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2008 Tundra Rear Differential Bearing Noise, Clunk from start

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by goodforbrains, Aug 13, 2018.

  1. Aug 13, 2018 at 12:23 PM
    #1
    goodforbrains

    goodforbrains [OP] New Member

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    Hi to all! Thanks for taking a few minutes to read my post!
    Ok, so I bought a 2008 Tundra TRD 4.7 L . Has the tow package with transmission temperature gauge. Has 133,000 miles. The only issue the truck has is the rear diff or bearings are making noise. The noise doesn't change when I steer left to right. There is also a clunk from a stop when I accelerate. I am guessing the rear is kaput. My question to the community is how difficult is it to rebuild a Tundra differential? I have been looking for a used one local to my area, but there are non to be found. Is there a compatible Toyota rear from other years or models that will fit a 2nd gen Tundra? I see some on ebay, but you never really know what you are getting, and the prices are pretty high. I'm thinking rebuilding would be better, but shops want around $1800 to rebuild it!! YIKES. So, I am thinking about attempting this myself. I know I will need a few specialty tools to measure backlash and preload torque, but is it doable for an average mechanic? Thanks!
     
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  2. Aug 13, 2018 at 12:28 PM
    #2
    speckmon

    speckmon Must. Have. Pow.

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  3. Aug 13, 2018 at 12:39 PM
    #3
    kenworth51

    kenworth51 New Member

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    Have you checked out your driveline u-joints? These frequently make clunking noises when they are going out, especially when starting out or shifting into rev/for.
     
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  4. Aug 13, 2018 at 12:53 PM
    #4
    landphil

    landphil Fish are food, not friends!

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    Yup, diagnosing the issue would be the best first step, rather than guessing.

    Check the u-joints for any play with the wheels blocked and the transmission in neutral.

    Pull the magnetic drain plug on the diff, check for flakes or chunks. Fine particals making “fuzz” on the magnet is normal.

    Have a drain pan under and hold a rag over the hole while you quickly inspect the plug if you don’t want to change all the oil. Top off as needed.

    Rear wheel bearing noises don’t typically change much when cornering, but that doesn’t explain the clunk.
     
  5. Aug 14, 2018 at 10:42 PM
    #5
    goodforbrains

    goodforbrains [OP] New Member

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    No, I haven't checked the u joints. I have been meaning to, but there seems to be alot of service bulletins for the rear bearings on this year Tundra. I have checked the service history and the bearings were never replaced. I was just assuming that was my issue. I am jumping the gun here. I will roll under there tomorrow and see if there is any play. I would love it to just be a u joint, but the bearing/gear mesh noise I am hearing makes me believe otherwise. I'll be back! Thanks for giving me the proper starting point.
     
  6. Aug 14, 2018 at 10:53 PM
    #6
    goodforbrains

    goodforbrains [OP] New Member

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    Well, lol I am trying to save money here. Also I am running stock tires and wheels and I really do not want to mess with the front differential. The truck has a nice stance as it is and for me, I use the bed of the truck and being lifted with bigger tires makes accessing the bed a pain.
     
  7. Aug 15, 2018 at 2:17 AM
    #7
    rons23

    rons23 Get The Led Out!!!

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    Check this out @B. TSB on 2008 driveshaft. I had the same clunk. They replaced the driveshaft on my 08. I had my concerns documented so it helped me when I called Toyota to seek help. Here's a link to all TSB's for 08 Tundra. http://www.toyotaproblems.com/tsbs/Tundra/2008/. Worth a try calling Toyota. Good luck:thumbsup:
     
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  8. Aug 15, 2018 at 12:29 PM
    #8
    goodforbrains

    goodforbrains [OP] New Member

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    Did they replace it under warranty? How long ago? I just checked the u joints and there is no play in them. Pinion bearing is also tight with no lateral movement. Thanks for your reply.
     
  9. Aug 15, 2018 at 12:38 PM
    #9
    goodforbrains

    goodforbrains [OP] New Member

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    Well, I just rolled under there and the u joints are tight. There is a rubber carrier in between the two drive shafts that has some play, but I don't think this would be my clunk. Next, I am going to drain and refill the rear. I know sometimes when you have a bad rear, this will help finish it off completely. But, if I need a rear, I need a rear. I found a compatible rear about 2 hours from me..uggg. $500 I can't afford to have my truck down for long. My thoughts are change them out, rebuild mine and sell the other one once mine is fresh. I really think the noise that I hear is the gears meshing together as I drive. Maybe I should just top it off. That is tomorrows plan. Thanks
     
  10. Aug 15, 2018 at 1:21 PM
    #10
    rons23

    rons23 Get The Led Out!!!

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    No they replaced our of warranty. I had it documented which definitely helped. Like I mentioned, it's worth looking into.
     
    Last edited: Aug 15, 2018
  11. Aug 15, 2018 at 1:56 PM
    #11
    Festerw

    Festerw New Member

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    I know on the 1st gens the clunk can be remedied by removing the driveshaft, cleaning the splined section, then regreasing it. Not sure if that applies to an 08 though.
     
  12. Aug 28, 2018 at 10:47 AM
    #12
    goodforbrains

    goodforbrains [OP] New Member

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    Hi all, so I just bought a rear from a 2008 Tundra. I got lucky and the guy accepted my $250 offer. But here is my problem. He was unsure if it was a crewmax or double cab, or if it had the tow package or not, so I do not know the size of the ring gear or the gear ratio. I bought it from a tow yard that parted the truck out. It was hit in the front and left there. Anyway, is there any way for me to know the size of the ring gear and the gear ratio without taking this thing apart? Mine is a 2008 Double Cab 4.7 trd tow package. Thanks for your replies!
     

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