Shady Mechanic, or No?

So I dropped my truck off about 2.5 weeks ago to have the 4.88s installed. Throughout this time, I called the mechanic multiple times and left several messages with no reply. Today he FINALLY calls me back and tells me the front diff needed a tool to check the backlash, and he had to wait for it to come in. He did admit he ran in to some issues and it took almost 4 days to correct those issues. However, he believes my front passenger side wheel bearing is going out because it now has a “roar” while driving down the road. I’ve never had an issue with this before, but I understand they need replaced after so many miles. My question is, if the gears were not installed properly, would this cause a roaring noise? I’ve read where there might be a noise during the break-in process, but I’ve also read where any noise is not good.
I chose this shop due to both my limited selection, and the many recommendations I received when asking around. They specialize in performance transmissions, so I assumed a gear swap should be a walk in the park for them.
I’m picking the truck up tomorrow, after he finishes “tinkering with it”. Any help or advice is very much appreciated.
I have a 2011 Tacoma 2.7 with 140k miles and I had them install Yukon 4.88 ring / pinion, along with the master install kit for both front and rear.

 

Only advice I can give you... if you aren't happy with the results after test driving it, don't take delivery until it's right.

 

The fact that he ran into issues that took 4 days to correct and didn't call to update you on the situation speaks for itself.

 

My gut says backlash is wrong. And since the front and rear diffs are removed to install gears it doesn’t take a special tool to check back lash, front and rear can be done with the same tool.

 

I would have purchase full diffs from ECG then shipped yours in for the core money refund. If you had the ability to remove them yourself.

 

None of the tranny shops were I’m at do 3rd members, they’ll send you to a drivetrain specialist ie diffs, drive shafts, axles etc.

 

That’s what I’m afraid of. From what I’ve read, it seems like the backlash is not set properly. I’m going to test drive it tomorrow. Hopefully I can convince them it’s not the wheel bearing. I just hate leaving it there again, but I don’t want premature failure with new gears.

 

Did you order the master kit with a crush sleeve for the pinion gear? If they have to take them back apart you really should not reuse the crush sleeve.

 

Yes, the kit included a new crush sleeve. But he did admit to having taken it apart several times.

I asked what these “issues” consisted of, and he mentioned the clamshell front. He thought it was more like the GM style clamshell, and didn’t have experience with these.

Are there any other issues I should be looking for tomorrow?

 

I’m debating on swinging by Autozone and picking up a wheel bearing / hub assembly to have them install. I hate to pay $75 labor for something I could easily do, but that would either eliminate the noise, or eliminate it as the suspected noise maker.

 

Get quality wheel bearings to have that remedied right the first time
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/wheel-bearings-hubs-press-service-4x4-prerunner.537080/

 

He the mechanic either doesnt know he is doing,or he screwed it up.

 

If you haven't done the front wheel bearings yet you're way overdue. 70-80K is what I've heard. There are people on the forum that sell whole assemblies with bearing already pressed in. Replacing the assembly isn't a walk in the park but not real hard as long as you have a impact wrench. One afternoon both sides.

 

Where did you find this mechanic? Does it operate in his home’s garage or something?

 

As others have suggested, sounds like the guy is a goofball that doesn’t know what he’s doing. Something to consider, the front ring and pinion aren’t supposed to be turning in 2WD. If they are, he screwed up on the ADD assembly. So, if everything is put together correctly, it should be easy to determine where the noise is coming from. Now, could he have screwed up the wheel bearings on reassembly? Some geniuses have successfully put the square peg in the round hole.

 

All these answers he has given you makes it quite obvious that he has zero experience in doing this on a tacoma. Personally, you should not be billed for this and I would find another shop to have the truck towed to it. I would not feel comfortable even test driving it.

 

This. If it's roaring in 2WD, he either screwed up the rear end, screwed up the ADD, or it may actually be a wheel bearing or something similar

 

Almost lunch time, and still no word. I was told it would be ready for pick up on Monday. Looks like it’ll be day 3 of patiently waiting on pins and needles. Good news, if I can ever get this horrific experience behind me, I have a whole slew of parts to install. (ATH bumper, winch, seat covers, speakers, and a few maintenance items)

 

Picked the truck up, and for the most part, everything is good. It drives great, and feels much better with the 4.88s and trans flush. However, I now have a popping sound coming from the passenger drum brake. I noticed it first backing out of their shop, and it didn’t do it again until I was coming down my long gravel drive. While speaking with him today, he mentioned having to buy a rebuild kit for the drum because of these spring retainer plates (not sure the exact name). He said after disassembling the drum, these plates were not reusable. So now I have a complete rebuild kit, minus those plates, and a popping drum.
After speaking with him on the phone, he agreed to let me bring the truck back in tomorrow so we can tear the drum apart.
While his business ethics seem a tad off, he does seem honest. I’ll be sure to keep everyone updated.

On a side note, he also replaced the screen in the trans. Said the fluid looked pretty good, but the little foam seals on the screen were compressed, so he replaced the entire thing. Not sure if that is a good or bad thing.

Besides the obvious issues, the 4.88s make the truck feel new again!

 

What was the end result on the “roar”?