V6 4X4 Grinding in 2wd only, needle bearing?

[bigonenine]

2006 4runner V6 4x4

I have searched and searched on this issue an haven't found an exact answer to my question. Like the title says, In 2wd I notice a grinding noise from about 20-50 mph, if i put it in 4hi the noise goes away. I understand that this could be a problem with the needle bearing in the front diff, or the add actuator not retracting all the way.

I have 70k miles on my truck. It has ome 885's in the front and no diff drop. I put new CV axles and seals in about 10k miles ago, and new rotors, calipers and pads about 1,000 miles ago. Trouble is I don't know how long the issue has been going on because I just replaced my loud KM2's with Michelins last week. Had the KM2's on for the last 35k miles so i never heard the noise.

Info i have seen online is from FJ/Tacoma guys getting their entire front diffs replaced under warranty. I obviously don't have that option as my truck is 10 years old and was bought used. I understand that ECGS offers a fix with a bushing that can be installed in place of the needle bearing.

My question is if I continue driving and don't fix this until spring is there any type of catastrophic failure that can occur? Now that it is winter I don't really want to tear apart the front end in the driveway until it gets warmer out. Would it make sense to just run in 4hi-unlocked for the winter so the grinding doesn't occur?

Sorry for the long post. Any help or insight is greatly appreciated.

Here is a crappy iphone shot my 4runner because I haven't posted it yet. Brand new setup with 17x8.5 SCS F5's in Matte Dark Bronze and 285 Michelin A/T2's.

<a href="http://s761.photobucket.com/user/bigonenine/media/Mobile%20Uploads/3FC376C8-4975-4F2C-9930-3AF1D04D5DB3_zpswr44vf80.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i761.photobucket.com/albums/xx260/bigonenine/Mobile%20Uploads/3FC376C8-4975-4F2C-9930-3AF1D04D5DB3_zpswr44vf80.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 3FC376C8-4975-4F2C-9930-3AF1D04D5DB3_zpswr44vf80.jpg"/></a>

 

[DEF4Runner]

The only thing I'd be wary of, depending on the level of deterioration, is the bearings themselves shredding apart and finding themselves floating around in the front differential.

I replaced mine with the East Coast Gear Supply sleeve last spring and the bearing rollers fell apart in my hand when I got the assembly out. I just don't know if the shaft pressure is enough to keep them in place indefinitely.

 

[bigonenine]

Thanks for the reply! Looking into it, it actually doesn't look horrible. Maybe just a couple of hours.

I am looking at this correct that it is only the drivers side? So basically drain the diff, pull the CV, pull the bearing and install the bushing?

 

[DEF4Runner]

Yes...only the driver's side. Also, assuming you don't run into frozen bolts, the whole job shouldn't take more than a couple of hours. If you do it, be sure to replace the seal...cause you're gonna most likely going to tear it getting the bearing out.

Also, your garden variety bearing puller won't be able to get that bearing out. Take a look at some of the videos out on East Coast Gear Supply's site to get an idea of what kind of puller you'll need.

 

[bigonenine]

Gotcha, i see they have the tools available, ill probably pick those up. They have a couple great videos of the job. Luckily I put new CV's and Seals in not long ago so all of the bolts should be easy to get off. I'll pick up another seal just to be safe. Thanks

 

[DEF4Runner]

No worries...glad I could help!

If you decide to go with the OEM bearing, it should only cost you about $20. I bought one from my dealer then decided to go with the sleeve.

Also, if you fish around here a bit, you might be able to find someone with the puller...maybe they'd loan it to ya. Sure beats paying the $60 for it.

 

[jfry008]

I'll sell you my ECGS bearing puller for $45 shipped! I'll never use it again.
Also, if you jack the truck up on the left side only, you will probably lose less than a quart of oil. [MENTION=48979]bigonenine[/MENTION]

 

[DMX512]

[MENTION=48979]bigonenine[/MENTION]
When you experience the grinding noise are you on flat level roads?
I, also, have what I would call a "droning hum" that I can feel and hear except mine happens at 65+ mph and when on the inside (fast) lane where the wheel needs to be turned to the right slightly to correct for the crown in the road.
This is the second time I have heard about the needle bearings, here on the forum.
I am hoping to skip to the final plan to correct this issue...lol ya right.
Please keep us posted.

 

[zonianbrat]

Sounds exactly like the needle bearing issue. Did mine about a year ago. Bought the puller and gave it to the shade-tree mechanic as part of the payment. He installed the bushing for 50 bucks and me giving him the puller. well worth it.

 

[bigonenine]

[MENTION=137652]jfry008[/MENTION] pm sent

 

[bigonenine]

[MENTION=144217]DMX512[/MENTION]
yours sounds like it could be a wheel bearing issue. Mine makes noise in 2wd around 20-50mph. But goes away completely when in 4hi. I am not sure how to determine which side wheel bearing is bad, but depending on mileage you may just want to replace both.

I think someone on here sells assembled bearing and hub units but i forget who.

 

[earthrealm]

Mine is completely opposite, clanging metallic rubbing sound in 4wd, in 2wd, sound goes away.
Drivers side bearings had some play, replaced it, no dice.
Sound is still there