OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread

Thanks for posting the axle nut torque. It's not on that sheet. Although I just found it in my notes.

 

Currently have 73k. Possible that it could be both, but given I just had it aligned and my guy (whom I trust) didn't mention anything, and my symptoms are virtually identical, I think I'm on the right track.... I hope.

 

Both bearings went bad on my access cab with no warning, no growling noise present. They were literally smoked

 

^^ This is why I recommend doing both front bearings at the same time. I know a lot of guy will disagree with me its just that I have bad luck and seem to always be doing these types of jobs twice. My experience has been that if one front wheel bearing is bad the other is not far behind.

Good luck.

 

Well... I stand corrected... turns out that I do hate a bad wheel bearing. Ordered up bearings fork NJ636 and figure I'll kill two birds with one stone... and hopefully never have to take the front end apart for a good number of years.

 

So I'm not in a position to do this repair myself, but I found a mechanic who said he was willing to try. My question is whether I should buy the "removal tool" for him, or would he have something similar in the shop to do the job? Also, how much should I expect to have to explain to him about what I want done? As a last question, should I buy a new set of CV axles just in case these are too torn up?

2006 4.0L TRD Access Cab 4x4 with 1" Spacers and 110k miles. (no idea when the spacers were installed, or what brand, since I just bought it a few months ago)

 

If he has an email, send him the UTube vid of the install. Ask him if he has a bearing puller, most likely he will, but if not, you'll be prepared. Yes, just buy a new CV axle, better to have and not need than to need and not have. If he is an experienced mechanic, he shouldn't need much of an explanation of what needs to be done. So, buy 1. New CV Axle 2. New diff seal 3. New bushing 4. 3 qts of

$29 75w 90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w 90 gear oil, and if needed, the ECGS removal tool.

 

Hey Bro;

Just went through the same situation myself. I spoke with 2 shops, one had made their own tool and the other wanted me to buy it. I used the shop that wanted me to buy it, they did the work very quickly, about 1.5 hours partly thanks to the tool. The shop was so pleased with how it went that they bought the tool from me. I also printed out the instructions for the shop, I was not sure he would look at the YouTube video and I wanted something he could use while the truck was up on the lift. I bought the CV axle just in case, but did not need it and returned it for full refund from NAPA. Dealer wanted $2500 for replacing the whole front dif, I paid $250 with the ECGS bushing and the independent shop labor to fix it!

More later on my dealings with Toyota USA about this defect.

 

^^^ Good luck. I was discussing this with the service guy and he said Toyota hasn't moved on it, no TSB, nada.

 

I have the problem as well. 2008 Tacoma Off Road, 15000 miles on the OD, 1000 miles after the 5100 install at 1.75. This is my 4th Toyota truck ('89, '97, '08) and this one is the only one that has had problems that the dealer wouldn't stand behind. The '89 had bad head gaskets at 92K and Toyota paid the whole $1,182 for the repair that was done by a non-Toyota mechanic. I've got the bushing and the tools ordered, downloaded all the photos and instructions and will to do the work myself. Hopefully, I won't need a new CV axle. Screw the Toyota dealer!!!!!! Don

 

subb'd because My lift is going on next week and I will prob need to have my guy do this shortly thereafter.....

edit........holy shit......on my way to work at 6am this morning I got a "growling" noise in my front left end it sounds like. Gawt damn that's some timing. Gonna go try out 4H and see if it stops. It seems to stop when I turn right too even just a little. Hopefully I can tell right away when I put it in 4H and it goes away.

 

Ok so my local dealer installed the ecgs bushing and I still get the exact same vibes! They actually got worse once they installed the bushing. I fought with them and they rechecked the bushing and said they pulled it out and then reseated it and that it seated better the second time...vibration still there and goes away in 4hi. They are now saying that I need a new front diff. Could the vibration be produced by something else in the diff or could they have messed up the installation twice? Im going to a 4x4 shop tomorrow to get a second opinion...this is driving me crazy!

 

Definitely get a second opinion.
Did they check bearings? Balanced driveshafts?

 

I dont believe so but thats the last time I go to Mayfield Toyota...is there anything that could produce the same exact vibrations that go away in 4hi? I think I might strap the go pro under the truck on weekend to see if it can pick up anything. IgnorantlyAlberta...is there any 4x4 shop in Edmonton that you reccomend?

 

Called Toyota in Los Angeles and was told that there IS a TSB ???
My bad I lst the scrap of paper wit the TSB number but will check further.

alpinebob

 

I spoke with Toy in CA also, they claim only a TSB for the Tundra. We all know it is the same part but they claim it isn't (crazy). Toyota offered me $1000.00 of assistance in putting in a BRAND NEW dif that cost $2500! I did the ECGS bushing replacement instead and the vibe went away. BUT I have something new a rattle not sure yet what it is yet. I did not replace my CV shaft it looked OK no scoring however sliding the new bushing on it there was play, not as much as with the Toy needle bearing but there. Perhaps we need to replace the shaft in all cases? I am about to write a letter to Toy re this problem and the way they are dealing with it, I will post it on the site as well. It's time for Toyota to get real about this problem.

 

Mayfield is trash. Check with sherwood park toyota. 4wheel on argyll is where most of us have been heading lately. They deal mostly with toyotas and are really knowledgeable.

Also check out the edmonton toyota thread. A bunch of good guys, shops to go to and help around the corner.

 

Replaced the needle bearing with bushing and new seal from ECGS. Very slight scaring on the axle shaft bearing surface (after only 19 K total on the truck) so I'll replace it with a CVJ re manufactured CV Axle. I don't want to take a chance. Chase's instructions for the take down and install were great. Had a little trouble getting the removal tool in the carrier so I ground the inside edge off the small plate slightly (rounded it off) and then it slipped right in. Have to call Monday for the Axle.....Don

 

I've got a sloppy front diff so the ECGS bushing is getting added next week. However, I'm not sure the strange sound in my front end is from the diff. I strapped a GoPro to the front bumper, hoping maybe one of you can help diagnose the sound (assuming you can access the video). You can really hear it at about 36 secs and 1:15 secs.



Thanks for any help.

 

Got the ECGS bushings in. Took about 5 hours with 2 trips to parts store, some cussing, bleeding, head scratching and beer drinking. I had to grind down the removal tool a hair also so it would drop in old bushings. Very smooth now. Well worth cost and effort.