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2022 needle bearing issues

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Tmiesowicz, Jan 19, 2022.

  1. Jan 19, 2022 at 2:24 PM
    #1
    Tmiesowicz

    Tmiesowicz [OP] New Member

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    New to 4 runners and not even at 150 miles mine has been a disaster. When doing harmless research I saw the tsd and some threads talking about this needle bearing that sucks & front differential assemblies being replaced already. Thought that was crazy and as of today I now have those symptoms! Is there anyone out there who has recently dealt with this that can make me feel better about this purchase, unfortunately I am already thinking of getting rid of this beautiful vehicle.
     
    Yinzer and Toy4X4 like this.
  2. Jan 19, 2022 at 2:31 PM
    #2
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    Mine had the needle bearing issue right away also. The replacement differential has been fine. It's hit or miss.
     
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  3. Jan 19, 2022 at 2:42 PM
    #3
    Tmiesowicz

    Tmiesowicz [OP] New Member

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    How many miles did you make it so far on the replacement differential with no problems, my main worry is just having someone ‘skilled’ actually doing the repair at the dealer I suppose. Just bums me out fighting scratches that came on the suv brand new, then the steering shimmy, now this.
     
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  4. Jan 19, 2022 at 3:30 PM
    #4
    Superdave1.0

    Superdave1.0 New Member

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    Replace with ecgs bushing instead. Never have to deal with it again.
     
  5. Jan 19, 2022 at 3:37 PM
    #5
    Tmiesowicz

    Tmiesowicz [OP] New Member

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    That’s something I have looked at, only concern is currently voiding warranty’s. I saw one person who had parts of a needle bearing on there drain magnet I most certainly don’t want that!
     
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  6. Jan 19, 2022 at 3:57 PM
    #6
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    The original diff was replaced somewhere around 30K. I'm currently around 70K, and lifted.

    I'm sorry to hear about your other issues.

    My plan was to get the free replacement, and hope for the best. If it fails again, I'll probably do the ECGS bushing.
     
    Toy4X4 likes this.
  7. Jan 19, 2022 at 4:28 PM
    #7
    AGRunner

    AGRunner New Member

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    Toy4X4 and Tmiesowicz[OP] like this.
  8. Jan 19, 2022 at 4:40 PM
    #8
    banjos-n-beer

    banjos-n-beer New Member

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    Most dealerships are careless with vehicle prep. I’ve seen dudes using push brooms washing cars in the service dept. other times it’s the lowest paid lot porter.

    Buyers serious about keeping their paint pristine often ask a dealer not to prep their car before purchase, aside from the necessary checks- battery, etc
     
  9. Jan 19, 2022 at 5:01 PM
    #9
    Tmiesowicz

    Tmiesowicz [OP] New Member

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    Seriously, a push broom previously looked like it scrubbed my whole truck, I would think to remove snow.
     
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  10. Jan 19, 2022 at 5:05 PM
    #10
    banjos-n-beer

    banjos-n-beer New Member

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    Certainly possible.

    Some folks get a paint correction immediately after leaving a dealership because the swirls are so obvious and quite annoying on a brand new vehicle.

    People that take their vehicles on trails likely won’t care, but others will.
     
    2Toys and Tmiesowicz[QUOTED][OP] like this.
  11. Jan 19, 2022 at 5:13 PM
    #11
    Tmiesowicz

    Tmiesowicz [OP] New Member

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    I understand that it will happen over time, but at 2 miles on pick up I would have rather been the one to cause them first for what I spent. Atleast at this point the very few that remain you would never know exist unless you knew to look very hard. Mine won’t see a trail for a while sad to say, I live in a state with none.
     
  12. Jan 19, 2022 at 5:20 PM
    #12
    banjos-n-beer

    banjos-n-beer New Member

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    Get a harbor freight detailer and get rid of the scratches. It’s not too much of an investment.
     
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  13. Jan 19, 2022 at 5:26 PM
    #13
    afret

    afret 2022 ORP, KDSS, Toyo AT3

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    So if the noise doesn't bother you it seems like you can let this go? Seems like some have gone thousands of miles without things blowing up?
     
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  14. Jan 19, 2022 at 5:46 PM
    #14
    Superdave1.0

    Superdave1.0 New Member

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    I've installed about 20 of them on various Tacomas. Fixes the issue every time. Only warranty you could void would be any damages related to driver side cv axle and the front diff. Rest of the vehicle would still be completely covered.

    20211123_120854.jpg
     
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  15. Jan 19, 2022 at 6:25 PM
    #15
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    I went nearly 30K miles before I replaced it. It was pretty subtle at first, and seemed to go away when it was warm outside.
     
    Toy4X4 likes this.
  16. Jan 19, 2022 at 7:05 PM
    #16
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

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    Im at around 22k miles. Needle bearing had been intermittently making noise since my drive home from the dealer. Put a lift kit on mine at around 14k miles, still hear with same frequency. Im working myself up to just do the ECGS plain bearing.

    Regarding getting rid of the 4runner…depends on why you got the 4runner and how much you like it as a vehicle. In my case selling it would be like throwing out the baby with the bathwater.
     
  17. Jan 19, 2022 at 7:13 PM
    #17
    suaveflooder

    suaveflooder New Member

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    It is a MINOR issue all things considered. Should it be happening?? Nah, but it’s a cheap fix, even if you have to pay for someone to do it.

    Is the 2022 even part of the TSB yet? I was under the impression that it wasn’t.

    Also, just make sure something is actually happening. These things are NOISY. From what I understand it’s more of a “feel” rather than a sound.

    Good luck OP! Keep us updated
     
    Toy4X4 and Tmiesowicz[OP] like this.
  18. Jan 20, 2022 at 4:26 AM
    #18
    Tmiesowicz

    Tmiesowicz [OP] New Member

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    Will do it goes in on the 26th
     
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  19. Jan 20, 2022 at 7:26 AM
    #19
    MAXIM

    MAXIM New Member

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    Superdave, your pic speaks volumes about badly designed needle bearing axle support. I've ECGS for 2 years now and it is a permanent solution. I did get spare one for later but don't think will need it anytime soon.
     
  20. Jan 20, 2022 at 7:28 AM
    #20
    Tmiesowicz

    Tmiesowicz [OP] New Member

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    Gonna see how this new front differential goes if the dealer installs it, but later in its life the ecgs is on the list.
     
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  21. Jan 20, 2022 at 8:23 AM
    #21
    slixx1320

    slixx1320 New Member

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    So how are you guys determining this needle bearing issue? Does it just happen while driving normally?
     
  22. Jan 20, 2022 at 9:13 AM
    #22
    Tmiesowicz

    Tmiesowicz [OP] New Member

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    I did by just driving down the street normally, yes 30-50 is a sweet spot Atleast to me but I swear I feel it and hear it slowing down as well. On a nice straight road if you feel / hear a rotational groan (how mine is Atleast) and then switch it into 4 wheel drive (off the gas and moving) you will notice it go away instantly. According to Toyota you should drive in 4 wheel drive for 10 miles a month minimum to keep things lubed. Which if on payment it has to be a straight road because turning in 4 wheel drive on pavement is bad for the components.
     
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  23. Jan 20, 2022 at 9:38 AM
    #23
    slixx1320

    slixx1320 New Member

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    thought it was no issue switching from 2wd to 4hi regardless if on/off pavement at 30-40mph? is it not?
     
  24. Jan 20, 2022 at 9:45 AM
    #24
    Brawwp

    Brawwp New Member

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    Now what groan is this? Is it very obvious, or could easily be mistaken for just the noise of an all terrain/off road tire?
     
  25. Jan 20, 2022 at 9:56 AM
    #25
    Tmiesowicz

    Tmiesowicz [OP] New Member

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    That’s fine I meant turning as in making turns in 4 wheel drive on dry pavement, is bad
     
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  26. Jan 20, 2022 at 9:59 AM
    #26
    Tmiesowicz

    Tmiesowicz [OP] New Member

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    A tire would make the noise 100% of the time. This doesn’t, and there’s a way to make it disappear instantly.
     
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  27. Jan 20, 2022 at 9:59 AM
    #27
    slixx1320

    slixx1320 New Member

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    I've read a few post where members drive on highways (when needed) in the rain/snow with 4hi engaged as well. is that not recommended?
     
  28. Jan 20, 2022 at 10:04 AM
    #28
    Tmiesowicz

    Tmiesowicz [OP] New Member

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    I personally see no reason to need 4 wheel drive for rain, snow yes that’s fine. But everyone is different, I live in New York and I am used to winters and when I truly ‘need’ 4 wheel drive which is only a few times a year in winter.
     
  29. Jan 20, 2022 at 1:59 PM
    #29
    Will

    Will New Member

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    You must be a Toyota employee. This has to be one of the most ridiculous comments I’ve read in these forums.
     
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  30. Jan 20, 2022 at 2:31 PM
    #30
    Superdave1.0

    Superdave1.0 New Member

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    Sorry if it has been mentioned. One way to diagnose a humm, grinding, vibration or noise as the needle bearing is to perform the following.

    While driving perfectly straight, well under 60mph(don't exceed 60), put vehicle into 4Hi. If the noise goes away, it's for sure the needle bearing!

    Again no turns, under 60mph, no damage will occur to your drive train doing this test.
     

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