2020 Differential needle bearing failure

I'd insist they send a rollback and deliver it when its done

 

It should be the same on the Tacoma. It's design is identical but just smaller. The needle bearing is only used when the truck is in 2WD because the carrier is stationary and the CV axle is turning from tire rotation. In 4WD the carrier is rotating with the needle bearing and CV axle shaft so no noise.

Edit... I stand corrected. The needle bearing on the Tacoma is installed in the diff housing and not the carrier. The noise would be the opposite of the Tundra.

 

All good man, thanks for sharing your experiences.

 

Yeah that is how it was in my 4Runner also.

 

I have to pull my front diff so I am replacing the needle bearings with a better solution.

Edit: The Harrop Elocker eliminates and replaces the faulty needle bearings so I am good

 

Yup, that will fix it permanently.

 

Thanks for that. Sounds similar to what I'm hearing. As I wrote before, the dealer says it's "normal" and sure enough another one on the lot sounded the same. Anyone else reading this hearing this sound when 4WD high is engaged?

 

The noise is only in 2WD. When you put it in 4WD the noise goes away. The only cause for this is the left CV axle needle bearing. If your hearing it in 4WD it's not the needle bearing.

 

Oh - my mistake. So not the same at all.

 

When the 4WD is selected the needle bearing isnt rotating. The CV axle is turning with the differential carrier so no noise. When 2WD is selected the CV axle is turning and the differential carrier is stationary so the needle bearing is turning and makes a noise if defective.

 

Yes, I understand that and it was corrected when they replaced my front differential. The sound I get when 4WD high is engaged is different.

 

Only in 4WD?

 

Yes.

 

Possibly coming from the transfer case. You could confirm it by running it a hoist and engaging 4wd and listening to where the noise is coming from. Mine is so quiet I can't tell if it in 2wd or 4wd without looking at the switch or light.

 

That's interesting - mine hums or something like that in 4 high. The dealer denies that it is a problem and believes he proved that with the test drive of the new one on the lot which had an identical 'hum' to it in 4WD high. Also, I have no access to a lift outside of the dealer's with which to independently diagnose the sound. Even if I did, and found the sound came from the transfer case, the dealer has already pronounced it as normal.

 

Maybe some others could chime in if their trucks make a hum noise in 4WD?

 

No noise at all when in 4WD, no difference from 2WD

 

Thanks for the feedback.

 

2021 tundra I have it . Was very intermittent,but now more consistent have appointment at stealer-ship tomorrow

 

When I bought my 2020 I could here the noise slightly after I bought it. We went on holiday with a RV and started hearing it more but it was still faint. I decided to wait until the noise could be heard clearly so I wouldn't be charged to diag it.

 

Stellar ship will charge diag change ? I hope not 8,000 miles

 

They will. If they can't hear the noise and there isnt a problem they have to get the time spent on it somewhere. If there is an obvious problem they still could charge you but most dealers wont and will hide it in the repair cost under warranty. Ask before you agree and sign for service.

 

Thanks,Great web site !

 

Today Stealership shop foreman took truck for spin and verified growl howl harmonic.Toyota rep asked foreman to keep truck for a few days so they can do some digging on the problem. I was told it was a issue on Taco’s but they are now seeing it in Tundras . Gave me a loner car .

 

Good news that they acknowledge there is a problem.

 

Tundra truck repair completed replaced carrier assembly and differential all covered under warranty

 

Nice and no diag cost!

 

Well my truck is back at the dealership. The new replacement differential is making noise. This time it is only making noise in 4WD and the noise is most noticeable between 50-60mph when coasting with no throttle. The noise is bad enough you can feel the vibration in the steering wheel. The service manager just came to me and confirmed they heard the noise. My opinion is the only cause for this is a bad ring and pinion pattern on the coast side of the gear.

 

Hmm keep us posted

 

Tech said he thinks it's the transfer case because he only drained 1.5l out of it. I told him that's all that's in it and if the transfer case was making noise why on deceleration only. No answer.

I've got a headache.