Play in front differential/axle junction

Greetings,
My 2019 tundra has some play in the junction of the drivers side axle/differential, (where the notorious needle bearing is located). I am not hearing the associated noise but there is some cyclic sound at 50 mph. Any thoughts on this? I still have Platinum warranty (at 80 k Miles).
Regards,
BC

 

I'm experiencing a cyclic sound at 42 MPH. The cyclic sound goes away when I shift it into 4WD on straight paved roads. This typically indicates a needle bearing issue. The driver side CV axle has a lot of play where it enters the differential. The passenger side CV axle has hardly any play. I'll be bringing it into the dealer to get looked at this week. Suspect I'm going to end up replacing the needle bearing with an ECGS bushing at some point.

 

Check your driver's side CV for play; many have had needle bearing issues and that's a likely culprit for your symptoms.

 

It does have some play. How much is normal is the question. The sound I hear is does not depend on being in 4WD high. Will have it checked at my dealer.
bc

 

My Dad’s 2010 and my 2021 had the same play in the driver’s side half shaft at the differential. I had the needle bearing issue and he has not, so I don’t know that you can use that as a way to tell if it’s bad. At least by hand they felt the same, I never measured run out or anything like that.

You may also have a bad wheel bearing if it isn’t going away in 4HI. My passenger rear started going bad shorty after I replaced my differential needle bearing and it was god awful loud at 59 MPH.

 

The dealer checked for rear bearings and differential for noise back in August. I checked the the fronts myself and both were quiet and smooth with no play. May be tire related since its more pronounced at times than others. Will see.
bc