OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread

This is the information I was referring to in my post above.

 

Appointment for Saturday. Gonna drive it some today and tomorrow and see if some miracle
happens and it stops.

 

Sometimes Toyotas fix themselves. True story.

 

That stinks. I have to say, I have not heard of another owner experiencing the issue after installing the bushing. It would be very interesting to have a poll of those who've installed it, and what their results were post-installation.

I have been contemplating putting 5100s on my 2013 for some time, and only setting the front at .85 with the stock OR springs. After following this thread for some time, I am very reluctant to even do that little of a suspension change. I think I will mod the heck out of my 2012 Wrangler instead. Those are very forgiving with suspension changes, due to the solid axle/coil spring combination...it's running a 2" spacer lift currently, and there were absolutely no issues with that after installation. It just sits higher...

 

The root of the problem truly is the the sloppy tolerances between the carrier and spider gear. It creates the environment for the cv axle to move. Why Toyota choose to case the entire carrier instead of machining key elements is just them being cheap, lazy or both. Look at any Dana or ARB carrier, locker, etc. Quality and machined to exacting tolerances. Another fix/upgrade is to move to a ARB Locker. Expensive, but it will likely do the trick.

BTW, my bearings showed no extreme wear or damage before I got the ECGS bushing. I think the cv axle vibrates against the bearings creating the sound and feel each of us has encountered.

 

If you can do mods like lifting your truck an wrangler. You can change this bushigg IF yours even does it. I have lifted a bunch of my yotas over the years. An my 2015 was the first that ever gave this issue. Its your truck do what you wish. But if your handy with a wrench dont let it scare you. Its a bad design anyway. Granted i let them fix mine under warrenty but i feel like i could have done it an will do it if it ever messes up again. Then call toyota an tell them what a shame it is an let them have it. Ha. Maybe if they get enough complaints they will fix it by the time to 5th or 6th gen comes out.

 

Well, the way my luck has been going with this does anyone want to make any bets that once it is back to stock and with the bushing that it still makes the noise??
If it does, well, don't know what I will do. Maybe go buy 1000 lottery tickets? Go to a casino and pop in a fresh credit card into a slot machine and do 100 bux a pull and just keep pulling till it won't let me no more?? lol

 

Has anyone with a bad needle bearing noticed that the vibration will go away when turning left at speed? Like taking a curve on a road? Trying to diagnose my vibration

 

Any member need to borrow the tools in a week or two possibly? They are on loan (shipped today), could have them passed on to the next person. Respond here or send a message

 

Wow, that's nice of you.

 

As was said before if you put in 4x4 and noise goes away and comes back in 2 wd probably needle bearing otherwise sounds like maybe a wheel bearing. Try putting it in 4x4 and turn the same way you are talking about and see if it still does it.

 

Putting in 4x4 makes no difference. My wheel bearings are fine. Idk what else it could be.

 

Oem wheel bearings? Lift? Hve you replaced the driver side differentialbushing yet?

 

As Far is I know they're OEM. I pulled the drivers side hub off and the wheel bearing was fine. I have 5100 at .85 that's it

 

Hmm, did you jack up the truck and grab the passenger and driverside tires (not at the same time obviously) at 12 and 6, as if the tire was a clock, and then push and pull?

If you have any play doing that it's a possible wheel bearing.

 

Tried that, no play

 

I didnt notice you saying anything about what the vibration sounds/feels like? Is it constant or does it fade in and out, (cyclic type noise)?
If it is constant, I am just throwing this out there, maybe start checking for a metal to metal contact between parts where say a rubber bushing may be like sway bar etc. I would also jack the right side and check that wheel bearing to to rule that one out also. How many miles on the truck?

 

Well took my truck in today and had the lift remove and my noise is now gone. It was actually like the first day I bought the
truck I was so happy that the noise was gone when I started driving it. All is well again for the time being.

 

Too bad, I just knew it was going to fix itself. cough cough