HeartGuy
New member
Yeah, I don't think my issue has to do with the bearing at all.
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Pulsating issue
- Thread starter Kevlar21
- Start date
Yeah, I don't think my issue has to do with the bearing at all.
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4RunningCuban
New member
My 2017 trd off-road has the same exact issue and I'm only at 2200 miles.
DreadPirateMoyer
New member
Seems like a bunch of us who have bought 4Runners in the last year are having this issue. Sucks.
If it's the only thing I ever have to deal with though, I'll take it. And I fully expect Toyota to do something with a TSB to make it right if it becomes really prominent for 2016s/17s. I'll hold out hope at least.
DreadPirateMoyer
New member
Well, the TSB is already out (needle bearing replacement is their solution), but even if there's another one specific to 2016s/17s and something in excess of that, I don't trust Toyota as much as you do.
Took them over a decade to issue the current TSB and admit there was a problem. If there's something unique to newer 4Runners, I bet it'll take a long time for them to even admit it, let alone issue a TSB.
DreadPirateMoyer
New member
Update on my end. Discussed the issue with my dealer and did some extensive reading on the huge Tacomaworld threads; came to the conclusion that the ECGS bushing was indeed the right solution for me despite my previous thoughts.
The problem even if addressed with a new diff often seems to come back, and the only 100% solution seems to be the ECGS bushing. Plus, the dealer was already going to be ripping stuff apart to put in the TSB bearing (same as the old one for the 4Runner), so I just went right for the ECGS bushing from the start since they'd already be in there.
Problem is now better than solved. Not only is the sound and vibration 100% gone, but so is the wiggle in the CV shaft that I could produce just by getting under the truck and pushing on it. Super solid now with no play at all. Dealer also gave me the old bearing, replaced the axle seal, installed the bushing properly (flush instead of inserted 1.4mm-1.7mm like the needle bearing), torqued everything properly, and refilled my diff. Very happy with how it all turned out.
Put about 100 miles on it so far, so this is just preliminary and not a full review or recommendation. That said, it seems to be fixed. Hope it stays that way.
Can post pictures of the old needle bearing if anyone is interested, but it's not very interesting. Just looks like a needle bearing.
The problem even if addressed with a new diff often seems to come back, and the only 100% solution seems to be the ECGS bushing. Plus, the dealer was already going to be ripping stuff apart to put in the TSB bearing (same as the old one for the 4Runner), so I just went right for the ECGS bushing from the start since they'd already be in there.
Problem is now better than solved. Not only is the sound and vibration 100% gone, but so is the wiggle in the CV shaft that I could produce just by getting under the truck and pushing on it. Super solid now with no play at all. Dealer also gave me the old bearing, replaced the axle seal, installed the bushing properly (flush instead of inserted 1.4mm-1.7mm like the needle bearing), torqued everything properly, and refilled my diff. Very happy with how it all turned out.
Put about 100 miles on it so far, so this is just preliminary and not a full review or recommendation. That said, it seems to be fixed. Hope it stays that way.
Can post pictures of the old needle bearing if anyone is interested, but it's not very interesting. Just looks like a needle bearing.
Thanks for sharing with others, and glad it worked out. Honestly, this seems like pretty great service from your dealer. Did they cover it as a warranty repair, but you just provided the parts from ECGS? If not, do you mind sharing how much they charged you?
DreadPirateMoyer
New member
I talked to my dealer about that and they wished they could help me, but said that if they get caught doing "warranty" work but using aftermarket parts, they'd get dinged by Toyota, which I understand. I've read about other people getting the bushing installed via warranty, but I think that's as rare as winning the lottery.
We did work out a deal where they agreed to A) give me a loaner despite it being non-service/warranty work, B) they put their best mechanic on it (and gave me his name; not just an oil change dude), and C) quoted me their rates but would match anyone else's rates in the area if I got other quotes. Dealer ended up being the cheapest anyway as they were trying to help me out since it would've been a warranty issue anyway. Was very happy with all that, especially the mechanic bit as the guy did the job properly and has done a ton of these as it's a huge dealership that sees lots of work (and why I went to them rather than a local shop who may have only done a few of these repairs).
I'm hesitant to post the exact price since I don't expect this deal to be given to everyone and someone may eventually track down my dealer and get mad if they don't get the same, but it was on the low-end of prices you see on Tacomaworld for the job.
Most people hate their dealers, but I'm growing to trust mine more and more after being skeptical of their service promises and such. No reason I was skeptical other than they were a dealer. Hope the service quality continues.
We did work out a deal where they agreed to A) give me a loaner despite it being non-service/warranty work, B) they put their best mechanic on it (and gave me his name; not just an oil change dude), and C) quoted me their rates but would match anyone else's rates in the area if I got other quotes. Dealer ended up being the cheapest anyway as they were trying to help me out since it would've been a warranty issue anyway. Was very happy with all that, especially the mechanic bit as the guy did the job properly and has done a ton of these as it's a huge dealership that sees lots of work (and why I went to them rather than a local shop who may have only done a few of these repairs).
I'm hesitant to post the exact price since I don't expect this deal to be given to everyone and someone may eventually track down my dealer and get mad if they don't get the same, but it was on the low-end of prices you see on Tacomaworld for the job.
Most people hate their dealers, but I'm growing to trust mine more and more after being skeptical of their service promises and such. No reason I was skeptical other than they were a dealer. Hope the service quality continues.
Thanks, that's what I figured. Appreciate the info. Sounds like they did you right.
4RunningCuban
New member
Got it fixed
So I took my 17 TRD Runner to the dealer with the same pulsating issue coming from the front differential. Told the service writer about the TSB. The technician took a look and sure enough he noted that the needle bearing was showing excessive signs of wear - only 5k miles on the Runner. Not sure what the exact fix was, but they followed the TSB and changed out the parts and now it's as good as new. Took 3 days to get my truck back tho and the repair was extensive enough that it required the shop foreman to inspect and sign off on the repair.
I basically walked into the dealer and told the service writer the TSB is self-explanatory and they took care of it for me.
So I took my 17 TRD Runner to the dealer with the same pulsating issue coming from the front differential. Told the service writer about the TSB. The technician took a look and sure enough he noted that the needle bearing was showing excessive signs of wear - only 5k miles on the Runner. Not sure what the exact fix was, but they followed the TSB and changed out the parts and now it's as good as new. Took 3 days to get my truck back tho and the repair was extensive enough that it required the shop foreman to inspect and sign off on the repair.
I basically walked into the dealer and told the service writer the TSB is self-explanatory and they took care of it for me.
DreadPirateMoyer
New member
Update: almost one year and 8k miles later, and the coldest winter in decades in my hometown, and the problem hasn’t returned. Super happy so far and can’t recommend it enough.
