Has anyone had any luck getting their dealer to perform this repair at no charge via the TSB using the ECGS bushing if you supplied the bushing to them? I feel I have this same issue with vibration but don't want to get the same crappy bearing installed and would like to take advantage of the free labor if possible. I'm at 55k on a 2016 SR5, need to get it addressed soon as I drive 2-3k miles/mo.
Vibration and odd sound at 50mph
- Thread starter bigbwb
- Start date
Teamoatmealpie
New member
Appt this coming Monday. I'm going to ask service manager about all of this. Seems pointless to put in new needle bearing if its the diff that's the problem.
Some have. But you'll just have to ask. I would try and speak with the shop foreman.
Even if it is a diff casting tolerance issue that is the ultimate cause, if replacing a bearing fixes the issue, I would prefer that over a much more invasive diff replacement. I would certainly try it, and if it comes back only then let them replace the diff carrier.
I've read a lot about this issue and I think this is the first time I can remember someone saying the issue came back after needle bearing replacement. When I finally found a dealer that was worth their salt, they told me right up front, that if the needle bearing didn't resolve it, they would replace the diff. They also said for what it's worth, that mine was the 1st 4Runner they had seen with the issue. They had done it on a bunch of Tacomas.
If you have the option, try a different dealer if you're having trouble. I had a night and day experience between two different dealers on this issue, I ended up driving to the one that is 45 mins away, but well worth it.
Many have done the ECGS bushing, ECGS reports folks that have had the bushing installed for 500k miles with no issues for what it's worth.
Teamoatmealpie
New member
All good points and I agree I would not be pumped on dealer replacing my front diff. I would think that would potentially invite more problems. Especially since this particular dealer couldn't do an alignment with SPC UCA, despite being an authorized Toytech Dealer who sells and installs Toytech lifts with SPC UCA.
Ill post up after dealer visit.
Ill post up after dealer visit.
mashburned
New member
I love this forum...
This "groaning cylindrical noise" popped up in my '17 with 22k miles when it got cold outside. Annoying, "that doesn't sound right..." type of noise, but I kind of felt like I was being OCD about it. Hopped on hear to see if anyone had similar noise/issue, sure enough...
Thank you guys who linked the TSB. Now I'll be able to better explain to my dealer what the issue might be.
This "groaning cylindrical noise" popped up in my '17 with 22k miles when it got cold outside. Annoying, "that doesn't sound right..." type of noise, but I kind of felt like I was being OCD about it. Hopped on hear to see if anyone had similar noise/issue, sure enough...
Thank you guys who linked the TSB. Now I'll be able to better explain to my dealer what the issue might be.
Teamoatmealpie
New member
In short I am sure glad I reported this in April 17 with 31k to the dealer, who at time denied me as TSB only covered up to 15 year models. I had also emailed Toyota corp in 18, which gave me an incident #. As when I found out a week ago the TSB was revised to cover 16 & 17 year models. But by last Friday I rolled over 68k and outside the powertrain warranty.
Service tech went to bat for me and advised I call corp directly, and explain the above (previously identified problem-even though they blamed the tires) waited 2 days and Toyota corp approved covering the fix of new needle bearings, which I believe will have a 1 year warranty. Very thankful not to have to spend my $ on a known issue. But time will tell if new needle bearings in a too sloppy diff will lead to a repeat of the same problem. I do feel the vibes got worse as I racked up more miles as time went by.
I must say I felt the vibration or became aware of it somewhere after 20k, but was only clued there being a TSB and the revised TSB by my fellow T4R members here.
Can we make the TSB Rev 2 a sticky, as I imagine many out there have the same problem.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10142876-9999.pdf
Service tech went to bat for me and advised I call corp directly, and explain the above (previously identified problem-even though they blamed the tires) waited 2 days and Toyota corp approved covering the fix of new needle bearings, which I believe will have a 1 year warranty. Very thankful not to have to spend my $ on a known issue. But time will tell if new needle bearings in a too sloppy diff will lead to a repeat of the same problem. I do feel the vibes got worse as I racked up more miles as time went by.
I must say I felt the vibration or became aware of it somewhere after 20k, but was only clued there being a TSB and the revised TSB by my fellow T4R members here.
Can we make the TSB Rev 2 a sticky, as I imagine many out there have the same problem.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10142876-9999.pdf
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Since you had it for some time have them take some pics or video of the axle to make sure it is in good condition. They should replace it to if the bearing scarred the shaft. Mine looked great, but just something to check.
bigbwb
Member
Update on my issue.
Again I have the Limited model (2017) with full time 4wd, there is no TSB on it.
Anyway, just spoke to the dealer and they had been in communication with Toyota corporate (TAS). The mechanics/engineers there suggested replacing the entire rear diff. They already replaced the front diff. Sure hope this fixes my issue. They said the sound is definitely noticeable and upon draining the rear diff, lots of metallic stuff in the fluid and it was very dark in color (not normal).
Crossing my fingers!
Again I have the Limited model (2017) with full time 4wd, there is no TSB on it.
Anyway, just spoke to the dealer and they had been in communication with Toyota corporate (TAS). The mechanics/engineers there suggested replacing the entire rear diff. They already replaced the front diff. Sure hope this fixes my issue. They said the sound is definitely noticeable and upon draining the rear diff, lots of metallic stuff in the fluid and it was very dark in color (not normal).
Crossing my fingers!
mashburned
New member
I took my '17 in today, and to be brief, a technician acknowledged the front diff issue that has been around since 08, he acknowledged there was a slight noise in my vehicle when he was riding with me, but to file a claim the noise would have to be more prominent.
He was a nice guy though, said the issue is well known and it wont' hurt a thing if you don't get it fixed, it could just get more annoying.
So I got 3 years, 30kmiles to take it back to the dealer when the noise/vibration gets more noticeable/obvious.
Tech also said you can't just replace the bearing in the '17, it's a whole new differential. Which is not what the TSB said, so I don't know...
He was a nice guy though, said the issue is well known and it wont' hurt a thing if you don't get it fixed, it could just get more annoying.
So I got 3 years, 30kmiles to take it back to the dealer when the noise/vibration gets more noticeable/obvious.
Tech also said you can't just replace the bearing in the '17, it's a whole new differential. Which is not what the TSB said, so I don't know...
Riders of Lohan
New member
Wow - Came here to post a new thread to troubleshoot an issue and see this one right at the top.
Here's my story
2017 TRDORP - 32k miles
Only noticible in winter
use to be like clockwork - 27 degrees or lower, I would get a rhythmic hum/shudder/vibration that you can slightly hear but definately feel through your feet in the floorboard.
Happens for about 1 second every 2-3 seconds.
Does not happen in 4WD or warm weather.
Today in Chi town we're at -20 and it was very obvious. gonna head to the dealer right now and see if I can get it documented.
Here's my story
2017 TRDORP - 32k miles
Only noticible in winter
use to be like clockwork - 27 degrees or lower, I would get a rhythmic hum/shudder/vibration that you can slightly hear but definately feel through your feet in the floorboard.
Happens for about 1 second every 2-3 seconds.
Does not happen in 4WD or warm weather.
Today in Chi town we're at -20 and it was very obvious. gonna head to the dealer right now and see if I can get it documented.
to put it simply, find another dealer, there is no basis for prominence of noise to do or not do the work. and I don't know why he would say you can't replace the bearing and have to do the whole diff
Riders of Lohan
New member
Well that was interesting
Of course the noise stopped right before I go to the dealer.
Rolled up, a tech jumped in, and I couldn't replicate the sound. I explained the symptoms and talked about the TSB, I probably sound like most crazy people who came in already convinced they knew what it was, and usually I am that person.
I asked if we could let it sit outside for 30 mins and try again.
Did that, he took it for a spin, couldn't do it.
I left defeated, and of course the noise comes back immediately after I leave
I turn around despite my wife already being mad at the ridiculous task I am doing the day before we leave for our honeymoon (havent packed btw)
replace this pic when I get back
Got it up to 50, let off the gas, he heard it once and said it was the TSB.
Needle bearing on order
Thanks for the thread.
Of course the noise stopped right before I go to the dealer.
Rolled up, a tech jumped in, and I couldn't replicate the sound. I explained the symptoms and talked about the TSB, I probably sound like most crazy people who came in already convinced they knew what it was, and usually I am that person.
I asked if we could let it sit outside for 30 mins and try again.
Did that, he took it for a spin, couldn't do it.
I left defeated, and of course the noise comes back immediately after I leave
I turn around despite my wife already being mad at the ridiculous task I am doing the day before we leave for our honeymoon (havent packed btw)
replace this pic when I get back
Got it up to 50, let off the gas, he heard it once and said it was the TSB.
Needle bearing on order
Thanks for the thread.
mashburned
New member
I’m pretty confident they will fix it. I made progress today, and kept it cordial. My only regret is not driving up there when I first heard the noise 4,000 miles ago.
Dealing with the service desk ain’t fun though, that’s for sure.
See what happens when I go back.
But, as I understand it, there is no guarantee this problem will not come back after needle bearing is replaced, correct? Same part, could be the same issue all over again? I’ll have to ask those questions when I go back, and find out difference between replacing bearing vs entire diff.
I live 5 miles away from this dealership and they’ve been good to me for many years. This is the first new vehicle I’ve purchased with them.
Dealing with the service desk ain’t fun though, that’s for sure.
See what happens when I go back.
But, as I understand it, there is no guarantee this problem will not come back after needle bearing is replaced, correct? Same part, could be the same issue all over again? I’ll have to ask those questions when I go back, and find out difference between replacing bearing vs entire diff.
I live 5 miles away from this dealership and they’ve been good to me for many years. This is the first new vehicle I’ve purchased with them.
Is there a new TSB rev for that issue? I just came back from my dealer, and they told me that they can't simply change the bearing, and will need to change the whole differential, which, of course, is not in stock and can take few weeks (!) to get.
Last week when they diagnosed the issue they said it should take about 4 hours to do the job, and that they have all of the parts in stock.. Now they said that the TSB has been revised.
:wtf:
btw. long time lurker, first time poster..
Last week when they diagnosed the issue they said it should take about 4 hours to do the job, and that they have all of the parts in stock.. Now they said that the TSB has been revised.
:wtf:
btw. long time lurker, first time poster..
Quick update - they claim that the TSB was updated on Jan 10 2019, but I can't find it anywhere on the net..
Salvo Jimmy
Member
Have them show you the tsb
Salvo Jimmy
Member
Did you get a loaner vehicle?
themaestro
New member
I'll throw in my anecdotal experience.
I installed the ECGS bushing on my 2010 TE, and it did not get rid of the 50-60 wobble. I did not have the "cyclical" grinding issue, I was hoping to eliminate the 55mph vibration.
I think its important to separate the two symptoms.
I installed the ECGS bushing on my 2010 TE, and it did not get rid of the 50-60 wobble. I did not have the "cyclical" grinding issue, I was hoping to eliminate the 55mph vibration.
I think its important to separate the two symptoms.
