Needle bearing...

Got mine put in today. It didn't affect the noise I had just spinning the wheel off the ground, I believe that's normal gear roll, but it's smooth and quiet at 40mph now!

I saw some people saying their bearing was broken when removed, I think that's happening when the tool gets tapped in place. I noticed a small void in my race and fished the broken part out with a magnet, might be something to consider when a larger piece comes off.

The only problem I had was getting the cv shaft out. I've removed many in my life but this one hung on for dear life. I noticed the clip on these isn't round like most I've seen, there are 2 lobes on it. when I finally got the shaft (clip) rotated where it wanted to be and kept the shaft level it popped right out.

 

Ive only had one or two that were so bad that the needle capturing "basket" failed and spit them into the diff. Ive had a few of the needles fall out after pulling the CV also. That is more common. Also that clip can be a BITCH! Good on you not giving up!

 

Are those things less likely to happen if you replace it before there are symptoms?

 

Yeah. The cage that holds the needles will get worse the longer it is getting the vibration. Luckily the axle holds the needles in pretty well so it is not typical for a quick catastrophic failure but the longer it goes the more likely an issue with the needles getting into the diff. Like I said though, I've only had one or two that got that far so it is not very common

 

Curious - does the needle bearing sleeve have different edges front & back like the ECGS bushing, as in, only goes in one way?

 

Yes. Every bearing I've ever installed has markings (manuf, model, size etc) on one face. This is the face where you apply pressure to install. So in most cases, facing out.

Jason

 

No. It is caged in. Both sides look the same. The outer metal is rounded over (see below). The vibration wears and crushes the retention metal between the needles and allows them to start moving more and not which speeds up the wear. When they open up enough, they are no longer retained. The axle typically holds them in and they fall out occasionally when the axle is removed. I've only seen one or two where the needle has gotten past the outer lip of the bearing and into the diff.

 

Caged in I don't think so if I'm understanding you correctly.

That thin piece of metal between each needle is what holds it in. If one side fails the needle can come out. Of course after that it would need to get past the CV but sounds like when it gets real bad the tolerance is so far off the needle can slip by.

 

Exactly. When those little retention metal pieces get worn it starts spitting the needles, the axle keeps them trapped for a while but eventually, enough space can be made for them to start getting out. It will take a WHILE (in my opinion). Like I said. I've only seen it one or twice get that bad.

 

I paid a shop to do the needle bearing replacement on my 03 Tacoma, over ten years ago, back when ecgs bushing was barely a thing.

paid the shop $700 to replace the needle bearing with a new needle bearing.. no difference obviously.. I was just desperate and trying things..

fk you Toyota.

 

@MyWyfsRnnr - it appears you have a whole new pool of prospective customers - saw this on TW in the 4th gen Tacoma threads:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2024-tacoma-trd-offroad-needle-bearing.841077/#post-30155760

Gonna have to sharpen up your install skills...

 

I already did one on a 4th Gen the other day haha! The curse continues!

 

Already ahead of the game, I see...doesn't bode well for the 6th gen 4Runner, it seems.

 

God damn fking Toyota…

 

Physically pained me to see what you spent on your needle bearing swap... I do the ECGS upgrade for less than half what you had to spend... Maybe someday I should antique roadshow ECGS bushing installs around the western US! Get some vacation time and help some people out! Haha. I see you're in Colorado so I couldn't help you out but grab a friend and do the ECGS bushing yourself!

 

Wow, really?!? Just curious, did the customer complain about noise on the 4th gen Tacoma, or was it a pre-emptive job?

 

I finally got a chance to watch your long awaited video @MyWyfsRnnr ! Thanks for taking the time. Hilarious that you thought out the clocking position for the seam on the bushing, I’ve wondered about that myself.

 

I had one question on that clocking of the bushing, which I think @MyWyfsRnnr already answered, but I cannot find it...what exactly is meant by the 7 / 30 position?

Edit: never mind. I found it in the comments on the YT video. He meant the 4-5 o'clock position.

One other question when reinstalling the CV joint - does it matter if the opening in the C-clip is on the right or left side?

 

The opening position does not matter at all when reinstalling, I just like it straight down because that seems to balance the clip out a little bit so that it compresses a little easier. It really doesn't matter though

 

Same vibration issue. Dealer installed 2" spacer lift, less than 2000 miles, stock tires

 

Yeah... I'm an idiot and said 7:30... Should be like 4-5.... Digital age! Haha. Filming that was so much pressure! Also that stupid bump stop wouldn't come out of that truck! Haha

 

lol what a pos.. I am looking fwd to be out of this Toyota game.. hoping the ineos’ test drive goes well tomorrow. I am bringing the 4R’s title in anticipation.

 

I still really like Toyota for sure! It just seems like they're cashing in their reliability reputation to make money now. There's just a few things like the needle bearing and then rushing these latest engines etc that make you wonder long-term. It's sad when a Chevy 5.3 LS motor is doing as well as Toyota. I have 18 cars right now so I'm not a brand ambassador for any but I do love our 4Runner. I'm just a little disappointed with how Toyota is managing their business and their shortcomings

 

lol 18 cars. Which is your fav?

 

4R has been traded in! Someone else’s rumble to worry about

 

Don’t bury this in the needle bearing thread!!!! You owe it to everyone to give us your impressions! At least to the folks that want to dream of the Grenadier.

Which model did you get? Triple locked? What are your plans with it?

 

Triple locked!

 

Ok seriously, PICS!!!! New thread!!! Give us a comparison to the 4runner in terms of utility, function, etc! PICS ! PICS! PICS!

Especially back seat and cargo area. I’m curious how hard it would be to convert to an elevated flat floor over the battery. Not that I could afford one, but a guy can dream!

 

Will do a write up once a get a feel for the new rig.. some pictures from a joyride this AM.

I had the subwoofer dialed too strong. One of the song I played started to rumble the driver seat, immediately triggered yota needle bearing PTSD.. I had to turn down the music to make sure it was just bass.

 

I really like the grenadier technically, but they all look too good/boring.
Show me one with lift and big wheels, somthing that looks a bit more aggressive.
You find many badass looking Landrover Defenders or G Wagons, so why not the grenadier? Or are they still too young / new.