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

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could be a couple things. First get an alignment done on your truck. Then try your carrier bearing and axle shims. There are a couple different types of vibrations you can feel after lifting the truck

 

Thanks I appreciate that

 

I have a 2017 DC TRD OR. I noticed this cyclical groaning as its called in the TSB from day one. Just as described in the TSB, it goes away in 4WD. I now have 14,0000 miles. I have to admit, I am used to the noise and performance does not seem to be affected. However, I just called the dealership here in Greenville SC to have them check it out. I spoke to the service manager explaining the car symptoms and the new TSB. She said it would cost $99 to bring my truck in to have it looked at since my VIN number was not part of this "recall" as she called it. Needless to say, I was pretty miffed at her response. I'll take it to another stealership and never do business at Toyota of Greenville again. Bummer...it was the closest dealership and this was my third truck from them in 4 years.

 

What a joke. Your vehicle is still under warranty so there should be no cost to you to have it inspected. She is correct that if your vehicle is not in the VIN range that the TSB cannot be applied. Although if the noise is the same as the TSB they can make a case with Toyota & go from there. Some dealers get angry when the customer calls a TSB a recall or says my truck needs this TSB. I usually let them look at it & describe the TSB symptoms without actually mentioning TSB.

 

Truck is at dealer for replacement. Hopefully will have it back today. My truck had the vibration from day one, but it was also lifted day one. I am looking forward to driving it with no vibration as I spend 90 percent of my daily travels in the vibration window.

 

I am glad they took care of you. I also think it’s amusing that they “discovered” your lift, when you have a “rough country” decal on your window. I don’t know if you were trying to be funny, but that’s funny. Well done.

 

that is really nice, keep us updated. Also what type of lift did you install? and did dealer do the lift?

 

Dealer did not install the lift. I have Old man emu shocks with 885 springs in the front and a progressive add a leaf from headstrong offroad in the rear. Dealer has been very cool about it as they do sell lifted trucks, and they do them right. Full suspension no spacers. I just didn't want to pay the premium that they charge to install it.

 

This might sound like a dumb question but do you have to be experiencing the noise issue in order for toyota to replace the parts or can i bring the TSB up to my local dealership and ask for the parts to be replaced?

 

Vibration must be present for them to do anything.

 

Truck is done...... vibration is gone! Here's hoping it is gone for good.

 

I got mine back today as well. No more vibration on the 20 mile return trip home. Talking with the service adviser they mentioned that the techs go on a case by case bases whether they replace the whole diff or just the needle bearing. I know that's vague but they didn't give me a whole lot of detail other than what they heard from my truck led them to replace the whole diff. According to Toyota engineering they said the new diff has different internals so I guess we will see what happens. Overall the truck rides a lot smoother, not as smooth at the 4runner limited they gave me for the week, but driving my truck seems to coast better when I let off the gas. Like there isn't some added friction slowing me down faster.

 

Funny you say that. Cause I felt the same thing, but just thought I was going crazy.

 

I've had some issues since day one...a rumbling feeling when coming to a stop exactly at 20mph. My dealer performed the leaf spring TSB to modify the drive shaft angle....didn't work.

I just forwarded my service adviser this TSB - fingers crossed I'll be able to bring in my baby and get her fixed up! Thanks peeps!

 

I installed 2nd gen 5100's on the .85" notch (first one up from the bottom one) VERY mild lift and got the vibration. I was surprised considering that mine is an SR and the lift I installed made it look more or less just like a TRD model. Regardless, I installed the ECGS bushing last night and it cured my cycling vibration/groaning noise. I'm curious what this "new" diff (if its even any different) has that the older ones don't.

 

I just got the call from my dealership and my "New Differential" install is scheduled for March 28th. They said the tech that does these installs is on vacation for the next 14 days. I said yes I know he is....Service guy said "What"? I said to him I know your Lead Tech is on vacation , I'm married to his oldest sister. Ya my brother in law has been with this Toyota dealership for 35yrs now. He's the one you want fixing your vehicles. Got to wait 5 more weeks. Oh well kinda getting used to the vibration....NOT !!!! At least its minimal.

 

Is your truck still running good??

 

Yeah. Very good. No vibration at all.

 

my dealership wants to re evaluate my truck again. I think there tryin to get out of replacing my front diff. with just replacing the bushing. how do I convince them to change diff?