2022 needle bearing issues

New to 4 runners and not even at 150 miles mine has been a disaster. When doing harmless research I saw the tsd and some threads talking about this needle bearing that sucks & front differential assemblies being replaced already. Thought that was crazy and as of today I now have those symptoms! Is there anyone out there who has recently dealt with this that can make me feel better about this purchase, unfortunately I am already thinking of getting rid of this beautiful vehicle.

 

Mine had the needle bearing issue right away also. The replacement differential has been fine. It's hit or miss.

 

How many miles did you make it so far on the replacement differential with no problems, my main worry is just having someone ‘skilled’ actually doing the repair at the dealer I suppose. Just bums me out fighting scratches that came on the suv brand new, then the steering shimmy, now this.

 

Replace with ecgs bushing instead. Never have to deal with it again.

 

That’s something I have looked at, only concern is currently voiding warranty’s. I saw one person who had parts of a needle bearing on there drain magnet I most certainly don’t want that!

 

The original diff was replaced somewhere around 30K. I'm currently around 70K, and lifted.

I'm sorry to hear about your other issues.

My plan was to get the free replacement, and hope for the best. If it fails again, I'll probably do the ECGS bushing.

 

We're experiencing this issue with our 22 that has approximately 850 miles on it and are currently working with our dealership to resolve. There's a good bit of discussion on the topic in the thread linked below including my comments on page 2.

https://www.4runners.com/threads/help-with-a-sound-on-a-new-4runner.23843/

 

Most dealerships are careless with vehicle prep. I’ve seen dudes using push brooms washing cars in the service dept. other times it’s the lowest paid lot porter.

Buyers serious about keeping their paint pristine often ask a dealer not to prep their car before purchase, aside from the necessary checks- battery, etc

 

Seriously, a push broom previously looked like it scrubbed my whole truck, I would think to remove snow.

 

Certainly possible.

Some folks get a paint correction immediately after leaving a dealership because the swirls are so obvious and quite annoying on a brand new vehicle.

People that take their vehicles on trails likely won’t care, but others will.

 

I understand that it will happen over time, but at 2 miles on pick up I would have rather been the one to cause them first for what I spent. Atleast at this point the very few that remain you would never know exist unless you knew to look very hard. Mine won’t see a trail for a while sad to say, I live in a state with none.

 

Get a harbor freight detailer and get rid of the scratches. It’s not too much of an investment.

 

So if the noise doesn't bother you it seems like you can let this go? Seems like some have gone thousands of miles without things blowing up?

 

I've installed about 20 of them on various Tacomas. Fixes the issue every time. Only warranty you could void would be any damages related to driver side cv axle and the front diff. Rest of the vehicle would still be completely covered.

 

I went nearly 30K miles before I replaced it. It was pretty subtle at first, and seemed to go away when it was warm outside.

 

Im at around 22k miles. Needle bearing had been intermittently making noise since my drive home from the dealer. Put a lift kit on mine at around 14k miles, still hear with same frequency. Im working myself up to just do the ECGS plain bearing.

Regarding getting rid of the 4runner…depends on why you got the 4runner and how much you like it as a vehicle. In my case selling it would be like throwing out the baby with the bathwater.

 

It is a MINOR issue all things considered. Should it be happening?? Nah, but it’s a cheap fix, even if you have to pay for someone to do it.

Is the 2022 even part of the TSB yet? I was under the impression that it wasn’t.

Also, just make sure something is actually happening. These things are NOISY. From what I understand it’s more of a “feel” rather than a sound.

Good luck OP! Keep us updated

 

Will do it goes in on the 26th

 

Superdave, your pic speaks volumes about badly designed needle bearing axle support. I've ECGS for 2 years now and it is a permanent solution. I did get spare one for later but don't think will need it anytime soon.

 

Gonna see how this new front differential goes if the dealer installs it, but later in its life the ecgs is on the list.

 

So how are you guys determining this needle bearing issue? Does it just happen while driving normally?

 

I did by just driving down the street normally, yes 30-50 is a sweet spot Atleast to me but I swear I feel it and hear it slowing down as well. On a nice straight road if you feel / hear a rotational groan (how mine is Atleast) and then switch it into 4 wheel drive (off the gas and moving) you will notice it go away instantly. According to Toyota you should drive in 4 wheel drive for 10 miles a month minimum to keep things lubed. Which if on payment it has to be a straight road because turning in 4 wheel drive on pavement is bad for the components.

 

thought it was no issue switching from 2wd to 4hi regardless if on/off pavement at 30-40mph? is it not?

 

Now what groan is this? Is it very obvious, or could easily be mistaken for just the noise of an all terrain/off road tire?

 

That’s fine I meant turning as in making turns in 4 wheel drive on dry pavement, is bad

 

A tire would make the noise 100% of the time. This doesn’t, and there’s a way to make it disappear instantly.

 

I've read a few post where members drive on highways (when needed) in the rain/snow with 4hi engaged as well. is that not recommended?

 

I personally see no reason to need 4 wheel drive for rain, snow yes that’s fine. But everyone is different, I live in New York and I am used to winters and when I truly ‘need’ 4 wheel drive which is only a few times a year in winter.

 

You must be a Toyota employee. This has to be one of the most ridiculous comments I’ve read in these forums.

 

Sorry if it has been mentioned. One way to diagnose a humm, grinding, vibration or noise as the needle bearing is to perform the following.

While driving perfectly straight, well under 60mph(don't exceed 60), put vehicle into 4Hi. If the noise goes away, it's for sure the needle bearing!

Again no turns, under 60mph, no damage will occur to your drive train doing this test.