OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread

Here's my thread:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...on-30-40mph-after-5100s-installed-1-75-a.html

 

I am getting an email when the bearing comes available for sale from ecgs so I will let ya'll know if I hear any news soon

 

Got the truck back today with the new diff. I noticed they didn't replace the driver side axle. Truck drives great (for now) and hopefully it lasts as my CV angles are perfectly level.

Ended up paying $890 as Toyota split the cost and service advisor gave me a discount. Part comes with unlimited miles warranty for 4yrs (I think that's what I heard), so if it happens again, it's going back.

 

I did the 4 hi test again and the noise does in fact stop. This means wheel bearings and NOT the diff bearings? Someone please explain why this would point to the wheel bearings...

 

Other way around. If the noise stops in 4Hi, it's the diff bearing.

 

Just a quick note on your bearing problem. If it was your wheel bearing, the noise would be more constant and tend to fade out around corners as you take the load off the bearing. Your issue most definitely sounds like the front diff bearing. The sound you tend to hear from the diff is more rythmic and doesn't happen with every wheel revolution and of course, completely goes away when you reach the problem speed and switch to 4hi. Welcome to the club.

 

Ok thanks for the clarification. So why does the noise stop when in 4hi ? What's the mechanics behind that? When engaged in 4hi I would think the noise would be louder not stop. Confused


Options:
1. Replace diff with ARB. Does this ensure bearings won't wear out prematurely again? Are ARBs designed to accommodate the steeper angles placed on the axles from lifted trucks? Costs about $2k all said and done, right?
2. Replace diff and remove lift
3. Replace factory diff bearings with the new ECGS bearings. These are experimental and may or may not last. Have to factor in cost and time/labor to install bearings, send core back, downtime w/o an operable truck. Maybe better to go ARB.

 

the arb uses a bushing instead of a needle bearing .... thats kinda the concept that chase from ecgs is trying to mimic .... with the bushing being significantly longer to help support the cv better with a tighter tolerance.

 

Is yours lifted or stock?

 

So the RCD lift is like a drop bracket and allows the axles to be level? But it requires notching/cutting the frame's crossmember, yes? I'm not a fan of cutting into frame parts, especially on a new truck. Plus its about $2150. Yikes again.

 

Correct. I ended up lowering mine down to just Eibachs instead. If I kept vehicles longer that RCD kit would probably be on right now. If I had to do it over again I would have bought it I think though. But once you've dropped a grand alone on billet UCA's, $500 on shocks and springs, another $200 on the Icon AAL it's starts to add up and the headache it's caused I'd rather have went RCD. No diff vibes in the RCD club. It's only $1850 shipped from downsouth BTW. I'm just speaking for myself though. The guy with only Eibach springs and $1000 UCA's

 

I like that the RCD keeps the axle angled straight but the minimum lift is 4". Too high for serious wheeling IMHO. Plus the cost again.

Why did you take off the RCD? You had a diff problem even with the RCD and level axles?

 

I spent $1800 on my parts as it is and my end result is 1.5" lift in the front only (because I lowered it back down to relieve this vibration). In most cases the the RCD is not a very wallet friendly option. But with as much as I spent I could have got it and avoided being part of this thread in the first place. Thats all I'm saying.

 

But didn't you already have an RCD lift on before the diff vibe problem?

 

Nope. Just posted a random picture of someone's RCD setup from the forum. Just feel like I should have went that route in the first place. PM me if you have any other questions. I don't want to clutter this thread anymore so than we have already.

 

I get the same vibration from my truck, 06 AC with billy's set at 2.5. Has anyone actually had the bearing fail, or is it just harmonics?? I can deal with it if it is just noise. My KM'2's almost mask the sound anyways.

 

I think when you put your truck into 4hi it simply locks everything up inside the diff so nothing can slop around. That would be the simple way of explaining why the vibe disappears. I could be a little off though. I'm certainly not a mechanic.

 

Warranty on Toyota parts is 1 year unlimited mileage. I'd be amazed if it was 4 years, but maybe that's a dealership specific warranty? I also hope your axle didn't have any scoring, otherwise the vibe will be coming back. Been there, done that.

 

2"+ of lift installed yesterday and unsurprisingly I have the diff vibe, although it's not all that bad yet. I am definitely eager to hear the report on the ECGS bushing. Since I'll be tearing everything apart to replace the needle bearing, I may as well replace the CV axle and wheel bearings while I'm in there. Rockauto seems to have great prices on both, but what are the preferred brands? Timken or Beck/Arnley for the bearing? Cardone or EMPI for the CV axle?

 

I know timken makes alot of oe bearings so id probably go with them but beck arnley stuff is pretty good as well....We sell alot of cardone at advance...most of it is reman stuff tho ... not familiar with the EMPI