Needle Bearing - Yes, Replace It (ECGS)

I shot the video today, now I have to figure out how to edit it and load it to YouTube. Just for info, I can do the swap only removing 2 bolts and one castle nut. While setting up to film it and trying to figure out to get a good angle for the camera etc I realized that I could do the job only removing the two bolts instead of the way I normally did it which I also used to pull the caliper and rotor. So the video I'm releasing is the first time I've done it the new way and it worked great!

 

Tagging

 

Did another ECGS Bushing on a 3rd Gen today. Came up with yet another way to do them. I'm going to film my new way on Sunday and link it here with my other easy new way. Filming/thinking about it differently has completely changed the way I do these. It can be done by removing (2)19mm bolts, (1) 19mm castle nut, bump stop and (1) 12mm nut. I have 2 4runners coming in on Sunday and I will film one of the Installs

 

I started keeping some as my trophies...... A local Toyota tech had me change quite a few under warranty with some creative paperwork... I've changed somewhere around 50 of them.

 

Did another one today... 2022 TRD Off-road, 30k no lift, SUPER bad. I was not expecting it to be as damaged as it was. One needle fell out during removal.

 

I went ahead and replaced the needle bearing with the ECGS bushing during my suspension upgrade install a couple weeks ago. Since it was the first time I've done an upgrade on a Tacoma everything took a little longer than expected. The hardest part of the ECGS install was removing the CV but it finally popped loose. The bushing just took some time to seat but everything was pretty straight forward in regard to installation. I did everything on my own so I used a lot of bungee cords to hold things in place and keep the CV level. My needle bearing came out in one piece but I don't have a lot of miles on my truck. I had to slightly file the ECGS tool edge but it wasn't much compared to other Youtube video installs. I'm not sure if ECGS manufactures their tools in house but if they send it out to a shop they should add a statement on the drawing for the shop to "remove sharp edges" and this would probably solve most of the tool clearance problems people have.

After going through it all I am glad I replaced that needle bearing while doing the upgrade and would recommend blocking out some time to do it during your upgrade. Also make sure you have the right tools before hand, especially the differential fill plug hex socket and a good short sledge hammer.

 

When checking this noise out I noticed that if I spin the LF wheel by hand it makes a noise that sounds like the big wheel on Wheel of Fortune . Could that noise be from this needle bearing too? My roar noise goes away when put in 4WD but wondering if this could also be caused by it.

 

Going to order the bushing and tool soon. Starting to hear a rumbling from the front left, worse when turning right. Just in time for a roadtrip. Great. 28.5k miles. No lift.

 

I think I still have the installation tool kit... where in the country are you?

 

Did another one the other night, 2024 SR5 4Runner. 200 miles. No sound or anything yet but preemptively replaced it while doing the lift. Same diff, same design, same issues.

 

PA. Probably not worth it to ship of you're all the eay in alaska. If I was still in Idaho that'd be closer at least.

Edit- i'll probably order two bushings and the install tool. I need to re-boot the drivers side cv on my parent's 2nd gen sometime soon. It's already had the needle bearing replaced once, a fee years ago. The race let go when removing the axle so the dealer replaced it. If I'm doing mine, I'll go ahead and do theirs as well.

 

A curved, indexable prybar works great to pop the cvaxle out of the diff

$51 GEARWRENCH 2 Pc. Indexing Pry Bar Set, 8" & 16" - 82300

https://www.amazon.com/GEARWRENCH-82300-Piece-Indexable-Pry/dp/B0014ZXXH2

 

Did you ever get a video and publish it yet? Looking to get this done, and try to make it as easy as possible. Have a Tech friend that can do it. I am going to buy all the parts/tools. Ski

 

idk why toyota never changed this design. been an issue for 30 years. even without a lift those little tiny needles are absolutely ripping fast at highway speeds and see wear quickly. especially if diff fluid isnt kept clean.

 

I did take the video I just have not figured out how to edit it and post it on YouTube yet. For a 40-year-old guy I'm pretty bad with tech! Haha. It's on my list of things to try this weekend/week

 

following for the video. Hello from nearby in Rocklin.

 

Not sure but maybe check out https://www.google.com/search?clien...m=lrnolc,lsde,vslcea&source=sh/x/loc/act/m4/3

 

I also met this guy about a year ago and I’ll bet he’s savvy. He had a few yodas on the premises when I talked to him.
https://totalperformancenewjersey.com/

 

Anyway to take pics, and or explain what you did? Ski

 

Look at post 168. Only difference now is that I don't pull the caliper or the rotor anymore. I just muscle it up and out of the way being sure to not overstretch the brake line.