Front Diff. Needle Bearing Issue

Howdy all,

Just replaced the CV shafts on my '06 this morning, thinking that would solve my issues, but no luck. Still have the rattle-clunk routine while driving. As far as I can tell, it looks like the needle bearing issue that's been described by many others.

I've been looking at the ECGS bushing kit, and it seems like that's the way to go. What I'm wondering is if anyone's done this on their Tacoma, and if anyone would be willing to give me a hand with it? I think I could do it, but would like to have someone with some experience on hand.

Any help is appreciated!

 

I've never done it, but it looks to be pretty straightforward and would have no problem diving right into it, so I'd be happy to lend a hand.

With that said, your discription of "rattle-clunk" doesn't sound to me to be what the needle bearing replacement fixes, which is a cyclical vibration that occurs in 2H. Does your issue go away when you switch to 4H? If so, then it could very well be the needle bearing, but if not, then it's likely something else.

 

Are you lifted?
Is it the vibe issue around 40mph?
Does it go away when you go into 4H?

I’ve dont many of them, it’s a 3hr job at least

 

Not lifted, just a stocker. Around 40 tends to be most noticeable. Doesn't go away completely in 4H, but does quiet down. My main concern is that the bearing doesn't come apart and I wind up having to tear the entire thing apart chasing needles. Of course, if that happens, it has to happen. Do you happen to have the tools from them, by chance?

Honestly, I'm just kinda tired of chasing the wrong problems so far. But at least now I know what it is and what needs done. The good side is, the CVs needed done anyway. Just sucks to have to take all of that back apart again. LOL

 

I don’t have the tool,@bot102 does, but your really don’t need it. But it does make it easier to remove.
You’ll also wanna replace the oil seal in there.


Since you replaced the cv’s you also replaced the dust seals on the back of the knuckles?

 

Yeah I've got the removal tool. Let me know if you want to borrow it.

 

The needle bearing noise is not usually a rattle/clunk. It is more of a cyclic hum/growl. It goes away completely once 4wd is engaged. If it is not going away completely you're chasing a different issue.