv back in. I won't go into what a pain it was to get the tool to seat into the diff.....madness!

The cv slides part way in but I am sure the c clip is stopping at the splines. Spent probably an hour last night trying over and over...no luck. Any tricks? I had a nightmare that it was something with fit on the bushingBut I looked this morning and pretty sure it is the clip. Help a brother out with getting this together!

 

Turn the c clip to where the ends are facing down. This will make sure that as little of it is coming in contact with the housing. Then, with the cv as straight and as compressed as possible, have a helper hit the end with a hammer and a block of wood. Block of wood is important because it protects the cv.

 

Thanks, got'er in with a punch. I appreciate your quick reply!

 

Now just hope the seal doesn't leak...as I have found out if you struggle at all you most likely messed up the seal lol

 

Hi I replaced the seal as well. Figured while I was in there, best to not chance messing around. But agreed...took it for a drive, got back and thought, huh, leak? Near as I can tell, just really shiny from all the leakage. Ended up do a gear oil change as well since I am st 26200 miles. Anyway crossing my fingers glad it is done, pain in the ass project

 

I'd consider myself fairly well versed on the needle bearing issue, but what's the consensus on the amount of lift it takes to have issues? Some say 1.5" on the 5100's does it, others say 2.5" of lift does it. F'n Toyota.

 

It doesn't take lift to have this issue.

 

^ this. if there's a tsb for it, then it happens to stock trucks

 

No kidding... jeez i think I already have the problem then though very minimal. No difference between 2WD & 4WD though. Always chalked it up to my ST MAXX tires.

I'm outside warranty, around 70,000 miles. Going to have to do the ECGS install myself.

 

They have issues with or without a lift,its bullshit Toyota design that's the problem,I test drove a brand new Tacoma off the lot,and can feel a ton of vibrations even a brand new truck !

 

So then yeah i'm assuming I already have this issue and have been living with it. Some of the needle bearing video's I've watched were more of a growl sound where you can hear the needle bearing humming so I was expecting it to be alot worse and louder. Mines barely noticeable now. Hope mine doesn't get worse when it goes up 2" this weekend.

 

I have the ECGS needle bearing removal tool. Used once $30 priority shipped to your door! PM if interested

That's 50% off

 

I will take the tool,pm sent

 

That is way better than 50%. Shipping would be another $10!

 

The tool I used, and several more, are floating around for free. All you do it use it, and send it to the next person that needs it.

 

Anyone ever remove the ECGS bushing ? Think I may have damaged it. I have the removal tool for the needle bearing but don't know if it will work to remove the bushing ?