New member needing help on needle bearing issue

Hey everyone,

I’m a new member and have searched the threads on my 4Runner issue but thought I would share my experience to date and hope someone else can share any advice or info they may have.

As experienced by other owners I started getting the noise and vibration in 2WD on my 2014 4Runner. It started around 30K miles and happens mostly between 30 and 40mph. After new tires, wheel bearings checked and other obvious fixes, I was still having the issue. I took it to my local Toyota dealer and explained the problem and after keeping it overnight they too noticed the problem. They told me there was a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for the issue - front differential needle bearing, but my vehicle was out of warranty and it would cost $5,000 to fix in addition to the $250 to diagnose the problem!! Not feeling good about this I took it to another a Toyota dealer 30 miles away and explained my dilemma. They diagnosed the same problem but gave me another option - an after-market bearing that showed success on other vehicles, particularly Tacoma’s and 4Runners, and usually with a lift kit (mine does not have one). Because this was $400 vs $5000 I opted to try it. No success!! I’m still having the noise/vibration, maybe even a little more now. The technician said it’s not a safety issue so there was no recall, but I don’t see how vibration (rattling my dash), and grinding noise doesn’t cause long-term problems. I’m out $650 so far with nothing to show for it. How on earth does a needle bearing fix cost $5,000 - as quoted by 2 dealers? Does anybody have ideas, solutions or suggestions? I’m at my wits end with this! Thanks!!!!

 

https://www.4runners.com/threads/needle-bearing-issue.8124/#post-121185

There is a ton of info on this, hope this helps. If you type in needle bearing issue in the search box at the top of the page it will give you info. Welcome to the forum.

 

Welcome to the forum!

Sorry to hear that you're having this problem. I recommend checking out the thread in the link above. I'm not sure if it's the same issue, but some have replaced the needle bearing with a bushings from East Coast Gear Supply.

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-8536125-toyota-8-clamshell-bushing-eliminates-needle-bearing.html

 

You should still be under powertrain warranty and this is a warranty issue. I successfully had mine replaced at....mmm....46-50k IIRC... it was after bumper to bumper warranty for sure. Dealer rejected the claim the first time and charged me $100 diagnostic, after some back and forth they covered it and reimbursed me. You'll have to get the dealer to warranty it and then complain to that same dealer for restitution after it's fixed.

 

Good point! Powertrain should be 5 years/60K if I'm not mistaken.

 

Thanks so much for the suggestions so far, I will do some more digging. I’ve always taken my rigs to the dealer for work, is there a difference or advantage to taking it to a local shop with a certified Toyota mechanic?

 

Cheaper. What side did they replace? Is you runner ALL TIME 4wheel drive? Or is it non limited?
But yes should try the bushing and get rid of the bearing. I was going to do it to mine but was told by ECGS that the limited's do not have the bearing and no need to change.

 

Mine is not the Limited, just the SR5 model with 4WD but not all-time 4WD. Other than the front needle bearing they did not specify a side. I like the idea of the bushing replacement instead though. Thank you for the info!

 

The needle bearing that needs replaced is the driver side. For some reason no need to change the passenger side. Get the bushing, seal. Some people on here will lend the removal tool to you. If you do it put the bearing in the freezer it will shrink it enough to install a little easier.

 

Good advice, will definitely look into this!

 

Welcome from SoCal!

 

I replaced the needlde bearing with the ecgs bushing on my tacoma. It is pretty straight forward.