ECGS bushing need advice!

My brand new 2021 4Runner TRD OR is starting to give me trouble with the needle bearing. I’m very familiar with the issue because I traded in a Tacoma that had this same issue. With my Tacoma I installed the ecgs bushing the same time I lifted it and it solved my problem 100%.

Between 30-50mph I’m getting that growl/vibe that goes away as soon as I switch to 4hi. It’s pretty minor right now but it bugs me bc this thing has 2500 miles on it and it should be smooth. I need advice because I have a few options.

A. Replace w ecgs bushing and be done with it (voids warranty)

B. Take to dealer where they will tell me “operating as designed” or if they replace the needle bearing it will be with the same poor design and likely return later or if I decide to lift it.

C. Leave it alone for now

I’m was planning for this issue to show its self either much later down the road or if I lifted it. I’m bummed its starting to act up to soon.

I absolutely love this rig and just was curious to see what route you guys would take. Thanks!

 

Worried about warranty take it in and pray.

Don't give a crap. ECGS probably won't cause issues down the road. Put it in.

I'm just waiting for mine to make noise and the ECGS is going in warranty or not.

 

If it were me, I’d just do the ECGS bushing and be done with it. It should have no impact on your warranty; aside from the bushing itself, and maybe perhaps the axle seal that sits in front of it.

I also had to do it on my Taco previously, then on my 4Runner I just did it proactively when I lifted it.

 

I’m leaning that way. It’s inexpensive and like you said just be done with it.

 

For my 4Runner I did choice (C) for about 9000 miles...then I opted for choice (A).

I haven't heard of a bad needle bearing causing a catastrophic problem. AFAIK it's just annoying.

 

I have not heard of any catastrophic failures either. I’ll probably wait until it warms up here to do it.

 

Why do some 4runners have this needle bearing issues and some do not?

 

I understand your frustration as I have had mine done at the dealership at about 6600 miles. My question is why does it hit the driver front predominantly and if you go the ECGS route should both fronts be done?

 

They only use a needle bearing on the drivers side; passenger side is a proper bushing/bearing already. I’m not sure why they choose to use the needle bearing on driver side though... must have bought a zillion of them on clearance long ago, lol.

 

I don’t think it really becomes an issue until you lift; at which point the axle shaft angle puts more side load pressure on the bearing, causing it to rumble.

It’s also likely not as big of a problem as we’d think it is. Sure we hear about it a lot on forums and FB groups; but we still all represent a fairly small percentage of owners, on top of us being the more likely to lift and mod, thus triggering the issue.

 

EXACTLY! If i just left mine alone I dont think it would cause any long term issues I'm just going to do it because its a fairly straight forward process and the rumble and vibes are just annoying. Ill probably do it at some point over the summer

 

Lift makes it worse but not the main culprit. My 2013 has no lift and needle bearing failed. It is just poor design and loosey-goosey fit.

 

@Mitch65
Please please STOP here
do not waste time to go to the dealer or somewhere else
i had the same issue after when i change oil and rotate tires on 4000 Miles
wasted 3 months , and also changed 3 dealerships , one of them acknowledge and said its the way it is .
its not CV Excel or drive train or anything its 100% Steering Rack , just accept this reality or spend $1500% out of pocket
Toyota and dealers both suck in this case .

 

Umm...no.

ECGS bushing 100% fixed mine.
Even now with a lift installed it's still smooth.

Your 4Runner may have a different issue I suppose.

 

Agreed, same here (in regards to my Taco).

Steering rack would be more sloppy/erratic steering, and clunking sounds. I could see how it might possibly mimic a rubbing sound or vibration, and I'm sure this was the case for irfan, but the symptom, and that they were improved once in 4wd, are more closely related to needle bearing.

 

i am living with this , one day my vehicle vibrate so much i thought its earth quick , and my driving seat too .
on H4 ( 4wd ) it just gone away quickly .
Keeping Tire PSI 33 , and Road Force Balance will help but vibration will stay same .
i was thinking toyota might address this issue on 2021 but not.

 

Weirdly the feeling is predominantly pass side

 

Well, hope you can get it figured out soon.

?

 

I fingered the screen, edited now

 

Gotcha, I was befuddled for a minute there, lol.

 

Just ordered my ECGS bushing.

 

My issue is the needle bearing. I come from a Tacoma that has the exact same issue. Here is how you can tell for sure 100% without a doubt that it’s the needle bearing. On a straight road go about 30-40mph and coast. If you hear a cyclical rumble or faint grinding/vibration switch to 4hi. If the noise/vibration disappears it’s the needle bearing. If it was in the steering rack changing to 4hi wouldn’t make a difference. Some 4runners have it and some don’t. Some it’s minor and others it’s much more pronounced. Mine is minor.

 

Is the ECGS bushing good for preventative measures or just for those who are modified? I have stock size KO2 tires and only a 1" front level. 2015 SR5P. Once in a while a get a vibration and also once in a while I notice the passenger seat vibrating more than normal. Mostly feel it at 90-100km/h (Canada). But I do plan to keep this vehicle for a long time so thinking it would help especially in the long run. Thoughts?

 

Does the vibration go away if you put it in 4Hi?