Hi all,

I have a 2020 ORP w KDSS with a Dobinsons 3” lift, diff drop etc that developed a roaring/hum noise between 30-45 mph that would go away in 4WD (I current have 24K on it). I Discovered the needle bearing issue and rather than risk fighting with the dealer to get it fixed, I figure I’d put up the money to have the ECGS bushing done to fix for good. I though, at first, problem was solved, but now I’m not so sure, seems the roaring has come back, not as bad, I no longer feel it in the pedals or floor but audibly it’s there, especially when slowing down not under throttle. I do not think it’s my tires because it’s not constant, it’s speed related within a certain range.

I’ve come across some posts across the web where folks have had diffs replaced even after they have it done as well, anyone here have experience with this? If so, do you know what the issue was? I’d hate to think I did the bushing when it was something else diff related, but figured I’d see if anyone else has experienced it here.


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I'm not a pro on this model, but you might wanna look into a few things that could be causing that noise, like something related to the drivetrain or driveshaft. Check the driveshaft for any imbalances or wear. Sometimes funky noises at certain speeds can be linked to those. Also, the differential gears might need some tweaking. Even a tiny misalignment can make those intermittent noises, especially in specific speed ranges. Make sure your differential fluid levels are good and up to spec too. If the fluid's contaminated or not enough, it could be the culprit for those weird sounds.

Hard to diagnose failures in this manner to be honest. Here are some items that can cause similar noises,

• aggressive tires, especially if wearing unevenly.
• failing wheel bearings.
• front differential (which seems to be more common in the newer 5th gens).

It may be best to have a dealer diagnose under warranty, or bring it to your trusted private shop if you no longer have warranty.

If you want to test some things yourself, rotate your tires and see if the noise moves (Free), change the fluid in your front diff and inspect old fluid for metal shavings($50), lift the vehicle off the ground and test the wheels bearings for movement(Free). There are some really great tutorials on YouTube to help with all of these things if you want a good visual aid before attempting them.

Good luck, i hope you find your issue. Please let us know if you do.

Thanks for the help!

I have considered the tire noise issue. I have BFG ATs which I had on my previous f-150 which I removed early since they were so loud on the road, so perhaps these are just beginning to get loud, but they don’t feel feathered or anything and still probably have 90% tread. I did consider the rotation thing to see if maybe it is the tread.


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I did the ECGS bushing at about 22k miles, solved the cyclical noise and vibration….until now at 49k it came back in colder temps mostly. 1 shift into 4H seems to mostly reduce it for the drive. Seemed worse the longer I drove, making a significant growl on decel.

did lift the chassis about 3/4 an inch recently, which seemed to aggravate it, so might re-evaluate that once it warms up more.

So only other thing I did prior to the ECGS bushing was install a diff drop kit with my Dobinsons lift so I am going to try removing that to see if perhaps it caused some sort of driveline angle issue etc. If it doesn't fix it I will be going to the dealer to have it checked as I am still under powertrain. I just hope the ECGS bushing doesn't cause issues with warranty etc. Seems like an easy out for them if they found out it was installed regardless of how much I argue that this was more of a solution than a problem across almost all 4R's that have the needle bearing issue.

I’m experiencing a similar issue since installing the ECGS bushing. I just purchased my 2019 SR5 and noticed the constant vibration at 40-50mph. This weekend I replaced the shocks, mounts, UCA’s (Bilstein 5100’s at 2.5”; Bilstein UCA’s) and a 1” diff drop. On my test drive the vibration was completely gone. I had my son-in-law take it to the Toyota dealership he works at to align it. I got it back last night and noticed a new on/off growling noise at about 50mph or so. I just rechecked torque on everything and feel no play in the wheel bearings or anything in the front end. I know the front differential is full, too. I really don’t want to pull it all apart again, but I may have to if it gets worse. Let’s keep each other updated on this!


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I wouldn't mention it.... unless they take the time to do a visual inspection of the needle bearing, that thing is kinda tucked up in there behind your CV and seal.

I'm not sure if you have changed your diff fluid up front but I would do it... you are exposing the inside of your diff when you do this modification so if any dirt or contamination that doesn't get picked up by the magnet is in that fluid, you could be running sand or something through your carrier bearing which can give you a speed dependent rumble.

I want to come back to this thread and provide an update on what I believe solved my problem.

I spoke with ECGS and they didn’t think what i was experiencing was due to their bushing and recommended I remove my diff drop as it can cause weird angles for driveline etc and it was easy enough to eliminate as a cause. Well here we are a few weeks later and I finally had a chance to remove it and after driving two times I have yet to hear the noise again. It makes me wonder if I really even needed the bushing at all and it was the diff drop to begin with. When removing it I noticed it did little to nothing for my CV angle and if anything the rotation it put on the diff ADDED a forward angle to the diff side of the CV axle.

I’d recommend you lose that diff drop and see if it remedies your issue, it seems to have fixed mine so far.

Update: just took it on the highway and usually after a highway drive the noise was at its worst when returning to normal street speeds and the noise was still totally gone, nothing but normal all terrain tire noise. I strongly believe the diff drop was my issue all along.


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