CV shaft Needle Bearing Issue? Sanity check me please

I have a 2019 Tacoma DCLB 4x4 Sport. 84k miles

All of a sudden I have a weird unbalanced sensation, feels like its in the drive train not the tires or brakes. I would describe it almost as a flutter that I can feel in the gas pedal and through the floor board. Worse around 35-45mph.

If I engage 4x4 while driving, it stops immediately.

I read about the symptoms caused by the poor needle bearing design, and the recommended ECGS bushing replacement. There is a lot of play on the inside of the CV axle where it goes into the clamshell. Can wiggle it up and down noticeably.

I hear most people describe the needle bearing issue as a "vibration". I wouldn't call it a vibration exactly, but more like I described above.

The thing is I have no lift, and the entire front diff assembly was replaced under warranty 15K miles ago because of a howling noise. (long story) But I did not expect to deal with any issues from the needle bearing so soon and with no lift.

I have a long road trip coming up, 2000 miles, and towing 3800lb camper. (have towed with this setup 6 or 7 times and its great).

I ordered the Yukon version of the bushing and Yukon removal tool cuz I can get them on Amazon next day and want to work on it this weekend.

Anyways, does this sound like it will fix my problem? Need a sanity check.

Thanks

 

Yes, it sound like needle bearing.
It should fix the issue.

Do NOT be alarmed when you install the bushing and still have a good bit of play in the CV movement.
It has to have some play. There has to be some room between the CV and bushing for diff fluid to enter and lubricate.

FWIW, my truck is all stock, and I too had to replace the needle bearing with a bushing.
The failure seems to occur more frequently on lifted trucks, but can/has happened on stock trucks.

Also FWIW, I used 85w-140 and had my differential puke fluid from the breather once the weather turned cold.
85w-140 is what ECGS recommends.

That said, guys that use

$28 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90 don't seem to have that issue.
And they also don't seem to have any issues running that weight either.

 

Thanks for the input, appreciate it.

I went down the viscosity rabbit hole today too and decided on

$28 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90.

I'll be sure to post an update on how it goes.

 

Did you order a new CV shaft seal for the diff? National P/N 710596: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1927202&jsn=266

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...asterpro-axle-shaft-seal/mpb0/710596?q=710596

 

No. The seals on there are only 15k old so I was planning to reuse.

Thanks for the P/N tho - Maybe I can get one in time on Amazon

 

^The seal is easy to damage during bearing extraction/bushing install. I'd put the odds at 50/50 you'd get a leak if you don't replace the seal.

Check if your local O'Reilly has it.

 

Good tip, thanks

I was able to add one to my Amazon order with the Yukon parts