OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread

So are you suggesting I may need to replace/rebuild my diff then?

 

He is saying you may have driven the bushing in too far and need to find out how to fix it...

 

Sorry, to clarify, I have the same problem in that my vibe/growl still existed after the ECGS install. I'm fairly confident in my bushing placement. I also now think my sound could be something else, possibly a wheel bearing beginning to go. My growl is most noticeable/prominent at very low speeds when it's not covered with highway and engine noise. It sounds like a low pulsating grind, and I have confirmed that engaging 4wd has no effect on the sound whatsoever. I'm going to jack up truck and check diff fluid, play in CV axle, and then spin and wiggle wheels to see if I hear anything from the bearings.
Is it not uncommon for wheel bearings to go as early as 70k miles?

 

Just confirmed it's my wheel bearings. Left is worse than right, but both are making noise and need to be replaced. Looks like I'll be ordering a pair from BamaToy or nj636.
My front diff fluid is full and looks good, no excessive play or leaks from either CV axle, so I've no reason to believe the ECGS isn't doing what it's supposed to be. Thanks for the videos posted and the replies.

bend, you do look a little in past flush on your bushing, maybe by an 1/8" or so by the looks of it. Although it's not ideal I wouldn't think that would cause continuing vibes. Sounds like the biggest concern from the guys at ECGS is if it actually contacts the spider gear. If you still have your removal tool, probably worth trying to grab the new bushing and pull it out a bit. Have you ruled out wheel bearings? And have you confirmed that engaging 4wd still elimnates your vibes?

Thanks all,
Josh

 

Finally replaced my bearing and installed the bushing last night. It was surprisingly easy. The only hiccup I ran into was fighting the CV a bit to remove it. Once I pulled the diff skid and was able to get decent leverage on it with my pry bar, it popped right out. Only took one pic along the way because my hands ended up drenched in gear oil by the time I was finished.

 

Did you put in a new seal?

 

No.

 

At the risk of beating this dead horse until it is unrecognizeable, I would like to call on some of the expertise in this forum. I am having a high frequency vibration around 30-70mph which will remain when I shift to 4hi. The vibration goes away completely if I turn hard enough to the right. It feels and sounds like a bearing so I replaced the RHS wheel bearing and CV axle. Problem stayed the same. Both wheel bearings had no play when moving the front wheels at 12 and 6 o'clock. My question is: is it likely that my needle bearing is the source of the problem even though putting the truck into 4hi does not get rid of the noise? Where do I go from here?
Also, have a 1.5" lift that was done about 8 years ago, the vibration only started this year and seems to slowly be getting worse. 151,000km (94,000miles). Thanks

 

I'm new to all of this myself, but have you measured your drive line angles? Are your leaf springs beginning to sag more as of late? If some of your suspension parts are finally wearing after 8 years, I'm wondering if your drive line geometry is changing and creating new vibrations.

 

I'd start with replacing the needle bearing since it's relatively cheap and easy. Then the passenger side wheel bearing. If that doesn't help, could be a u joint maybe or carrier bearing on the rear driveshaft.

Where does it feel like it's coming from?

 

Also if anyone else needs to borrow the tools let me know as they'll be free to use in a week or 2

 

Thanks for the input guys! That's kind of what I had in mind: replace needle bearing and at that time asses the condition of wheel bearing, CV shaft, etc.
Also a good call to take some measurements of the driveline and see if the truck is sitting low/sagging suspension.
I can feel the vibration through the steering wheel and the pedals, I am sure it's coming from the front end.

 

Yeah most likely the front somewhere. Balance wheels/tires, check bushings (steering rack ones can cause vibes), bearings, and ball joints

 

If they are available soon I could really use them! I'm ordering my bushing today and need to have it installed by the end of next week

 

Is shipping really $16.66?!

 

I think I paid 12.00 ish for shipping

 

Check your messages

 

I replaced besring with bushing, didn't drive it too far in and I have a vibe now at 55-60mph. I also put in new wheel bearings and new to me used front axles. I previously did not have front end vibe but replaced bushing while I had the front end apart.

 

@NC15TRD please check your messages and I'll have the tool sent to you if needed still

 

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