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Feels like a diff is binding when in two wheel drive

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by hemertwv, Jul 18, 2020.

  1. Jul 18, 2020 at 4:24 PM
    #1
    hemertwv

    hemertwv [OP] Member

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    Hello we have a 2008 TRD Tacoma, 4x4 4 litre, auto and when turning and driving forward and reverse (worse in reverse) it feels sort of like you are in 4 wheel. THat binding that happens as it trys to push the wheels around the corner. I have confirmed that the front servo is working just fine, This has been done, by the following process:
    1. Checked the servo for operation off the diff.
    2. Checked the sliding collar for free movement
    3. Checking rotation of tires while front end is lifted, in both 4x4 modes and in 4x2, and it definitely engages and disengages, and when in 4x2 the two front wheels are disconnected and this has been confirmed multiple times.

    I suspected first a front hub, but now realize they are engaged all the time, so my next question is I know these are supposed to have an electronic Locker in back. Could this be the problem?

    Is there some reason the rear diff could be staying locked?, I Haven't popped the cover yet, but wanted to do research first.

    Thanks
    Walter
     
  2. Jul 18, 2020 at 11:11 PM
    #2
    Jimmyh

    Jimmyh Well-Known Member

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    It seems as if you are sure the front isn't in 4WD. So Yes, if the rear differential is stuck in the locked position it would/could be an issue. That is where I would look next.
     
  3. Jul 19, 2020 at 1:30 AM
    #3
    Spizike231

    Spizike231 Pickin’ & Grinnin’

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    Yeah if you have a TRD OR it could be your rear diff locker stuck. But I’m sure you would have guessed that by now if you locked it at some point and it never unlocked?
     
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  4. Jul 19, 2020 at 9:39 AM
    #4
    hemertwv

    hemertwv [OP] Member

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    So how does the tacoma rear locker work, I se it has an actuator is that the typical problem?

    Do all of the have them have the electric locker sorry haven't gotten underneath it yet, bobcat is in my shop so no room for a few days
     
    Last edited: Jul 19, 2020
  5. Jul 19, 2020 at 12:23 PM
    #5
    Hans_Gruber

    Hans_Gruber Well-Known Member

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    Only TRD off-road models have the electronic locking diff. Look on your dash left off the steering wheel for a button that says RR Diff Lock. If yours is a TRD sport I believe that an 08 could have a mechanical limited slip diff and your problem could also be due to a failing LSD.
     
  6. Jul 19, 2020 at 2:28 PM
    #6
    hemertwv

    hemertwv [OP] Member

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    THanks you are right, so it is the wife's truck she bought if used, and I never drive it, and you are right no switch, just went under it and no locker module, and then I jacked it up and the Lsd is locked, ok time for parts, and to schedule a day off work
     
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  7. Jul 19, 2020 at 2:33 PM
    #7
    TnShooter

    TnShooter The TacomaWorld Stray

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    How did you conclude that the differential is in fact “locked up”?
    An LSD will have both wheels spin the same direction when spinning ONE wheel.
     
  8. Jul 19, 2020 at 2:42 PM
    #8
    hemertwv

    hemertwv [OP] Member

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    Sorry I didn't add this part we did circles on a parking lots and well when turning a corner on pavement slowly the tires seem to jump, both a bit on inside and outside you can here them binding, it acts just like my jeep did when it had a welded diff

    What would you suggest?
     
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  9. Jul 19, 2020 at 2:46 PM
    #9
    TnShooter

    TnShooter The TacomaWorld Stray

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    It does sound like the diff.

    I was just making sure you didn’t diagnose it based off the the direction of the tire spin when you had the truck jacked up.
     
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  10. Jul 19, 2020 at 2:47 PM
    #10
    MattiveAmerican

    MattiveAmerican Well-Known Member

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    Chock front tires and Jack up the entire rear end of the truck both rear tires off the ground. Shift truck into neutral. If you grab one tire and spin it by hand and the other side spins the same direction, the LSD in the rear has bound up or locked up somehow, it they spin opposite directions or only one side spins, it’s functioning as designed.
     
  11. Jul 19, 2020 at 2:59 PM
    #11
    TnShooter

    TnShooter The TacomaWorld Stray

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    I don’t believe it should spin in the opposite direction.
    If it were an open diff, yes. But not on the mechanical LSD in the 05-08 trucks.
     
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  12. Jul 19, 2020 at 3:03 PM
    #12
    hemertwv

    hemertwv [OP] Member

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    Done both tires spin in the same direction, so what is the judgement?

    Based upon what it feels like driving it around in circles it sure feels like a welded /,locked diff

    I can't thank everyone enough for thr guidance, just never had one if these diffs apart, if it is the Lsd, is it an assembly typically or just clutches

    I I'll do bearings at same time and check gears I guess

    There is some minor metal it appears in diff fluid
     
  13. Jul 19, 2020 at 4:05 PM
    #13
    TnShooter

    TnShooter The TacomaWorld Stray

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    05-08 used mechanical LSD.
    I haven’t looked hard, but it seems finding a complete rebuild kit with clutches is hard.
    A lot of guys swap the differential out completely (used), or go with a different type.
    There are different options.

    Some metal specs in the diff oil is to be expected, even more so if the differential fluid is old or heavily worn. The larger particles should be stuck to the magnet on the drain plug.

    If it were me, I’d wait and see what other guys on here recommend for the differential.
    I personally would go aftermarket, as there are “better” options than OEM.
     
  14. Jul 19, 2020 at 4:55 PM
    #14
    hemertwv

    hemertwv [OP] Member

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    Thanks to be clear this is a daily driver doesn't see a lot of mudding however we do live on gravel roads and sees quite a bit of Highway and also I live in Canada so we have winter snow and ice
     
  15. Jul 19, 2020 at 5:33 PM
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    Muddinfun

    Muddinfun Well-Known Member

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    If it's actually chirping the tires when turning, I would be concerned. If it's just going chunk, chunk, chunk, when turning and not actually chirping the tires, I would change the gear oil and add friction modifier. It's possible someone changed the gear oil and didn't add the friction modifier.
     
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  16. Jul 19, 2020 at 5:46 PM
    #16
    hemertwv

    hemertwv [OP] Member

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    I will do another test tomorrow night on pavement just to be sure, I was driving and stepfather was listening so I will reverse that tomorrow night and listen

    Unfortunately I have to drive 30 min for r a parking lot

    Thanks again
     
  17. Jul 19, 2020 at 5:57 PM
    #17
    Muddinfun

    Muddinfun Well-Known Member

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    Doesn't have to be a parking lot. Should be able to just drive around a corner at an intersection in a residential neighborhood. I've driven vehicles with limited slip and no friction modifier and I can tell you, it's just a jerking, chunking, shake your tail feathers feel. If the diff was locked, you would definitely hear the chirp. I guess something else you could try would be mark a line on both rear tires straight down with chalk, tape, or whatever. Then drive around the corner, stop, and see if they're still in sync with each other.
     
  18. Jul 19, 2020 at 8:06 PM
    #18
    hemertwv

    hemertwv [OP] Member

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    Good suggestion on thr line, problem is I live out In the country so it is at least 15 min to pavement and then it is a fairly busy hwy
     
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  19. Jul 23, 2020 at 10:30 AM
    #19
    hemertwv

    hemertwv [OP] Member

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    So bit of an update, I used MuddinFun's suggestion of the line on the tires, it showed that it was allowing for movement but quite jumpy, so decided to replace oil and add the additive. However as I was prepping supplies my wife found a sheet from LUBEX from the prior owner last year before we bought the truck where he had the rear fluid changed, and there was no note of additive, so i phoned up the office and they confirmed if additive was added it would be on the bill.

    The change is done now, will monitor going forward, I suspect it won't be an instaneous thing but will change over a bit of driving.

    Thanks again everyone
     
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