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Brand New 4 Runner Needs Front Differential

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by 4Runner 19, Mar 12, 2019.

  1. Mar 12, 2019 at 7:42 PM
    #1
    4Runner 19

    4Runner 19 [OP] New Member

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    New to the forum. I recently purchased a 2019 4 Runner and after 100 miles started getting the whining/cyclical noise at 40 mph. Took back to dealer and they said I need a new front diff per a TSB. This vehicle was shipped defective from the factory. Anybody hear of this before? I seen other posts where this happens at 20,000 miles, but not right off the showroom floor. Did the new front diff solve the issue? What happened to Toyota quality????
     
    HoBoDanny, 7385 and troprobped17 like this.
  2. Mar 12, 2019 at 8:57 PM
    #2
    Dreaded_Marauder

    Dreaded_Marauder New Member

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    Honestly being a mechanic I can say that I’ve gotten brand new parts that failed right out of the box. You’re just the unlucky person that got a bad diff put in a stellar vehicle. I’d let them fix it and go forget about it.
     
  3. Mar 13, 2019 at 12:24 AM
    #3
    troprobped17

    troprobped17 New Member

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    Although it’s very rare with Toyota, it happens. A few years ago, I bought a brand new Tundra with only 5 miles on it. Three days later, I felt a bad vibration each time the transmission shifted. I also heard grinding whenever the truck shifted gears. So, I took it back to the dealership. They checked it and told me that they had to replace the transmission due to a TSB for a bad batch of trannies. They replaced the tranny and added an extra year of warranty on the drivetrain. My truck has not had any problems since then.

    Don’t be discouraged by this minor problem. It happens to anything that is man-made. Plus, Toyota stands behind their products. Enjoy your T4R.
     
  4. Mar 13, 2019 at 3:48 AM
    #4
    2016Pro

    2016Pro Why all of the Pro hate?

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    This almost never happens. You are just the lucky one. Toyota quality on the 4runner is excellent imo.
     
  5. Mar 13, 2019 at 4:03 AM
    #5
    HoBoDanny

    HoBoDanny Dude...

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    RCI Skid Plate CBI Ditch Light Brackets Hankook DynaPro ATM RF10 265 70R17 113T Tires 1.25” Wheel Spacers TPMS Bypass Mod Hydrocarbon Filter Removed Merca decal 2” leveling kit front only Black headlights
    Welcome! Sorry for the bad luck.
     
  6. Mar 13, 2019 at 4:03 AM
    #6
    JBTRD

    JBTRD As usual, saying something stupid

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    I had mine replaced along with the driver side CV. Although mine was caused by a rock entering through the lower control arm and striking right where the axle and diff meet. Haven't had an issue since if you are worried about if it will be done correctly. Only issue is they are usually on back order they dont have spare front diffs just lying around.
     
    troprobped17 and WallyT4R like this.
  7. Mar 13, 2019 at 4:22 AM
    #7
    4Runner 19

    4Runner 19 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for all the replies. The front diff is ordered and the dealer said it would be 2 weeks until the parts arrive. I am just uncomfortable with someone disassembling a new vehicle, but I believe it should be a fairly straight forward repair. I will keep you posted.
     
    kbp810, jgcaps, troprobped17 and 2 others like this.
  8. Mar 13, 2019 at 6:44 AM
    #8
    rkwfxd

    rkwfxd New Member

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    Prediction - They are going to tear your rig apart, rip out the old junkie defective differential, install a new shiny differential, put it all back together with proper torque specs on all the fasteners and you are going to drive that rig for thousands and thousands of miles with no other problems.
     
  9. Mar 13, 2019 at 7:05 AM
    #9
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    The left coast
    Vehicle:
    2017 4Runner Smashed Ass Edition
    Mad driver mod. OME Suspension. 285/70R17 BFG AT KO2
    That’s how I felt after 5 months of ownership and getting rear ended by a uninsured driver in a GMC Yukon. I had frame damage and they cut and welded in the new section of frame and sent me on my way. Even with the frame damage they didn’t total it and after a little over a month, I paid my $500 deductible and the insurance paid their $11k I was on the road. Of course, the rear bumper balance doesn’t line up and I can see uneven gaps and my front bumper balance keeps popping out at the corners of the lights it still drives like the day I bought it.

    Moral of the story, your 4R will be perfectly fine after the replace the front diff.
     
  10. Mar 13, 2019 at 7:19 AM
    #10
    MeefZah

    MeefZah ---

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    I almost bet it's not the diff, but the needle bearings. Common problem and easy fix with a replacement bushing. Some dealers are replacing the whole diff which seems wasteful, but if it's free to you, rock on.
     
    Singleminded, nimby and WallyT4R like this.
  11. Mar 14, 2019 at 9:29 AM
    #11
    fixer5000

    fixer5000 the logical one

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    no plans
    id be interested to see the tsb number
     
  12. Mar 14, 2019 at 9:37 AM
    #12
    4Runner 19

    4Runner 19 [OP] New Member

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    Hello. The TSB that I printed and took to the dealer was TSB 0026-15, which only replaces the needle bearing. There must be a subsequent TSB that replaces the entire front differential, which I cannot locate. I wanted to find it to see the parts being replaced and the time to do the repair.
     
  13. Mar 14, 2019 at 6:10 PM
    #13
    4Runner_Patrick

    4Runner_Patrick New Member

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    Yes. mine had the same problem. My front diff was replaced at 18 K because the driver's side needle bearing shredded the diff. That bearing lasts about 20 K and it was replaced at 40 and again at 59 K. I expect it will need to be replaced again at 80 K. I drive 24 K per year. Of note, when my front diff was ordered, I was number 80 something on the "waitlist around the country." The dealer told me this new diff was an updated part, but it too continues to fail every 20 k of mostly highway driving. Off road use only on a flat sandy beach.

    Also, the rear diff was also replaced at 20 K. That's been quiet since...at 67K now.
     
    Last edited: Mar 15, 2019
  14. Mar 14, 2019 at 8:18 PM
    #14
    4runningMan

    4runningMan New Member

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    Are you all stock? Or do you have a lift?
     
  15. Mar 15, 2019 at 8:06 AM
    #15
    4Runner_Patrick

    4Runner_Patrick New Member

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    All stock, no lift. Warranty covered all the repairs.
     
    WallyT4R likes this.
  16. Mar 17, 2019 at 8:29 PM
    #16
    thirdyota

    thirdyota shouldn't be trusted

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    Here's the most recent TSB I've found for this problem...

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    WallyT4R likes this.
  17. Mar 17, 2019 at 10:35 PM
    #17
    4runningMan

    4runningMan New Member

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    What was wrong with your rear diff?
     
  18. Mar 18, 2019 at 4:09 AM
    #18
    DGP1961

    DGP1961 New Member

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    I should of went with my first instinct and bought another Honda.
     
  19. Mar 18, 2019 at 4:17 AM
    #19
    2016Pro

    2016Pro Why all of the Pro hate?

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    Lol
     
    BearBio likes this.
  20. Mar 18, 2019 at 10:43 AM
    #20
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

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    My mom's brand new Honda CRV with less than 20,000 miles had 2 transmissions go out before she traded it in for a Lexus GX.
     
    2016Pro likes this.
  21. Mar 18, 2019 at 12:16 PM
    #21
    4Runner_Patrick

    4Runner_Patrick New Member

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    Howl/whine noise at 59-62 when coasting.
     
    4runningMan[QUOTED] likes this.
  22. Mar 18, 2019 at 12:18 PM
    #22
    4Runner_Patrick

    4Runner_Patrick New Member

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    Yes this is what's stapled to my repair order every 20 K.
     
  23. Mar 18, 2019 at 1:14 PM
    #23
    2016Pro

    2016Pro Why all of the Pro hate?

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    Lol cmon man
     
  24. Mar 18, 2019 at 6:07 PM
    #24
    4Runner_Patrick

    4Runner_Patrick New Member

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    Below is a copy of my service record from Toyota owners:
    2/20/17

    Dealer

    Prime Toyota

    19221,

    Repair Order Number: 0472463

    DIFF CARRIER ASSSY &/OR GSKT R&R,REFERENCE TAS CASE #170100821, SPOKE TO John, ADVISED TO REPLACE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL

    2/03/17

    Dealer

    Prime Toyota

    21,322

    Repair Order Number: 0474306

    RADIO TUNER ASSEMBLY R&R

    3/29/17

    Dealer

    Prime Toyota

    19,132

    Repair Order Number: 027135

    REAR DIFFERENTIAL ASSY,REFERENCE TAS CASE 18075432, REMOVED REAR DRIVESHAFT AND DROVE WITH CHASSIS EARS TO VERIFY NOISE, CUT FRONT BRAKE ROTOR WITH ON CAR BRAKE LATHE,MACHINE OPPOSITE SIDE ROTOR WITH ON THE CAR BRAKE LATHE



    12/10/17

    Dealer

    Prime Toyota

    40,215

    Repair Order Number: 053475

    REPLACE NEEDLE BEARING ON LEFT SIDE OF FRONT DIFFERENTIAL





    11/1/18

    Dealer

    Prime Toyota

    59,990

    Repair Order Number: 045754

    REPLACE NEEDLE BEARING ON LEFT SIDE OF FRONT DIFFERENTIAL
     
    jasonmcelroy likes this.
  25. Mar 19, 2019 at 4:19 AM
    #25
    DGP1961

    DGP1961 New Member

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    Yeah unfortunately you'll always find one bad apple over all our Honda's in the family (currently 3) have run flawless. I kept my '09 Accord when I bought my '18 4R so far the Toyota has sat in the garage and I drive the Honda way more. Took delivery of the 4R in September haven't hit 5,000 miles yet. Had they not changed the body on the Pilot I'd own one of them now instead of the Toyota. I like(d) the "boxy" look of the older Pilots which is what caught my eye on the 4R.
     
  26. Mar 19, 2019 at 4:35 AM
    #26
    WallyT4R

    WallyT4R New Member

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    Sorry but the 4 and any Honda product are not even comparable. And..The 4 is the most reliable vehicle in the USA. It is body on frame and is basically a truck. The Honda (any Honda) is a unibody chassis. The Pilot's is based on the odyssey minivan and is more comfortable, refined, and excellent for visiting the mall or long road trips.

    The Honda has an AWD system that has most of it's power to the front wheels until slippage happens and it will send power to the rear, while the 4 is a true 4x4. The Pilot is compared to the Highlander, not a body on frame SUV like the 4.
     
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2019
    Singleminded likes this.
  27. Mar 19, 2019 at 8:59 AM
    #27
    DGP1961

    DGP1961 New Member

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    Well ok I guess your right well other than...Hmmm lets see now...
    - Recent posts about braking issues/"concerns."
    - Numerous threads and discussions concerning front and rear Diff's.
    - Lots of "wind" noise from all the front "plastic."
    - Lack of power and the need/want for "pedal commander."
    - front end "nose dive" under heavy breaking, need for improved suspension.
    - Really sucky gas mileage complaints.

    Don't get me wrong I "don't mind" the vehicle, I own one...Is it my favorite purchase ever? hell no... I have and will never claim Honda makes the best product out there and I agree with everything you said but I've had good luck with any Honda's I've owned that's all. I do not own (or have the need for) a crazy lifted vehicle I do like 90% of the 4x4's on the road today use it as a "daily driver" (when I drive it.) I currently own or have owned Boats, Wave Runners, Dirt Bikes and Four Wheelers and my accord never mind the Pilot could tow all of them, My boat is a 19 ft inboard/outboard. :yay:
    The wife took the 4R to work and drove it for the fist time last week, a little big for her but she liked it. I may give it to her possibly this year and go find something else, not sure yet what we're doing. She has a Accord Coupe she wants to get out of.
     
    Trail Runnah and WallyT4R like this.
  28. Mar 19, 2019 at 9:45 AM
    #28
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

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    The complaints that you mention above should be taken with a grain of salt. Most of those things are not issues for the vast majority of 4Runner owners. Also take into consideration, you're reading these problems on the internet......the medium that most people go to complain about something vs. the few that actually say something positive. Those issues are similar to my mom having 2 transmissions go out on her Honda.......not typical of the brand, but things still happen occasionally.
     
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2019
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  29. Mar 19, 2019 at 12:19 PM
    #29
    WallyT4R

    WallyT4R New Member

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    I hope you realize I was not putting down Honda, just saying the two vehicles are not really comparable. I have owned many Hondas and they are good vehicles. The last one believe it or not was a Honda Fit. My first one was a 1991 Civic with a early CRV and an Odyssey thrown in there also. All good vehicles with the Civic being my favorite. It was like a 4 wheel motorcycle. Had to have the valves manually adjusted every so often like an old motorcycle.

    Anyway all vehicles have issues, there is no perfect vehicle. After all these things are man made. Good luck finding one that fits you and that you like. I hope your search is short because I have done this search and it can get expensive. ;)
     
    DGP1961[QUOTED] likes this.
  30. Apr 22, 2019 at 6:29 PM
    #30
    4Runner 19

    4Runner 19 [OP] New Member

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    So here’s an update...the front differential carrier finally came in last Thursday after about 6 weeks. Apparently the dealer told me there are over 200 needed in the US and Toyota is shipping them over 40 at a time. The dealer installed the new part and everything is good to go for now. The only weird thing about the repair was the dealership took it on a 40 mile test drive! WTF??? Seems excessive to me. Sounds like someone took it home for the weekend!
     
    jgcaps likes this.

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