OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread

So I have a 2015 dcsb Tacoma with 47K miles. I recently put a 2.5" lift and 255/85R16 Cooper ST Maxx..Immediately I noticed I feel a pulsating in my foot from 30-40mph. Its constant and always there when maintaining those speeds and DOES go away when shifted in 4hi. I don't hear any groan or noise associated with it and I only feel it in my foot, nothing in the steering wheel

I took the truck to my local dealership and tried to get them to replace the needle bearing under the TSB but they said the pulsating is not a result of the bad needle bearing and that you have to be able to hear the needle bearing growling or groaning while driving.

Does this sound correct and should I be concerned about the pulsating at 30-40mph ? I was hoping they would just do the needle bearing under the tsb but no luck. Now I am wondering if I should do the ECGS bushing on my own and see if that fixes it. The shop foreman at the dealership said he would not be concerned with the pulsating unless it got worse. Thoughts?

 

Sounds like a bad needle bearing to me. If the noise goes away in 4 HI that’s a tell tale sign. Do the ECGS bushing and be done with it.

 

I did the ecgs bushing but still have vibes at certain times. Mainly when accelerating from a dead stop. It still goes away with 4hi.

For anyone needing a removal tool pm me and we can work it out.

 

So after my last 4wheel trip I started getting the growling, rubbing sound bad. It was also time for new front breaks. Creek crossings with steep hills became a challenge to stop. As I was taking it in to get the breaks done (Les Schwab) , I heard loud rubbing then my ABS light came on! Breaks were replaced but was told there was a lot of play in the bearings and most likely needed replacement. Was hoping the ABS light would go away with new breaks, not the case. Been researching issue and it sounds like I may have damaged the wheel speed sensor which is connected to the ABS system. Anyone run into this issue before? Got an appointment with the dealership next week but not looking forward to the $bill and always nice to go in with some knowledge so they don't try to shaft me.

 

I got tired of trying to pry out the CV from the diff. Got creative with this. Still didn’t work ha. Ended up getting it with my tire iron

 

Anyone have the ECGS removal tool available?

 

I’ve got one. Just used it. Need one?

 

Anyone have any luck having the dealer to the TSB under warranty even if you have a mild lift with new shocks/coils?

 

I have a removal tool I bought from ECGS for $45 when I did my 2016. Anyone interested in buying it? $20 plus shipping

 

Same for me. I showed up at 7am and went for a test ride with the tech. He said he could definitely feel it and would recommend to the service advisor that they do it. He did say technically that they should not replace it unless they can hear it groaning but after I explained that I would be back when that started and much less pleasant he laughed and said “no problem”. It’s hit or miss with the dealers it seems. They gave me a brand new 2018 off-road as a free loaner and did the work. My dealer is good most of the time - depends on who you get.

 

Does this issue only happen to lifted Tacoma's or stock as well

 

Lifted

 

I seem to remember reading several posts regarding stock tacomas with little mileage having the same issues.

 

That may be true but most guys have the needle bearing issue as soon as the front is lifted.

 

It’s there on a stock truck - lifting it just amplified the issue. Some hear it before lifting. I heard it immediately after lifting.

 

Mine.

 

Same here

 

Same here

 

Anyone have an removal tool for sale?

 

Hey there new to this site so I've been reading a lot about the needle bearing issue pretty sure that's what I have 2006 Tacoma driver side vibration coming from the differential the only thing is it goes away when I turn left. But I got down there with a stethoscope and spun the wheel and definitely pinpointed it was in the differential so I bought the replacement bushing from ECGS. Figured it would need to be done anyways if it's not it but not sure what else it could be. Anyway I've heard of some people getting their dealership to take care of this problem does anyone know of a dealer in the Portland Oregon area that will do this? Any info would be greatfull and much appreciated. Thanks