Needle bearing issue?

no - newly designed front differential

 

Then why does the TSB say it only applies up to a specific VIN?

 

Read through this whole thread and it is talked about but long and short of it. Stock height CAN still have the issue, lifting it increases the probability. Not all experience it. The Diff replacement does not keep it from happening. I've done bushings on '23 Runners (tacomas also). They are still installing differentials with the exact same potential issue.

 

Thanks. Too bad. I guess the ECGS bushing solves the problem.

 

Mine had the problem at 150 miles stock

 

It’s unbelievable a brand new truck would have problems so soon. If you are reinstalling the same parts, this could never end. I have been on the Tacoma forum for a while. I hear about these needle bearing issues but it seems most are on lifted trucks. My 2016 Tacoma did not have this issue for 7 years. It only had 60,000 miles on it though.

 

If they reinstall a new differential. Same issues will rear its heads.
On last visit, the service Manager indicated they wouldn't be fixing anything unless there is a TSB for 2022 and newer.
Though the differential replacement part numbers are different for the 2022/2023

Appears in cold weather and disappears when its warm > 70F

 

It’s a messed up day when someone trades in a new 4 runner for a new ram truck and is a lot happier with the new ram truck LOL. I didn’t look back ever since. Tried to love it but I divorced it.

 

Its not that bad. Just annoying.

Dumping T4R for RAM, Ford or GM . Frying Pan to fire. No residual resale values.
Just my 2c ..

 

Anyone dealing with or nervous of this issue should take it to a trustworthy shop and have it swapped to the ECGS bushing. It is "not to expensive" peace of mind. Any shop should be able to do it. Don't let them charge more than 3-4 hours labor. I change these all the time for people because the dealer wants to swap differentials and keep their cars for 3 days (which doesn't solve the issue permanently, just gets them past warranty). I am a backyard shop and charge $200 plus parts ($60 bushing, $23 seal, $8 crush washers) for reference. Once again, I'm a backyard shop that doesn't have overhead so I can keep prices down. I would expect a big shop to do the work for $300-350 labor plus parts.

 

The trade in value of my 4 runner also dropped as soon as I drove it off the lot, I don’t care about re sale value as I PLAN to keep my vehicles for 20+ years, I care about drive quality and lack of issues. Sure the engine is very stout in the 4 runner but thing pissed me off every time I drove it. My mother has a 2019 and never gave her a issue, mine wasn’t the same way.

 

The current Tech on the T4R is really dated. For me 10yrs Max except another cooler version of T4R is released soon. No EVs though. Hybrid - Can consider.

 

Same on the ram classic, they made it since 2009. I say 20 years now since most new vehicles are turning to crap due to emission and mpg standards and to much technology.

 

If you had a new 4 Runner and the vibration started early, would it invalidate the warranty to have an independent shop install the ECGS bushings? Or would you let Toyota do warranty repairs on the needle bearings until the power train warranty expires?

 

I went the dealer route

 

Toyota Service is refusing to do any repairs without a 2022 TSB. Besides you don't have to worry about visiting Toyota - if the Bushing replacement had solved the problem. No point putting new differential - if it isn't solving the issue permanently

 

Mine did the repair without a 2022 tsb, I brought in the one for the previous years said I have the same issue was persistent and it got done. At that point i already had enough issues with my new vehicle that I wasn’t letting things go easy.

 

So you already had a relationship with the Service Department. Its a different ballgame now.
Same excuse of 'cant reproduce' at three different Toyota Service Departments.

 

I got to the point where when I came in for issues I talked to the general manager every single time and he tried his best to make things right, except the shimmy and hood paint defect. Farthest that went was getting a ‘regional engineer’ or whatever in for the last service for that.

 

Was the hood paint defect something you didn’t notice when you bought the truck? If not, and you had noticed it then, would you have still taken it? As hard to find as they are (some people wait months), it’s something to think about. Surprised a paint defect coming from Japan. The Mexico Tacoma paint looks good. I have looked at some lately but leaning toward 4 Runner. Mainly because of the Japan quality reputation.

 

Popped up 8 months after ownership

 

Literally.

 

I am just curious, what can happen to paint after 6 months? Did bird droppings etch the paint or something?

 

8 months 14 days 480 mins

 

Never had a paint issue in the 15 years I owned vehicles, had corrosion in the middle of my hood eating the paint and clear coat away. Treated every vehicle the same

 

Sounds like brake fluid got on hood? Maybe vandalism? Very odd. I’m sorry you have to deal with that. Some of the local dealers around here advertise “paint protector” coverage on the vehicle IF it had that warranty (supplemental to factory warranties). I always thought those warranties were worthless but if you have that on your 4 Runner it is a perfect opportunity to make a claim.

 

Mine was replaced at 20k and 59 k. No issues since. Currently 130 K.

 

I can see why you gave up on the 4R. Sorry.

 

305,000 miles????

 

As posted on this forum and on 4Runner.org. I had the dreaded needle bearing problem. Replaced the front diff (at about 6K), came right back, the service manager put in a tech request and I called Toyota twice within a couple weeks. I asked Toyota to contact the service manager directly - they did and sent a regional tech. Solution as others have seen is a new front diff with a manufacture date after April 20th or thereabouts 2022. AND they put in front axle (which I assume snugged things up too). Regardless - fixed through all seasons.

It was a pain and definitely took the joy out this Runner (my 5th starting with a 1st gen!) and loving it 100%.

That's my story!