OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread

My dealer is being a bit less helpful, but to be fair I've only communicated with them via email. Here's their reply so far:

"We would be able to install whatever you wanted us to. With that being said, there would be no warranty on the parts you provide or the effectiveness of the repair for your particular problem. If it is truly a common well known issue I have yet to see one at our dealer."

I think I'll go and talk to them during the holidays, let them check it out for themselves, and see what happens. Worst case is that I pay to have the part dealer installed, which is not that big of a deal to me. I could probably do it myself, but prefer not to.

More to follow...

 

Should have mentioned that in my post. Have the 3 inch leveling kit from the dealer when I bought it. They installed. Porcomp.

 

Very good to know! Did you end up running rear axle shims or carrier bearing and or diff drops when all was said and done? I'm going to have new tires and wheels in the next month so before then I'll probably try removing the shins and possible the carrier bearing and diff drop as well. I'd rather not run shims unless absolutely necessary.

 

Probably one of the best dealer experiences you could ask for. That's good news. I'm really curious to hear how the techs conversations go with corporate. Keep us posted.

 

Yes I left the carrier bearing drop, and angle shims in place on the back end. Why not? I put a lot of effort into getting the factory original angle back. I figure it cant hurt anything, especially with the added leafs and lift in the back. Hope you get your vibs gone. Mine runs like a Cadillac now.

 

Well the only reason I'm considering getting rid of the shims is because I feel like my driveshaft angles still aren't in factory spec. Maybe it will be a good idea to get my new set of tires/wheels balanced first.

Anywho... glad to be 90% vibe free and have my front vibes GONE. Thank you ECGC and TacomaWorld!

 

I haven't had my 2011 A month yet and already have replaced the upper spc balljoints and alignment now I've gotta do this bushing to. lol still love the truck tho. Looks like I'll be calling ecgs on Monday.

 

ECGS Bushing installed yesterday by DKA Automotive here in Las Vegas. Vibrations completely gone. So happy to have this issue fixed.

Very dissapointed in Toyota for letting this known problem persist and not honoring their warranty when it arises.

 

I was fortunate to be dealing with some good people at the dealership where I purchased my Tacoma. It took a bit of time for them to hear the noise, but when they put on a set of stock tires, it was very pronounced.

They replaced the front differential under warranty. Noise is gone. I’ll post back if the issue comes back after 10,000kms.

 

did they replace the bearing? the noise WILL come back at some point.

 

I have an appointment to drop the truck off at Byers Toyota In Delaware, OH on the 29th - I travel a lot and this is the first chance I'll have. I'm dropping it off overnight because I have noticed that the vibration only occurs only when the truck is cold, and I want them to check it out after a cold night outside. The weather in central Ohio was above 50 degrees yesterday and i didn't have any vibrations or noise...even first thing in the morning after it sat all night. Today it was more like 40 degrees outside, and the vibes are back. regardless of weather, it goes away after 15 minutes of driving. Has anyone else experienced a difference with temperature or drive time?

 

^^ Temp was a common symptom among many.

 

I'm not sure... all they said is that they're replacing the entire front diff. I suspect you're right... that if the bushing issue wasn't addressed, it will likely come back.

The good news is, it's all on record and documented at the dealership. They'll eventually want to stop replacing diffs and may just work on the bearings and/or bushings next time.

 

Mine did the same... much worse when the temperature dropped. The dealership also ran the truck with stock tires... which enhanced the noise and vibrations.

 

Talked to the dealer today.

They talked to Toyota and said Toyota is aware of the issue (with the Baja's) and is working on a 'fix' but don't have one yet (perhaps related to the big order of bushings a while back?).

Dealer said I could wait until a fix is established or come in and they would have someone from Toyota take the diff apart and work on it as a 'guinea pig' to fix the issue, which may take quite some time. They would, at dealer's expense, provide a loaner car while it's being worked on. Or, the dealer said I could wait and hope Toyota comes up with a fix before it gives out.

I opted for the former, as the vibrations are getting worse with the colder weather (as others have noted here) and it just doesn't feel right to wait it out. I'd rather go with the dealer having to pay for the loaner every day which will encourage them to put pressure on Toyota to find the fix than to drive with that vibration.

Dealer said they would contact Toyota after the holidays to see if they've made any progress and get back to me. Even if they don't make any progress I'll make an appointment to bring it in to be experimented on. Can you say squeal? Squeal Baja, squeal!

More as the saga progresses.

 

Great! keep us updated. Yea it started the day I lifted it. For 3 years I drove it with duratracs and didn't notice it because of the tire noise. I put toyo AT2's on recently and could tell right away it was still there. It hasn't gotten any worse though. I have a bushing but haven't had the time to do it. So if Toyota will do it I would be stoked! I still have over a year left on my power train warranty so I'm dying to see the outcome here.

 

You would think with all the old front diffs being sent into toyota it would set off a red flag.. Maybe in the next redesign they will have something different.

 

Yeah, they'll build it with ECGS bushing instead of their needle bearings.

 

Corpunk - Would you be willing to share your dealer's contact information and who specifically you spoke to there? I would like to have my dealer tech call yours to share information. My guy says Toyota has no information about this problem, but it sounds like something is finally hitting their net. He's being cool about everything, but seems to need some help with his research.

Much appreciated.

 

I spoke with Toyota corporate today. I believe the exact Quote was "We have our own team of Engineers and we do not take recommendations nor would we add to a TSB. A TSB is not a recall so it is a suggestion from our engineering Dept to help aid dealers in a repair. The dealers are independent and can make the repair as they see fit."

Essentially dealers are free to purchase from us to make repairs but Toyota corporate will not.