Issue found. FYI TO ANY 2nd gen owners on TSB for pinion bearing!

So I’ve been scouring the threads to find some “ah-ha” moment regarding my issue. My 2013 had been having some slight vibrations at slow speed decelerations…which became progressively worse then the loud rattle started.
I have a 2.5 OME lift with the Dakar medium duty leafs, it was installed with the carrier bearing drop. Upon reading the threads I was sure it was a u-joint or carrier bearing issue due to the lift. I took the drive shaft to a shop had new ujoints and carrier bearing installed. Didn’t help at all. Then I added a 2 degree shim to the rear leafs, didn’t help.

It definitely only happens off the gas and coasting or breaking at slow speeds. My tires look good. I’m not getting any extrme vibes at higher speeds…only slow speeds about 15mph to stop. I took a selfi stick and got a video if anyone has experienced this I’d really appreciate the insight!

 

Here’s a quick video, the issue seams to be worse after it’s been sitting all night. https://youtube.com/shorts/VBJfwGaZhB4?feature=share

 

Pull the driveshaft and drive in 4hi. That will very quickly eliminate rear driveshaft. All that noise.

 

I would but it’s 2WD

 

Oops. Didn’t realize it was a Prerunner.

 

Still pull the driveshaft and check the universal joints and carrier bearing.

 

I’ve done all that already. They’re all new.

 

If you spin just the rear wheels no driveshaft does all that noise still exist?

 

I’d have to try and check. When I installed the axle shim I spun the wheels some with the driveshaft connected and didn’t notice anything unusual. Maybe it has to be under load ? But I guess I need to get the wheels up and try.

 

Ok everyone! We found the source. Seams like there in fact was a TSB on the pinion bearing. It was of course never brought to my attention or addressed by any of my Toyota dealer services which is the only place I’ve ever brought my truck….the pinion bearing going out allowed the pinion gear to wobble basically chewing up my rear differential.
Worst case scenario!
Get Toyota to address the TSB before you end up like me. We’re taking almost 3k in repairs if I go with new Toyota parts.

 

while you are in there I'd add a solid collar in place of the crush washer. Will make any future maintenance on pinion seal or flange much easier.

 

Is that an OEM part? Meaning something from Toyota ? I’m still learning here.

 

Do you have the TSB number for this.... i dont recall any TSB for pinion bearings.

 

I’ll find out. The truck is at a trusted shop near me now, they’re the ones who discovered there was the TSB.

 

ECGS makes/distributes Solid Pinion Spacers

 

I’d consider a whole drop in unit from them at this point.
They’ll build it how you want it, ship it, and then you ship your core back to them.

Unless, you’re paying someone else to do the work.
Then, I guess it depends on who has the better price?

 

also curious to know about the pinion TSB. any info on that TSB yet? Thanks!

 

Get an entire unit from ECGS. It will be cheaper. All you have to do is pay your shop the r&r labor.

 

Nitro or Yukon make them, just have Toyota put it in when they are doing the gear set up.

https://www.yotamasters.com/shop/di...a-8-4-tacoma-t100-tundra-solid-pinion-spacer/