CV axle going bad?

[00Sebby]

If its a humming noise that resembles the noise that an aggressive mud terrain tire would make, and it goes away in 4wd, it's probably the front diff.

The original TSB: T-SB-0175-10 REV1
Calls for replacement of the entire front carrier assembly on 2010 - 2011 4Runners.

There's a new TSB: T-SB-0026-15 that affects the whole range of V6 part time 4wd platforms. It appears to be a faulty drivers side needle bearing in the diff.

Unfortunately for me, I bought my 2010 Trail Edition used last year, and the noise popped up about 3 months after I put my lift in. Went to the dealer to check and sure enough, the TSB applies to my truck, but it hadn't been done because the noise never came up. I was SOL because my powertrain warranty had already expired.

This thread on Toyota Nation gives some good information and an aftermarket fix to the problem. New Front Differential Bearing Vibration TSB You'll find a link to the new TSB posted there as well.

Good luck!

Thanks for the info. It does sound similar to an off-road tire. I got to put it in 4wd today on a smooth road and it has no effect on the sound. Constant until I hit a low spot or rise in the road at which time it goes away for a second. Same as in 2wd.

 

[00Sebby]

Noise gone

In an attempt to close out this story, I finally did some work to get rid of the noise. I did the ECGS bushing upgrade to replace the differential needle bearing. Because it was such a pain in the butt to get to all this and the fact that the CV axle had 108,000 miles on it and seemed kind of noisy when it was out, I went ahead and replaced it too. Overall, the loud whirring noise seemed to mostly go away though I was still getting some noise... less and different. So, I figured the remaining noise could be tires as they did have some cupping on the insides. To test this, I had a new set of KO2s installed this morning. The only thing I hear now is road noise and wind.

I think the loudness of my issue was a combination of noises all working together, but I do believe the bushing made the difference. I'm not sure if the CV axle made an impact because it typically clicks when bad.

 

[nb rob]

In an attempt to close out this story, I finally did some work to get rid of the noise. I did the ECGS bushing upgrade to replace the differential needle bearing. Because it was such a pain in the butt to get to all this and the fact that the CV axle had 108,000 miles on it and seemed kind of noisy when it was out, I went ahead and replaced it too. Overall, the loud whirring noise seemed to mostly go away though I was still getting some noise... less and different. So, I figured the remaining noise could be tires as they did have some cupping on the insides. To test this, I had a new set of KO2s installed this morning. The only thing I hear now is road noise and wind.

I think the loudness of my issue was a combination of noises all working together, but I do believe the bushing made the difference. I'm not sure if the CV axle made an impact because it typically clicks when bad.

It adds a lot to the forum when people update their threads after their problem has been fixed.
Thanks for the update and congrats on the new quiet drive!

 

[00Sebby]

It adds a lot to the forum when people update their threads after their problem has been fixed.
Thanks for the update and congrats on the new quiet drive!

Thanks! This week was the first time I've had off to actually work on it since I started this thread.

 

[tristero]

In an attempt to close out this story, I finally did some work to get rid of the noise. I did the ECGS bushing upgrade to replace the differential needle bearing. Because it was such a pain in the butt to get to all this and the fact that the CV axle had 108,000 miles on it and seemed kind of noisy when it was out, I went ahead and replaced it too. Overall, the loud whirring noise seemed to mostly go away though I was still getting some noise... less and different. So, I figured the remaining noise could be tires as they did have some cupping on the insides. To test this, I had a new set of KO2s installed this morning. The only thing I hear now is road noise and wind.

I think the loudness of my issue was a combination of noises all working together, but I do believe the bushing made the difference. I'm not sure if the CV axle made an impact because it typically clicks when bad.

This update is super appreciated. I've been searching for 2 weeks. Really happy I came across this thread.

I have all the symptoms of the needle bearing, however it doesn't go away in 4HI. Replaced wheel bearings and tires with no change. The only time the noise goes away is in a right hand turn—less stress on the left CV angle I assume.

I finally got a break in the rain to check the front CV at the carrier assembly and there is much more play on the LH CV.

Anyone have any good leads on a cheap OEM CV assembly?

 

[Jivewalker]

This update is super appreciated. I've been searching for 2 weeks. Really happy I came across this thread.

I have all the symptoms of the needle bearing, however it doesn't go away in 4HI. Replaced wheel bearings and tires with no change. The only time the noise goes away is in a right hand turn—less stress on the left CV angle I assume.

I finally got a break in the rain to check the front CV at the carrier assembly and there is much more play on the LH CV.

Anyone have any good leads on a cheap OEM CV assembly?

I'm in the same boat for the last 40k. Done wheel bearings. Have inside hi/lo tire wear and alignment and balance is good. Following to see if replacing the CV axles makes a difference for you. A

 

[bobbus77]

In an attempt to close out this story, I finally did some work to get rid of the noise. I did the ECGS bushing upgrade to replace the differential needle bearing. Because it was such a pain in the butt to get to all this and the fact that the CV axle had 108,000 miles on it and seemed kind of noisy when it was out, I went ahead and replaced it too. Overall, the loud whirring noise seemed to mostly go away though I was still getting some noise... less and different. So, I figured the remaining noise could be tires as they did have some cupping on the insides. To test this, I had a new set of KO2s installed this morning. The only thing I hear now is road noise and wind.

I think the loudness of my issue was a combination of noises all working together, but I do believe the bushing made the difference. I'm not sure if the CV axle made an impact because it typically clicks when bad.

I know this is old, but I've been searching for info like this for months and I wanted to thank you! Did you (or anyone on here) get either of the tools ECGS offers for this? I'm debating whether to pay that much for tools that will only get used once.

 

[00Sebby]

I know this is old, but I've been searching for info like this for months and I wanted to thank you! Did you (or anyone on here) get either of the tools ECGS offers for this? I'm debating whether to pay that much for tools that will only get used once.

I had to go back and look. I bought the kit with the puller tool and I bought the bearing seal/race driver set. I hate to get in the middle of a job like this and not have the right tool. I'm sure you could probably rent or borrow similar tools but it was worth it to me to not have to chase things down. These are tools that you can use in other situations though.

 

[bkvan68]

TOYOTA 8" CLAMSHELL CV AXLE BUSHING

Im not a DR and didn't stay at a holiday inn express last night but i would try the ECGS bushing.. worked great on my 2016 SR5.. no more noise!