Needle Bearing - Yes, Replace It (ECGS)

Good info. I'm generally of the same mind... if it ain't broke and all. Thanks!

 

It's Best thing I've done so far- just do it!

 

Looking to install Bilstein 5100s and OME 887’s, but was advised I swap out the needle bearing at the same time. I am confident I can do the 5100 and 887 swap myself, but am not so confident about the needle bearing swap.

Anyone in the JBLM/Tacoma, WA area that knows of a great shop that knows a thing or two about replacing these?

 

The needle bearing replacement seems challenging, but isn't as hard as it looks. There are a bunch of good youtube tutorials on the process. The hardest part imo was using the tool to get the bearing out and making sure the tool is grabbing the bearing to pull it out and not breaking the tool. If you go slow and dont keep cranking if you dont see the bearing starting to come out and just reposition it then you're good. Get the tool to tap in the clamshell bushing cause it makes it almost fool proof to install the new bushing If you can lift it, you can do this job.

 

Agree and concur with the above. It's so easy, even a caveman can do it.

 

If the needl is bearing is bad would it cause a drive line vibration in the floor at my feet. Ive been throwing parts at it like, it's going off style. The last thing I haven't done is the carrier bearing, universal joints. Any ideas. I've replaced all the suspension front and rear

 

I've also developed a buzzing vibration in the floor where I can feel it with my left foot. This vibration started a few months ago, it started to occur over a year later after I had lifted my truck with the TRD OEM lift kit. I had recently installed the ECGS Bushing and it had not alleviated the buzzing vibration. As a matter of fact, it's becoming a bit more pronounced now.

I'm thinking its the tires, I still have the OEM Goodyear Kevlars on it. I'm going to cross rotate my tires to see if it has an effect on the vibration.

 

I have replaced my tires as well. This vibration has been driving me crazy trying to figure out. I talked to Toytec, they told me to install the different front drop kit. It may help since I put 3 1/2 lift in the front and 3 in the rear.

 

Sir! May I borrow it please! Of course I'll send it to the next!

 

Yes! PM me your address and I will drop it in the mail this evening when I get home.

 

Pm sent good sir!

 

Can I use it after you're done? Going to be putting on my lift and replacing the bearing within the next month. Will also send it out to the next person who needs it.

 

What’s the diameter of the bearing? I’m trying to figure out if one of my internal bearing pullers will work for removal.

 

I sent it off to treetop89, he hasn't seen the message yet, but I'm sure he'll send it your way when he's done!

 

Over the weekend I installed Billy 5100s F&R, set the front at the 3rd circlip for 1.1" lift, everything else is stock (springs, UCAs, ire size, etc). Monday had the alignment done and the report looks good, truck drives straight and steering feels good. After all this, I noticed the harmonic pulsing vibration in the pedals and steering wheel and after reading this thread it sounds like the ECG bearing. Then yesterday the vibration/pulsing went away so my question to the forum is this; is it normal for the ECG to show symptoms of failure temporarily and be perfectly fine?

 

I wanted to provide an update regarding my vibrations, and the suspicion of my tires causing it, even after I replaced the needle bearing.

The vibrations are almost non-existent now. The reason I believe is that…

1. My truck is not heavily driven. It sits often while I’m on my motorcycle.
2. I think one or more of my OEM Goodyear Wranglers developed a flat spot from sitting for long periods.
3. I’ve been driving my truck a lot more this year and the vibrations have mostly gone away.

So, I’m relieved about this positive development. I was getting ready to re-shim my leaf springs for the angle on the pinion, since I had my lifted my truck 2” and thought that the suspension had settled to a point where the vibrations were manifesting themselves via that driveline.

 

Does anyone know if this same issue is on the Tundra? The 2023's

 

They do sell the bushing for the 9" tundra diff but I have not heard of it being an issue per sé.

(I have not checked the Tundra forum though)

 

Thanks! I asked there, but wanted to follow-up here too. Seems like it's just a Tacoma issue from what I've read. Some change it out, some don't and no issues.

Might be one of those if I buy it, I'll get around to it sort of things. It wasn't fun on the Tacoma, doubt it will be any easier on the Tundra

 

It is the 8" diff that they are STILL PUTTING IN!!!! (Tacoma and 4Runners). Ive had needle bearing issues roll into my shop on 2023 4Runners and Tacoma's. I will stay off the soap box but I have commented on it all before in this thread. I have done a TON of the bushing swaps.