Front grinding/groan after lift

I know there’s a thread about this already but for some reason I could not find it.

After lifting my truck I started getting the noise and took it in to the dealership a few times and of course like normal I got the “we could replicate the problem” and they said that the noise was my tires.

So finally I got pissed off enough because The dealer didn’t seem willing to find the issue. I called corporate and got an authorization to do a ride along with a head tech and of course right as we pulled out the dealership the noise began (weird how I took it in for the noise 3-4 times and never but 30 seconds into the ride along it did it....)

But finally the point of this thread is that If you’re having the issue just keep striving to get it fixed and I didn’t have to do it for the ride along but I’d you switch it into 4WD then back to 2WD the grinding/groaning starts so just a tip if you do want to get it fixed I would try and see if switching between 2 and 4 and back makes the noise present and if so then request a ride along and flip it into 4 and out and then bam you’ll get that warrantied quickly

 

It's not warranty, you need to upgrade the bearing with the ECGS bushing. I will actually pre-sell them on complaints like yours.

 

Yep, it’ll probably be the front needle bearing that’ll need replacing soon. Some Tacoma’s get it, some don’t. It comes faulty from factory. I lifted mine and have had no issues, granted I only did 1”.

 

After lifting my truck I started getting the noise and took it in to the dealership...
Was it making the noise BEFORE the lift? Why do you expect the dealer/Toyota to fix the problem that you created?
I lifted my truck also but whatever happens is on me not the dealer.

 

I’ve read up on some about the replacement ECGS bushing but since I’m still under warranty I want Toyota to replace it with the “updated part” before I go and do it myself or pay a shop to do it

 

Toyota will hassle you because it was aftermarket/non Toyota parts that “caused” the issue. However, the needle bearing is faulty from factory. Many have got it fixed under warranty under the 2nd gen recall code. Doesn’t hurt to go in and bust their ba*** about it because it’s a problem that they have created.

 

The only reason I’m pursing this noise so much is because I’ve had issues out the ass starting at 1000 miles and every time I take it in for something they’ll find the issue but when it comes to getting an approval from Toyota it gets denied and I’ve even had a tech and service adviser tell me that it’s ridicolous on the things Toyota has denied for my truck so having a existing TSB for the issue makes it easier to peruse it because Toyota won’t have an excuse to not approve a repair since it’s a common issue

 

Surprisingly they never mentioned the lift being a possible issue for the noise. They would just say it was the tires

 

Correct. As of yet however there is no TSB for 3rd gens as far as I’m aware. But Toyota has replaced on for people on TW so unless they have factual PROOF that you have an isolated case then they can deny. Till then keep pushing!

 

I’ve thankfully not had that issue as of yet. Rides absolutely smooth and no odd grinding or weird noises. Slight vibration but that’s due to my 10 ply 32” tires. Tacoma’s to my knowledge are only rated for 4 ply.

 

"OK, four weeks without a car"
I will give you this advise for $5 payable to my PayPal.
- look around and ask other taco owners in your area that have done the bushing swap (themselves not dealer)
- buy the parts needed
- ask for help from people that have done it
- buy beer and pizza
- have it done s l o w and good
I would not trust any dealer getting their hands in there.

 

I tried the updated part on my 16 when we were experimenting with lifts, its the same part # and there is no update. Replacing the factory needle bearing was a waste of time.

The ECGS solved the issue, and we have been installing them on 3rd gens with 2+ inches of lifts ever since.

 

Man I want to little lift but no way I want to mess with a Needle type bearing. Crap

 

Just do 1”. I did 5100’s all corners with a 1” block in the rear. Rides better than stock and No issues whatsoever! I was skeptical at first but at 1” it sits just right. Gives it a whole different look and it’s affordable, and you ain’t dealing with the crap you would above 2”.

 

That is exactly what I am talking about! Wow! Great looking truck.

 

Thanks man! I’ve been driving it for over a week now with the lift and zero complaints. Your normal drop in MPG happened, only by about 3/4 of a mile. And a slight vibration due to the 10 ply tires. Super happy with the results and the way it sits!