Front diff going bad on a road trip -should I fix ASAP?

I have a 2012 Tacoma 4x4, stock. I noticed a drone/vibration coming from the front end. Checked the front diff and the driver side output has a lot of play - definitely more than the other side. I am fairly certain it is the infamous needle bearing issue.

The issue is I am traveling on vacation and about 1200 miles from home. I have a week left in the region so I could try to line up a local Mechanic but it would be very inconvenient. Is this something I can try to limp home, our should I try to fix asap?

Prompt answers would be great thanks!

 

Unless the drone/groan sounds bad and is very prominent, I wouldn't worry about it. I haven't heard of many cases where the needle bearing actually fails.

edit: also if you switch to 4hi going about 20 mph and feel the vibration disappear, that will confirm whether or not it's the needle bearing. Just be going in a straight line when you do it.

 

You COULD remove the cv/shafts and undo the front driveshaft if youre really concerned.

 

He would need the ends of the CV that goes into his wheel bearing to hold it all together, so this really wouldn't work unless he cuts up his axles. Which isn't a great solution here.

 

...Also, while I am still in the area (Black Hills, SD) it would be nice to still have 4wd. Though I could probably get by without. No easy access to tools either. And yes I would need some part of the shaft to keep the bearing assy together

 

Really? Thats shitty. On my old nissan, if you blew up your front diff, all we had to do was pip put those half shafts and the drive shaft.

 

I wish it were that easy, but that's why I carry two pairs of these in case that ever happens. Also if you were to pull the CV's you could leave the front driveshaft in, on these trucks anyways.

 

Yeah, the drive shaft doesn't hold the bearing assembly together, the bearing is bolted to the knuckle. The concern with removing the driveshaft would be losing gear fluid and opening the diff to contamination.

I would keep going and monitor the vibration levels.

 

You may want to try posting in the regional section and see if someone is willing to help out with shop space and maybe even has the ECGS tool on hand and could get the bushing replacement in hand to do the swap.

 

So let's just take shaft removal off the table for now. How risky is it to keep driving for another 1500 ish miles?

 

Why don't you go check real quick to see if it is indeed (probably) the needle bearing or not...

 

Will do as soon as this ultra slow cafe brings me my eggs and toast..

 

If you pull the CV out of the front diff and just leave the stubby shaft you've made in the hub, is there concern for fluid to leak out of the front diff?

 

Yeah, there's that plus keeping stuff out of the diff as well. I guess it just depends on the situation and whether or not you want to try and keep the inside of the diff clean.

 

So I did a check. The vibration is still there in 4wd. It might be changed slightly but it's hard to tell, especially since the roads in town are a bit congested. I noticed when checking the diff output that there is significantly less play when I have it in 4wd, but that is probably normal. In 2wd there seems like an awful lot of play but I don't have a good reference for what is normal -except the other side.

 

dude. Go under another tacoma feel the play its normal for one side to wiggle more. google it. If front diff was fkd you would hear catastrophic sound engaging 4wd . shake front driveline look for play in u joints. jack up truck and try to shake wheels front hands on 12 and 6 position . front wheel bearing go out all the time and sound crazy also

 

Could it be wheel bearing
When u turn does it go away?

 

It does go away when I turn right hard. But that does not rule out cv joint or possibly the diff. Other data points:

- No sign of cv boot damage or leakage
- No noticible difference in heat left to right wheel assy after an hour of driving (and neither is concerningly warm)
- No obviously play in wheel but it is on the ground

When I am in a convenient location I can jack up the corners and check for play. And I will try to find another friendly looking Tacoma to inspect...

 

Based on your symptoms I would keep driving it till I get home. Most people do this anyway because they wouldn’t even notice the symptoms or don’t know what a front diff even is

 

Doesn't sound like a needle bearing esp since the truck is not lifted.

The driver side axles always have more play than the passenger side. The play is still there even after you replace or upgrade the needle bearing. Both side to side and up and down play.

The needle bearing vibration clearly goes away in 4wd. Its like night a day difference.

I drove for about 1000 miles before I was able to upgrade my needle bearing after I lifted my truck. I had no issues.

To me it sounds like a wheel bearing. How many miles do you have?