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'16-'18 Front Differential Cyclical Groaning/Grinding Noise TSB

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by YotaDriver631, Feb 6, 2018.

  1. Feb 6, 2018 at 7:11 AM
    #1
    YotaDriver631

    YotaDriver631 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Just updated and includes 2018 models. Not sure what the difference is, but there is actually an UPDATED part number for the front differential according to the TSB. Maybe a needle bearing factory fix?
     

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  2. Feb 6, 2018 at 7:16 AM
    #2
    Taco16LB

    Taco16LB Well-Known Member

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  3. Feb 6, 2018 at 7:20 AM
    #3
    Brenden J

    Brenden J Well-Known Member

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    Yes!!! Ive had this problem for the past 3 months and couldn't figure it out! Now the real question is will my powertrain warranty be a fight because I have a 3in lift on the truck??
     
    strongrob and mikestaco17 like this.
  4. Feb 6, 2018 at 7:22 AM
    #4
    tonered

    tonered bartheloni

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    It is good that it is covered, but they are still replacing the whole diff. There are no notes about what was changed or upgraded. Considering the time, hassle, and possible screw ups, it might still be best to do the ECGS bushing?

    In the right conditions (downhill coasting at slowly decreasing speeds), I have felt front end vibes that go away if I pop it into 4wd. I am on the stock suspension and wheels with 4,400mi on it. I have only felt it a few times, so I am starting to think about what I might do if this is felt more often.
     
    salmonmigration likes this.
  5. Feb 6, 2018 at 7:29 AM
    #5
    Brenden J

    Brenden J Well-Known Member

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    Ive had it for the past few months. Its started like yours coming and going but now its more often. Probably at least once per drive if not more. So far the 3 months Ive had the truck I havent had any problems with it. Just had to live with this noise/vibe until spring when I could be outside and figure out whats going on down there. I took it into Toyota because I originally thought it was because of my bigger tires or wheel bearings and it wasn't. Im at 45k miles with 1" larger tires lifted a little over 2.5"

    Do you have more info one the ECGS bushing? I haven't heard that mentioned before.
     
    Blether and tonered[QUOTED] like this.
  6. Feb 6, 2018 at 7:33 AM
    #6
    tonered

    tonered bartheloni

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    There a a bunch of threads in the 3rd Gen forum. Here's a good one:
    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-diff-vibes-ecgs-bushing-fix.464941/

    The bushing is reasonable, the big costs are in the removal and installation tools and possibly labor costs if done at a shop.

    I have a Harbor Freight blind bearing puller and am wondering if it can be used? I haven't dug into the threads that far yet.
     
    Brenden J likes this.
  7. Feb 6, 2018 at 7:36 AM
    #7
    Brenden J

    Brenden J Well-Known Member

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    Do you think its worth getting the diff swapped out and then ECGS bushing change or just start with the bushing change?
     
  8. Feb 6, 2018 at 7:40 AM
    #8
    tonered

    tonered bartheloni

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    That's the thing. I think there is a post somewhere showing that Toyota may have gone with a slightly wider needle bearing. I don't know when that might have been rolled into the production trucks.

    The diff swap seems silly to me when the dealerships could save a ton by just swapping the bearing. I don't necessarily want the front end pulled apart when it is just a matter of pulling a spindle, a seal, and a bearing. Then there is the dance at the dealership to get this approved and the time wasted in the process.

    This is why I am wondering about doing it at home if it gets worse?

    Also, there is nothing in the TSB about inspecting the end of the drive shaft for wear. It might be out of spec and they might just slap it back together with a sparkly new diff that might end up with the same problem.
     
  9. Feb 6, 2018 at 7:47 AM
    #9
    Brenden J

    Brenden J Well-Known Member

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    ya but if they replace the entire front diff and then have the ECGS bushing changed your truck should be brand new with no vibe and you got rid of the part that is actually causing the problem right?
     
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  10. Feb 6, 2018 at 7:53 AM
    #10
    tonered

    tonered bartheloni

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    The dealership will not install the bushing, esp under warranty. That is why it seems silly to me. I don't want to go through the hassle of a diff swap and not have the problem fixed.

    That said, there are a few threads that note the bushing didn't fix the vibes. I believe all of those that I read were on lifted trucks.

    I'm going to give it a bit more time, miles, and research.
     
  11. Feb 6, 2018 at 7:56 AM
    #11
    YotaDriver631

    YotaDriver631 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    The fact of the matter is that we don't know what is different about the updated part number. It could very well be a better design with tighter tolerances or not, we simply don't know!
     
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  12. Feb 6, 2018 at 8:15 AM
    #12
    Brenden J

    Brenden J Well-Known Member

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    I think ill have both done. Then I can try and swing a trade with the dealership. Replace my front diff under powertrain warranty even tho my truck is lifted and then ill pay you to change the bushing. Hopefully they go for that?
     
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  13. Feb 6, 2018 at 9:18 AM
    #13
    Brenden J

    Brenden J Well-Known Member

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    where did you find this service bulletin?
     
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  14. Feb 6, 2018 at 9:29 AM
    #14
    Brenden J

    Brenden J Well-Known Member

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    And I just got off the phone with the service at my dealership. They said the fix is a needle bearing and they don't just drop a whole new front diff in. Im not sure if hes looking at a different bulletin than the one that started this thread but thats what was said over the phone. The new needle bearing is a new part number so hopefully its redesigned and they don't just stick the same problem part in
     
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  15. Feb 6, 2018 at 10:28 AM
    #15
    tow-coma

    tow-coma Well-Known Member

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    Hello world

    FB_IMG_1517941612247.jpg
     
  16. Feb 6, 2018 at 10:31 AM
    #16
    Brenden J

    Brenden J Well-Known Member

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    But where did you find it? I search Tacoma TSB but didn't see anything over 2014
     
  17. Feb 6, 2018 at 10:32 AM
    #17
    tow-coma

    tow-coma Well-Known Member

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    So is it a better Needle Bearing?
     
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  18. Feb 6, 2018 at 10:32 AM
    #18
    tow-coma

    tow-coma Well-Known Member

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    TIS
     
  19. Feb 6, 2018 at 10:34 AM
    #19
    Brenden J

    Brenden J Well-Known Member

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    The service member I talked to on the phone made it sound like a needle bearing and not a completely new front diff
     
  20. Feb 6, 2018 at 10:39 AM
    #20
    YotaDriver631

    YotaDriver631 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    It sounds like he is unaware of the new TSB as it came out yesterday. If you are experiencing this particular drivetrain N.V.H., you should print out the .pdf above and go to your local dealer to explain the situation to them.
     

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