OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread

So, a little update... I jumped the gun on this statement. I drove it and didn't hear the noise, but it definitely was still there! The next couple of days after this, I noticed it. Not sure why I didn't hear it that day, but it was raining and section of interstate I was on was under construction. I took the wheel bearing out and same issue some others reported. The hub where the wheel bearings contact had a bad spot in it. Replaced it and no noise since! From reading around, this is very common on these trucks. Hopefully this will help someone in the future.

 

Which works out either way cause it calls to change the diffs and the t case at 30k I just rolled past 25k this morning

 

I did the same as you, same problem. I did the bushing first because the cv was very sloppy. still had the vibe but I had a sneaking suspicion from the start that it was the hubs. took the hubs off and they were shot, could feel the grinding while turning by hand. fresh hubs & it drives so dreamy now ha

 

grab an extra quart and do the t-case

 

You use the same oil in the t case that you use in the diffs?

 

Lucas 75w90 front & rear diff's t-case & trans for me (manual)

 

The guy at the Toyota garage told me 75/85 when I asked him on the phone last week?

 

Just got the call from the shop they got my ecgs bushing in and they drained my diff and refilled it I went with 75:90 Mobil 1 diff fluid. They said the old stuff was pretty dirty

 

So I'm surprised I didn't get screwed he changed the bushing and axle seal out and drained and changed out my differential fluid and charged me $80 for labor since I had all the parts.

 

The more I read the more confused I am. It almost seems like Toyo does not really know what causes these "phantom" growls !
My 2008 4wd, 6speed automatic began sounding a fairly high pitch "hum" in 2 wd at 47 mph. I had just installed Michelin LTX a couple of weeks earlier and thought maybe the tires were the problem so I had them rotated, no effect noted. The hum is loudest at 47 to 55 mph then it quiets but starts again at about 65 and quiets at 72 or so. I have tried 4wd at 45-50 mph the back to 2wd hum is constant, also shifted into neutral and even shut engine down , hum persists as long as speed is 45-50.
Toyota says it is the "drive shaft" and will replace it for $1400 ! after reading the forum notes I will not spend any $ until I am very sure of the problem.
Any help will be appreciated, mechanical or legal !!!

Thanks, alpinebob

 

So when you put it in 4WD the vibe was gone? If so, you likely need to replace the needle bearing in the front diff. Using the ECGS bushing to replace the needle bearing seems to work well. I have about 25k miles on my ECGS bushing.

 

To be honest, your description does not sound like the front diff bearing. The vibe is more felt than heard until it gets really bad. And when it starts out, you won't be able to feel it upwards of 60 mph.

 

Did your guys needle bearings look bad when you removed then mine shows basically no wear?

 

The needle bearings were fine the noise is caused by too much slop where the shaft inputs the bushing tightens up this tolerance thus removing the dreaded noise

 

Mine was doing same thing needle bearing just do it and save receipts if Toyota ever fesses up to their blunder

 

Above is reply to alpine bob

 

Do you mean the wheel bearing??? Please let me know. I just changed the wheel bearing and I didn't get to inspect the inside hub where the bearing presses in.

 

yes bearing that is pressed into the hub. Where did you find just the bearing itself?

 

Ok I was thinking the hub is where the rim bolts to. An the bearing presses into the hub. I was making sure that y'all weren't have problems with the hub it's self.

 

Sorry if I sounded confusing. No I didn't find just the bearing.