2022 TRD Offroad W/T-SB-0026-15 issue

Hey everyone, I know this is not a new issue but I wanted to share what's going on with my 2022 TRD Offroad 7,000 miles. Here we go... So I lifted my 4Runner last week (as I have with all of my other Gen-5 4Runners, about 5 of them) with Bilstein 5100's, OME springs & Light racing UCA's. After driving it about 200 miles I started getting the noise described in the TSB listed above. You all know where this is going Right? Yep Gulf States Toyota says it's because of the lift. Here is where It stands today, I am meeting with the factory service rep from GST sometime this week to debate the issue. By the way, the needle bearing and seal are the same part number as it has always been since 2004. I will make updates to this post so that everyone knows what I did and what GST did. Let's see what happens!!! I attached the TSB to this post for your reading pleasure.

UPDATE: Thank you for the responses everyone. The lift is about 3" in the front and 1" in the rear.
Here is where we are now!! So when they pulled the axel out it had some scaring on it. Everyone agrees it had nothing to do with the lift or the bearing failure (except causing the bearing to fail). Best guess is, it happened during manufacturing sice the axels have never been out of the truck. So Toyota has agreed to replace the axel, bearing and seal. Yes they are finally doing the right thing.

As soon as I get it back I will post some photos.

 

I got the same issue right now but im out of warranty. They'll most likely replace your front differential as well. I'm about to replace mine with the ECGS Bushing and Seal. I've heard here, more so on TW, that this'll fix the issues. On the other hand, i've seen issues with a diff drop causing a similar issue however, it is much worse since it angles your diff causing the oil to lean to one side. this'll lead to worse grinding noises and damage. Just look out for that as well.

 

Great information. Thnak you..

 

So, how lifted is the lift? Just curious...

 

Toyota (or any mechanic for that matter) will always find something you did aftermarket to try to avoid repairing it. For this reason, I don't plan on lifting mine (actually the wife). Pls do keep us updated on what your debate entails and the end results. This will help everyone out if they do have issues such as yours. Hope it goes well for you.

 

These threads come up regularly, I think I commented on another one just a few days ago.

Nothing changed since 2004, never expect it to be fixed either. Sure, the dealer can claim it's cause of your lift but really it's a design flaw.

However, ECGS bushing has fixed EVERY SINGLE person we've done it for, and that's about 11 or 12 friends vehicles we've done them on.

Nowadays I order with ECGS bushing with the lift and don't even wait for trouble to replace.

Bonus comments: We never did diff drops. Still seems to be random if you get the needle bearing issues. Even stock height ones suffer from it.

 

I hear that as well. ECGS will be the way to go. When or if my 4th gen ever goes bad, I'll repair it then. But the 5th gen will stay stock.

 

Find another dealer that will help.

 

Hey Matt, the dealer has been really good. This was 100% Toyota. The dealer has been doing all they could to help me out including giving me a new 4Runner to drive. A big shout out to Family Toyota in Burleson, Texas. They relly have been great!!

 

Thank you so much for the information.

 

I've read that some dealers have replaced the entire diff but that's great to hear that they're going to repair it.

 

Ecgs bushing is the way to go, did this on my Tacoma when i lifted it. The dealer can replace your diff but chances are the issue will return.

 

Upade-2: So after the dealer replaced the left CV axel (it was scarred) and the needle bearing under warranty, within 150 miles the noise started to come back. I took everyones advise and replaced the needle bearing with the ECGS bushing. 1500 miles later, no noise or vibrations. Thank you everyone for the great advise!!! Lesson learned,, if you lift a FJ, Tacoma or 4runner go ahead and replace the needle bearing with the ECGS bushing at the same time. Side note,,, it cost about $75.00 for me to replace the bearing with the bushing. Toyota charges $600 to replace the needle baring. Thank goodness it was warranty.... The guy's at ECGS are truly amazing!!!

 

Good update @bbmedic

And to your previous point, should you have to do this? No. But at least you know what will fix it. I'd rather know I fixed it than worry about it coming back.

A little cost and a medium hassle for a bulletproof fix. Not a terrible trade IMO.

(My previous 4Runner owned by a friend crossed over 80k miles with the bushing, still no issues)

 

This seems not to be an issue with 2022 4Runners thank goodness! I just installed a Bilstein 6112 leveling kit with UCA's on my TRD ORP.

 

https://www.4runners.com/threads/2022-needle-bearing-issues.24165/

 

It will show up, some just do it sooner then others.

i still don't understand why Toyota doesn't change the needle bearing to something like the ECGS bushing, would save them a lot of money.

 

Great! What's the rough cost to doing the ECGS bushings? I would prefer to not wait until failure.

 

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-8536125-toyota-8-clamshell-bushing-eliminates-needle-bearing.html

Add install tool, axle seal, and removal tool if needed. If you're gentle, you won't need the axle seal. If you aren't, you'll wish you spent the $22.00. Just get it.

Regarding install, local offroad shops likely can do it and might even have experience. Call around beforehand, or if you want to do it yourself, watch a few YouTube videos. It's not really that bad if you've done races and bushings/bearings on trailers. It's kinda like that in reverse.

 

Yeah if your lifted i would for sure go ahead and do it. I know on the Tacomaworld forum guys would loan out there install tool, i was fortunately lucky enough to have a member near me that allowed me to use his. I'm new to this forum so i don't know if we have that option here.

 

about $60.00

 

All fixed and doing great. Thank you ECGS!!!

 

I’ve been hesitating going to the dealer for mine (intermittent sound, 23,000miles). It’s been making the sound since new. I havent taken it in because it has been hit or miss, and I dont want to waste my time taking it in if it’s quiet. Leaning heavily towards doing the ecgs bearing.

Well today it warmed up a bit, and it started making the noise very clearly, even felt it slightly. I happened to be driving by a toyota dealer, and stopped in to see if they had a tech available right then and there to hear it. They did not.

But I explained the issue, brought up the expired TSB, and mentioned my lift at 14,000miled, which did not change the frequency that the sound occured. They were familiar with the problem. I got the talk about the diagnostic fee if they dont find a problem, or if they determine the lift caused the issue.

Because I couldnt drop it off today, I scheduled it for later this week. Pretty much they told me if it’s not making the noise on the way in, not to bother lol. So basically if it’s quiet on the day of the appointment, Im cancelling the appt.

Hearing @bbmedic ‘s two-fer experience isnt helping lol. By the way, that 4runner looks fantastic!

 

Scenario: The day you go for your appt., no noise or vibe, you cancel your appt., you're back to square 1. Then on your ride home it does the noise/vibe. This scenario happened to us. Get the bushing, have it put in... end of problem. Ya I know it's under warranty, but the cost of the bushing, puller/installers and seal are worth every penny. At least your dealer is aware of the problem. That is a promising sign if you go the dealership route. If you go the ECGS bushing route, the thought of the needle bearing will no longer be a concern.

 

This sums up what I failed to properly articulate earlier.

I put it in in 2017 and then promptly forgot about it for years until I hear people ask about it on the forums.

 

At least I feel better that I went to tell the dealer. It’s just trying to get over the feeling of leaving money on the table. If it doesnt pan out, so be it. And then I dont not have to worry about them tearing other crap up when replacing the bearing.

 

We told 2 dealerships and they had NO idea what we were talking about.. obviously the wrong dealerships, at least wrong service depts., it's on record with them. Hope yours turns out better. It was a nice feeling driving to Madison on the weekend, like it was new! Badgers lost to Michigan.... dang!

 

Several years ago I had a discussion with a service advisor at my local dealership regarding this subject. He stated that they had seen more Tacoma’s with the failed bearing rather than 4Runners.

 

That'll be a good idea if someone has the tool that they can loan to those who's looking to do it this job. Would suck to order the tool and just use it once. I guess when the time comes for me, I'll look around and see if anyone's willing to loan theirs out.

 

I bought the tool. Hit me up..