2022 needle bearing issues

You are supposed to engage 4WD for at least 10 minutes about once a month. While 4WD is not needed in rain on paved surfaces, it can be engaged for the above mentioned purposes. Snow is a different situation. 4WD is not always needed in snow on paved surfaces, it can enhance stability.

 

If it hasn't been posted, there is a TSB covering 21-24 models for this issue. dated October 5, 2023.

file:///C:/Users/shoppingmc/Downloads/4Runner%20TSB.pdf

 

Yes. They all have the same differential with the needle bearing on the driver side.

 

The needle bearing issue only applies to differentials make before April 11, 2022 and require a complete differential replacement. Those made after than need a different repair not involving the needle bearing replacement.

 

Where did you get that information? Nothing changed in the production of 4Rs after April 11th, 2022.

 

Cut and paste the PDF in post #303, all of that information as well as partial VIN information is there.

I never said production changed in the 4Runner after April 11, 2022, just the differentials.

Read the TSB and you will find answers to your questions and whether or not your 4Runer is covered.

 

Cut and paste of the information in post #303 doesn't do anything.

 

Are you working on a laptop or mobile device?

 

Layman's theory from reading the TSB . . .

Resonance caused by shitty needle bearing either inappropriate for the application or not fit closely enough in production.

Old fix: replace the entire diff and axle assembly until the bearing makes noise again in the future

New fix: hide the noise made by the shitty needle bearing with a harmonic damper

That's some WTF.

Installing bushing is easy and works.

That's what I'd do if I had a post-'22 truck. That's what I did do for my '21 truck.

Imagine how many of these repairs could have been completed in the time we've all spent here theorizing and hand-wringing ;-0

Jason

p.s. - Disclaimer: maybe the engineers that designed the diff have a more accurate explanation . . . or "the MBAs made us do it against our advice"

 

Since it's covered under warranty I'll let the dealer do it.

 

For those having trouble getting the pdf,

Toyota T-SB-0075-23
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2023/MC-10245450-9999.pdf

 

Working on a desktop pc. Thanks for the screenshots.

I have to say, though, just because Toyota won't replace the front differential any more doesn't mean it's not the needle bearing. They just refuse to admit it.

We've already heard from one member on here also that has the TSB later model fix from the TSB, and adding the dynamic damper (fix for later models per that TSB) lasted about 500 miles, and the growl/vibration is back. So Toyota may or may not replace the front differential, but the ECGS bushing is still the real fix.

 

Their "fix" changed but the design flaw is the same. @glwood54 is correct, the harmonic damper seems to be a temporary patch but not a end all solution. I'm still disappointed that Toyota is not addressing the real issue they have known about
@jasonmcelroy yep, seems like some serious WTF. I attended some Toyota factory trainings and tried to corner them on this issue and they weaselled out of it with a lot of lawyer speak haha

 

Back with an update. I went to the second dealership and after two test drives they were happy to tell me it has been diagnosed. The entire front diff of my 23 with 14k miles is defective. They will be replacing it. I guess Toyota hasn't fixed anything with the front diff. They said the first dealership should never have told me it was normal.

 

Have them replace it then immediately install the ECGS on the new one. The replacement diff will not fix the underlying design defect.

 

Toyota is devoted to fixing warranty issues by replacing a whole assembly rather than repair it.

Why would you complain about that?

BTW it's sll on the TSB

 

For the 23 the TSB is to install the dynamic dampener. I am not complaining I am glad the new dealer is fixing it. The TSB did nothing to resolve the pulsing vibration issues I had. Edit: well it made it have a little less vibration for 500 miles then got overpowered by the rumble strip sensation

 

Differentials built before April 11, 2022 get replaced, after that date, the TSB authorizes the harmonic balancer. Get the diff replaced or repaired on their dime and if the rumble returns after 30 k miles, there are aftermarket fixes. You can't fix it if it ain't broke!

I bought mine with 46k miles and it is just starting to hum. since mine was put into service in late '20 it obviously has a diff built before that date.

I'll take a new diff please.

 

Yes mine has the dampener but still had something physical wrong with it after, cue the new differential install. It's under warranty. If it returns in 30k I'll just get another diff until it's out of warranty. It's just crazy that Toyota still can't resolve this diff issue after all these years . How long does the aftermarket fix usually last? Hopefully this fixes it and it never returns.

 

For this issue, if I had it, I'd personally rather pay to have one ECGS bushing installed than multiple diffs replaced by Toyota under warranty. Even with the warranty, having them work on my 4R risks them messing something else up.

 

I bit the bullet opting to upgrade ECGS before the problem occurs. Sure on principal I would prefer Toyota fix it. I am still under warranty but want to fix the problem proactively. Everything I have read replacing the diff does not fix it. Superior aftermarket part is an investment for me. ECGS is the only permanent fix to my knowledge.

 

Mine has so few miles on it, about how long is the aftermarket fix good for and easy to replace when it goes bad? I hope to hold on to my 5th gen for a long time.

 

There haven't been any reports of the ECGS bushing 'going bad'. Unlike the replaced bearing.

 

@glwood54 , I agree. If there isn't any damage then ECGS without replacing the diff. I forgot how low mile this one was. Good catch.
@Squatchy I have plans to pick up a diff, install the ECGS Bushing and then remove it and make a vid for this exact question. It is just in the que with all the other projects haha. In two weeks I am filming the easy way to install the ECGS Bushing on the car and posting it to YouTube and linking it here.

 

I look forward to that. I guess I may have to just get the bushing installed at some point. So much for Toyota reliability. Haha

 

I’ll be curious to see if the 6th gen will make noise. Our local crew have done some “round the campfire” theorizing on this. Somebody had the idea that you don’t hear complaints about right hand drive prados. The gas tank is opposite the driver (left side) which might make the suspension perfeclty flat side to side. If that’s the case maybe the weight distribution of left drive vehicles, with drivers on the left, and the battery, ends up making it lean more. The left side cv angle might be at exactly the right spot to make the bearing make noise. The new tacomas (and assuming the new 4runners) have the gas tank on the right. Maybe if rides flat down the road, it will reduce complaints about the needle bearinc. Long shot, but maybe…

 

So I just picked up the 4Runner. It drives smoother than new now. The paperwork states the diff fluid was full of metal. All this on bone stock 4runner that hasn't even been off road or lifted yet. Now the search begins to find someone I can trust to install the clamshell at some point.

 

Well when the noise is gone in 4wd, it’s not the tires

 

Dayyummmmm how many miles?