OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread

Have the same problem with the differential vibes. 18000 miles. 3" lift. Let me know anything I can do. I'm 100% commited to getting Toyota to address this problem. Strength in numbers boys. Lets make something happen...

 

Going to install lift kit today and tomorrow. With that being said is the vehicle still driveable? How long have people been driving with said problem?

 

from what I understand the only problem is the bearing wearing and the axleshaft wearing,


that said my 5100s are ordered and chase is gonna be installing them and the bushing next wens

 

Are you going to one of those that is testing out Chase's bushing?....hope it works.....Crossing fingers!

 

yeah next wed. he will have it a couple days hopefully get it back on friday

 

Fingers Crossed!

 

I have decided to spend the time and write up a fair evaluation of the problem and send it to a local regional service rep for Toyota. I will ask him for his advice on what he believes would be the best way for everyone to proceed. He's a friend of a friend so I'm sure he'll give me the straight goods. Well, I hope.

 

Update: The Toyota Service Rep (I think that's what they're called), the person who decides if Toyota will cover warranty service, had seen my vehicle. As soon as he saw the lift said no go for warranty. My local Service Advisor suggested I start a case with Toyota customer service. I thought I remember someone else hear had done that with Toyota agreeing to pay half. I guess it doesn't hurt to try. We may have a case though.

1. Chase's video
2. Tundra has a TSB for same issue I believe
3. FJ's are also having this problem (I thought I read that somewhere, please add link if you can find it)
4. Some Tacoma's are not lifted
5. Some Tacoma's are lifted with the dealer installed Revtek kits and having this issue fixed under warranty

Please add your info and comments.

 

We have a few test pieces ready and we will be testing them over the coming weeks while the bulk of the bearings are being produced to our specs.

A couple of notes from reading through the thread.

1. The problem is the needle bearing in the case driver side only. I would not call these carrier bearings as most would think that carrier bearings refers to the tapered bearings on OD of carrier that supports the carrier. The needle bearing is what support the CV shaft inside of the carrier.

2. The driver side is the only bearing to be concerned with as it supports the weight of the CV driver shaft. the passenger side CV is supported by a roller bearing in the end of the tube. There is a small stub shaft installed in pass side of diff this stub shaft is totally disengaged until 4wd is selected at which point a collar slides over the shaft and connects pass side CV.

3. The reason the noise goes away in 4wd is b/c the CV shaft no longer spins inside the carrier, the carrier now spins the CV.

4. A replacement diff is not really a solution or CV shaft. As stated by many, the dealers are not replacing CV shafts with the diffs in all cases the reason for this is valid. Their is likely nothing wrong with the CV shaft. There is also likely nothing wrong with the Needle bearing either. The reason the noise goes away with a replacement diff (this is educated speculation) is b/c the tolerances are tighter on the replacement diff but once the diff is used and wears slightly the problem will arise again. ultimately the spider gear supports the shaft and the needle bearing guides it. In the deflection test the spider gear is what actually stops the shafts movement. As the spider gear and needle bearing wear the shaft will be allowed to move more and at which point the movement becomes more than what the balance can tolerate and now becomes a vibration/noise. All noise is a vibration, just like a tuning fork, when you hit it it vibrates to create noise, depending on size spacing length is what changes the tone and pitch. So ultimately the goal is to eliminate the vibration by controlling the movement of the shaft to under its limits.

 

I know your still in the early stages of testing but do you have an idea of an estimated cost for this bushing? Just asking. Thanks Chase.

 

Excellent explanation, Chase. So does this mean that we needn't worry too much about the noise, as in it's a "harmonic" vibe noise, not a bearing that will wear and eventually seize? This new needle bearing is simply taking up the play?

 

Agree to a point. We've had a couple members that replaced the needle bearing only to have the vibe still there. Then once the CV Axle was replaced, the vibe went away. In each of those cases, the scoring/pitting in the shaft (which was visible) was still causing the vibe. With mine, I had long scratches/gouges in the shaft. I can't see how it would be good to leave an axle in that wasn't smooth all the way around inside a new bearing (or bushing). But as far as a long term solution, I completely agree that a new diff isn't it.

 

I would be carefull with that. Noise means something is out of alignment. Driving too long with that will make something give out. Chase pointed to the side gear being loose, if thats the case then you riding your spider gears in yoyo pattern. If they let go front will lock up.
On the side note why Toyota put two pinion carrier in that thing is another cheapskate mystery . Really Toyota two pinions ? Really
I asked Chase if he can give me specs from that front carrier. I would like to get that replaced with something else. Maybe find 4 pinion suitable replacement. I dont think bushing is needed. 4 pinion would hold side gear always in center and would not let it move up and donw or side to side. Thats why everybody on 1gens where replacing their rear 2 pinion diffs with V6 4 pinion one.

 

Yes, please do if you could !!! This should be a sticky and poll if we're going to get Toyota to create a TSB for this issue. We're not alone.

 

Yeah I agree. In Chase's video, he shows the play on the spider gear. This new needle bearing is good but don't we also need a better designed spider gear as he shows?

 

What I was getting as was that eventually installing Chase's bushing, I think it would be a good idea to replace the CV Axle if it has scoring in it. And leaving a scored axle inside the needle roller bearing will cause the bearing to wear faster and the vibe to return quicker (or not go away at all as others experienced).

 

quick read of the thread.
just thought I'd post my vibe issue.
'05 trd DC offroad, 61,000 miles, 5100's set @ 1.75 = small vibe @ 35 - 40mph. goes away when switched to 4HI.

 

dropped the truck off this morning, should be done with the 5100s installed friday

 

Excited to hear what Chase has to say about the test.. I want the growling to go away!!!

 

in for this bearing fix.