Needle Bearing?????

@glwood54 Yes, he said bushing. They actually keep a stock of the ECGS bushings in the shop. Appointment in a couple weeks and I plan to call beforehand to reconfirm.

 

Im confused. The ECGS is a bearing not a bushing. Plus why would a toyota dealership install a non-toyota part?

 

T-SB-0075-23 says if the diff is mfg before a certain date, replace the diff. If diff made after that date, install damper and see if noise is improved. Note improved, not eliminated. And does not say what to do if not inproved.

not sure if this is latest TSB as it does not cover 2025s

 

The ECGS item is a bushing, which replaces the oem needle bearing.

Most won't.

 

Some refer to it as just a “bushing” but yes, it is a type of bearing, that some refer to as a “sleeve bearing”, and some a “bushing bearing”. Folks commonly think of a bearing as a “ball bearing”, but there are many types, another being a “needle bearing”.

 

ECGS calls it a bushing, not a type of bearing.

 

you are correct, there are dates and VIn number ranges

 

I know that, just trying to explain how non-mechanical folks can be confused by the nomenclature

 

No. Get the differential carrier assembly. Like I said previously, that costs about 6k. But with that assembly you get a new needle bearing. I’m going to keep that new needle bearing until it goes bad.

 

No.

 

Yes, you are confused. The ECGS bushing is NOT a bearing. The differences in a bushing and a bearing are huge. It is coated inside with teflon to allow for the min. it takes to get lubrication from diff. oil. The answer as to why a Toyota dealership would install a non-Toyota part is: maybe the service manager has a brain and realizes the needle bearing is un-effective in many cases, also think of the money Toyota saves... install ECGS bushing, will not see the same vehicle for the same problem again. 6K to replace diff. ? That's insane!

 

Yes, for the differential carrier assembly and a passenger wheel bearing it came to about 6k. I didnt think toyota installed non-toyota parts. They dont by me.

 

Yes, the service manager told me they stock and install the ECGS bushing when servicing this particular issue. He basically said, there's no reason to install another needle bearing when we know it isn't a fix.

 

That's a first. A Toyota service manager who admits Toyota's fix isn't one.

 

It depends on the service manager, how much "space" they're given to do their job, owner of dealership maybe cool with "freelancing", maybe not. Different circumstances at every place you go. I don't know if Toyota corporate would like aftermarket stuff installed though.

 

I just got mine back from the same thing and it’s still making the noise. I wonder if they used the old needle bearing and put it back into my truck so they could save the one that came with the kit to use on a truck who just needs that part. I’m so annoyed.

 

yeah, they told me they could not find any problems and didnt hear the noise. They said it was the Toyo AT3s. I am at a total loss.

 

I doubt they did that. It's more labor cost to pull an already installed bearing and put the old one back in than the bearing itself costs.

It may be time to look elsewhere for the problem or just do the ECGS bushing swap.

 

I still haven't confirmed it by putting mine in 4wd at speed yet..

 

Any updates on this?

 

Yeah, sorry for the delay. Ended up going back to visit family in Ohio right after the service appointment. They replaced the needle bearing with the ECGS bushing. Honestly, I really don't notice much of a difference. MAYBE the groan/growl is a little less noticeable, but still there. I'm not going to pursue it any further.

 

ECGS bushing!

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