TSB front diff.

Ok, so I did do a search. I came up with possible front differential issues. Here are the symptoms:

2012 SR5. No mods, other than the front was leveled before I purchased truck. Subtle intermittent noise/vibration. Almost like you can feel it in the pedal and steering wheel. Very slight. Hard to notice at times. Goes away in 4wd. I know this because the other day I turned onto a dry smooth road from one that was icy. I didn't take it out of 4wd right away and noticed the slight noise was gone. Over the next few days I went in and out of 4wd and same results. smooth and quiet in 4wd.

I use 4wd quite often in the winter. no clunking in and out of 4wd. I do have a snowsport https://www.buysnowsportplows.com/ plow for it that I do use.

I know this isn't much to go on but I want to get an idea before I go to the dealer.

Thanks,

Bill

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/slight-grinding-felt-thru-gas-pedal.41858/#post-1070063

 

Saw that thread. Was hoping (not really) that this applied to my experience as well. I have brought it to the same dealer since I bought the thing (27,500 miles). Can it wait until the next oil change? What do I tell the service manager? Should they be well versed with this tsb?

 

Toyota will want to replace everything at a cost (to you) of over $2k if they follow the TSB. That company linked makes a bushing that replaces the needle bearing. It’s around $50 and maybe $500 install. Unless you can pull your cv axle and do it yourself.

This will also ensure problem won’t come back. With Toyota’s fix, it could come back later.

 

I think you would be ok waiting. Not sure. Tell the service manager about the TSB. They should know about it. Ask for an estimate and see what all they want to do.

$60. They sell a removal tool too.

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-1...amshell-bushingeliminates-needle-bearing.html

 

Thanks for the replies. I don't get on my computer very often. I think from what I have read, the symptoms seem to get "better" with warm weather, as in my case. Just curious, about the non toyota option. Ant mechanic worth their weight could do it or would Toyota still want to install? I am bringing it in soon for regular service and will mention the TSB. I also bought a whatever service warranty the Toyota dealer was selling at the time. Not sure if that helps or not.

Thanks.

 

Toyota probably wouldn’t do the bushing. They’d say they have to fix it per manual, which is pretty much replacing the entire front diff. Any mechanic that can replace a cv axle should be able to do the bushing. You can also order a puller tool to make it easier from the same company.

 

Are the needle bearings on thbe passenger side also and do they have the same issue?

 

Pretty sure it was only the drivers side. Or at least only the drivers side develops issues.

Call east coast gear supply and they should know more.