2013 SR5 Front Diff Replaced at 13k

[gibbylt1]

Been lurking here and decided to sign up to share an issue on my '13. I had a grinding noise and vibration that appeared mostly between 20-40 mph in 2WD only. It was worse in <40 degree temps, and was getting louder by the day. After a frustrating experience with my local Toyota dealership, I finally had the chance to take a ride with a tech who identified the noise right away. Apparently something to do with the needle bearing on the driver's side in the front diff carrier. They replaced my entire diff assembly under warranty, and the noise seems to be gone for the moment.

I did a fair amount of searching, and it seems like this is a common problem with Tundras and Tacomas, but I could not find any instances on T4R's. Anyone else have this problem? I find it hard to believe I'm the only one. I was not satisfied with the explanation I got from the dealer as to root cause, so if anyone knows more about this I'd love to hear it.

Here's a long thread on tacomaworld:

OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread - Tacoma World Forums

 

[1engineer]

You are the only one here that I know of. This is a small sampling of owners so it's possible there could be others but finding one would be tough.

 

[B...]

Any suspension mods on the 4runner?

That seems to be the common cause on the Tacos. My Tacoma did this for 7 years and 90K miles (2.5" OME lift). Nothing ever failed.

 

[gibbylt1]

No mods, bone stock.

 

[gm350reratliff]

I have heard of a couple of 4th gens doing this on this site. Several threads on TW about this and the fix. Surprised they replaced the whole diff just for that. Then again, GM replaced the whole front diff on my 04 Z71 over an oil leak.

 

[Jeremy556]

Haven't heard of any 5th gens, but it's the same diff as the 4th gen and Taco, so I would expect the same issue. You can replace the bearings with a bushing from East Coast Gear Supply, which will eliminate the problem.