My Lift Kit is Causing Vibrations on my Tacoma?! Time for ECGS Bushing (Install + Review)

[@mtkohl85]

Lots of folks here suggesting causes other than the needle bearing. In fact the needle bearing issue is widely known, even acknowledged by several dealer mechanics. I have a '21 TRD off road with the TRD lift kit installed at delivery. Toyota replaced my front differential less than a year in due to this exact issue (warranty wont replace just the bearing). There are many reports out there of dealers actually installing the ECGS bushing on trucks they've repaired before. The symptoms of a worn or broken needle bearing are exactly what Chloe describes here, at least for low speeds, and the needle bearing is almost certainly at least partly to blame here, confirmed by the low speed vibration going away with the new part. In fact i think my truck is starting to do it again. Great job Chloe taking this on! Likely you had 2 issues and you fixed one of them. I anticipate I'll be doing this myself in the future.

[@GKWunder]

I’ve had the ECGS bushing on my 2.5” lifted Tacoma with 33 inch tires for the last 30k miles. I’m happy with it.

[@ThatQuicksandTaco]

Hey

[@bluemoon3264]

I get that mildly felt on the steering wheel vibration exactly like you on my Four Runner at about 50 mph ... Thanks 🤙 .

[@moriarty4100]

If you still have the vibration and it goes away when you turn left, I had the same and it was the wheel bearing/hub assembly. You may or may not get a humming sound also. I replaced both wheel bearing/hub assy. It's like replacing a headlight, you change one and just down the road the other goes out. The vibration went away. Though it might just be the left one that's bad due to the needle bearing wear putting more stress on the wheel bearing.

[@matrix-fh9tn]

ECGS bushing was on my lifted taco for more than 100K miles and I recently experienced subtle low speed vibration at takeoff then excessive steering wheel vibration at around 55 and 70. It was caused by front tires that were unevenly worn due to bad driveshaft, which was caused by bad U-joints. So, I replaced U-joints then replaced all 4 tires today and now the ride is silky smooth again.

[@MarkTakushi-q9r]

Great videos! Try getting your tires rebalanced with a shop that has a road force balancing machine. It fixed my Taco with BFGs.

[@manm4096]

hey Chloe love your videos I find them helpful with common issues with tacomas and the products you review. So i've have some experience removing cv axels and though most cars are built different which makes some easier then others you should get yourself a slide hammer kit there is many options but a cv shaft puller attachment would've helped you out tremendously. i also suggest investing in a set of caliper hooks to safely hang your brakes without stretching the your brake hoses.thanks for all you do for the tacoma community

[@richardpedersen9189]

ALL GOOD comments/suggestions. THANKS

[@coryconner3076]

Any you suggest?

[@dntfakethefunk]

I’ve talked to my tire guy and he said that A/T tires are a big issues sometimes when it comes to balancing and that over time, they can become unbalanced due to each tire being made with inconsistencies in materials from the manufacturer coupled with not having a consistent tire wear from being unbalanced. I just rotated my set of wheels last week and I noticed the same vibrations at 70 mph as you did when it wasn’t there before. I might need to take my tires in and have them rebalanced.

[@Methadras]

This is why tire rotation and rebalancing is essential. If you maintain a good rotation/rebalance schedule this won’t be an issue.

[@thomasgjonovich5524]

Worth considering if you do a front ARB locker it replaces the stock roller bearing with a solid bushing which gets rid of the problem.

[@scottballin3798]

Hey y'all __ was just on the phone w/ Kendall Toyota in Anchorage Alaska..... guess what ? They fully endorse, recommend, and stock & sell ECGS bushing.... was talking w/ the parts manager and that is the word from the dealer.... very interesting

[@geraldg8327]

to remove the axle nut, the way i do it solo is to use a retractable pole on the brake pedal with the other end against the seat while the ignition is in the ON position with the engine off. it'll hold the rotor from spinning when removing the nut. i agree removing the axle is the hardest step. I use a long crow bar (50" approx.) and getting it to a position where one end is on the axle, the other end on the floor, and somewhere near the axle the crowbar is resting against a solid part of the vehicle as the fulcrum. once positioned, i give it a solid kick to pop the axle out. using a slide hammer has not worked well for me when removing stock axles. i had bad vibrations at 60 mph. after switching my Muteki Trail Hogs (gross) that came with my FJ on the stock wheels with new wheels and tires, the problem went away. KO2s are known to have these issues for some people so my guess is the tires. you can try rotating the tires front-to-rear and see if that changes anything.

[@richardpedersen9189]

THANKS, Chloe! It always helps to know the tips, tricks, and things to look for BEFORE starting a project!! Much appreciated 👍🙃

[@michaelm-alpha6406]

I have the bilstein 5100 shock replacement with an add a leaf in my rear. I've had a vibration for a while now. I recently changed my tires and did and alignment. The vibration went away. I did however have a toyota technician inspect my suspension prior. He free spun the front drivers wheel and said it spun smooth.

[@MrYour1Fan]

I recently changed my shocks and had my tires replaced, and I began to have that vibration. I saw another video that suggested to place my truck into four wheel drive high and the vibration does go away so it does kind of point to the bearing being bad however, not sure if replacing a bearing with a cylinder is the best idea

[@mr_bluetaco]

As always great video. I went down this rabbit hole and found multiple videos on replacing the bearing once you do a lift. Future proofing it. Unfortunately i ended up doing after i had already done a leveling kit. It did fix my vibration issue though.

[@beaviskornholio2754]

These are the type of maintenance videos that I love. Keep them coming Chloe. You did an excellent job 😊❤

[@MsAce0424]

Great video. Nicelt done on the replacements. Glad it took half of the vibration away. Tire wear ( like cupping or chopping), tire balance, bent rim, even tire molding ( if not molded right in the factory, once it wears to the uneven part of the rubber mold, it can vibrate. Tire force machine is good to help), drive shaft ( however that would be less in stearing and more in the seat. Maybe hib bearing, but I'd start with the eay stuff that you can relax and let the shop do on their tire machines, before taking things apart. Also, while its on the lift, they can look over and shake the U joints of the drive shaft. I spent many years in tire suspension shops. Hopefully it helps.

[@pookelaq]

I got my axle out pretty easy by tapping with a long flat head and a mini sledge hammer, same with the install. When I removed the needle bearing I put two sockets on either side of the flat part of the removal tool to make sure the tool didn't smash the axle seal and destroy it since I wasn't changing mine.

[@dennisgundlach87]

Chloe good job, I am sorry your experiencing difficulties with your Tacoma, because I know you work very hard to keep it running at peak performance. always remember test don't guess. your totally awesome. love you.

[@DB-qm4jx]

Awe

[@brettlynch2707]

i only have 16000k on my 4r and i get vibrations around 60mph too. unlifted still. kind of noticed after my dealer rotated my tires at service but not sure what the cause is

[@DB-qm4jx]

I sometimes wonder if these trucks were actually designed with a mild lift to be installed then why the needle bearing and not a ball bearing like the other side?.

[@bryanjones8821]

I had a drive shaft issue at about 100,000 miles. Got so bad at speeds of 60-70 that I couldn’t see out the rear view mirror. New universal joint kit solved the problem. Tires out of balance can cause vibration as well and it comes and goes at different speeds. Great info though as to what to look for with vibration issues.

[@alexorcas1]

I just recently had a vibration on my 2020 tacoma TRD OR diagnosed as well. I was experiencing a humming and vibration in the steering wheel between 47-55 MPH only and it was speed dependent but not engine RPM dependent. The dealership diagnosed it as T-SB-0045-23 which is apparently normal differential vibration that somehow gets passed through the chassis to the cab and drones on a small number of Tacomas. If you're still under the factory warranty Toyota will cover it, but otherwise it'll cost you around $1000 if you choose to fix it and the fix includes some vibration damping material on the wall behind the rear seats as well as new cab to chassis bushings.

[@dadgarage7966]

Back in the day, a big plus was having free-wheeling hubs -- it made it easier diagnosing these types of problems.

[@carljacobus2036]

Convinced now this is my problem. I have a 2018 that has 'lightly' shaking at around 20 and somewhere between 55 and 70. Not something you could record on video but, it's noticeable to enough to get my attention when it happens. Awesome vid, thanks!

[@sclems4]

Great video as always Chloe. I love your positive attitude and level of detail in explanation, even during frustrating installs. I think my needle bearing is also my slight vibration issue, but my 24 TRD Sport Premium should be here in a couple weeks so the dealer will address that when I trade in my 3rd gen.

[@rupertgumban9251]

Nice video! I’m doing ECGS clampshell on my 2021 T4R TRD ORP too. But I didn’t do DIY coz I’m so busy at work lately

[@timallen6662]

You sure do quite a lot of hard work while you improve your truck. Always glad to see you and to know how you are doing, too. Thanks, Chloé Kuo Taco.

[@Nightowl-OO]

Nicely done Chloe! You have some solid skills

[@Tyrael112]

I know exactly the kind of PITA it is to remove CV axles. You did great, and having to do it solo with a size disadvantage takes a lot of work. You won't forget it, and it's the reason I bought a slide hammer.

[@dmann1209]

Check the wheel balance and your suspension bushings. Off-roading takes a toll on the factory rubber bushings. I opt for the polyurethane bushings when available. Awesome content.

[@matthewdoan8206]

Big pry bar on the axle will pop it right out and when installing it if there is a C clip face the open end of it downwards makes it easier to pop in instead of fighting the clip. Also I would get your wheels road forced balanced its a common issue with the tacoma's and 4runners a normal wheel balancer doesnt work well. Had to get my wheels road forced and then it still persisted so i went back and they rebalanced them again and it worked out smooth now but as the tires wear down you need to re check the balance again. This is my opinion might not be the solution for yours tho :)

[@MrYour1Fan]

I have that same problem, thanks for sharing

[@MrYour1Fan]

Just wanted to provide an update tried here with Chloe suggested for the sting wheel vibrations and even though the work was not as easy as Chloe’s video. It did correct the problem and I appreciate you for sharing your video

[@Snouthunter]

Take a thick enough square metal tube and drill two holes in it for two of the lug studs. Make sure the tube is long enough to hit the floor solid. Use that to hold the hub so it doesn't turn so you can break loose and torque your axle nut. Good idea, right?

[@markw96789]

Aloha Chloe. Not that you need my endorsement but I must say I am totally impressed by your ability and initiative to work on your truck. Continue to take the challenges head on. If you were my daughter I would definitely be proud of you. Like I said you don’t need my endorsement but you go girl (aka Young Lady). I have a 2018 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab SR5. I found your videos while searching for information on upgrading my vehicle stereo and speakers. Any recommendations??? Take care and keep it up. Mark

[@effinhaoli808]

There is an easy way to see if you need this climb under your truck and see if the drivers side CV has any play on the inner end that goes into the differential…compare with the passenger side if it’s loose you need the bushing 🤙🏽

[@xujedy1740]

Crazy that you did this whole thing with your hair down. That’s wild

[@johnnyutah386]

How can you tell the difference between the EGS and bad wheel assembly tho. I’m at 102k and no EGS but makes the same vibration but also noise as well

[@02PSU]

You do an excellent job and are an amazing young lady. Keep up the great work!!!

[@1995Celicagtable]

Just a heads up, you probably wont ever need to replace again, but for some reason if you need to remove axle again, try removing fill plug for diff and the axle should come out easier 👊🏽👍🏽

[@dannyschreckengost1973]

Interesting. Looks like a fun job 🤣 i have this vibration that isnt in the steering wheel, its more like in front of the shifter but a little to the right id say is where it sounds like its coming from. This was my first thought and it probably couldn't hurt to change it but I think its driveline angle personally.

[@StormRoxas]

I got the bushing swapped along with my regear (as preventative maintenance)

[@2151abell]

you are Awesome Chloe....I just love your passion and Go To attitude !

[@TheRealGras]

I got that vibration at 25mph as soon as I installed my lift at 1800 miles with the stock wheels and tires.

[@llllll-ux2lz]

Its so difficult finding trd wheel center caps

[@it4dps]

Have you had the tire balance checked by a competent tire shop. I ask because every time I have had new tires put on my 06 Tacoma I have had to take the truck back a couple of times to get the tires balanced correctly. Just my first thought.. Great Video & Thanks for posting!

[@K1ngDre-DMZ]

I’m having same issue. Any updates post needle bearing replacement?

[@PhanOT11]

Great video, thanks. That’s a big job! I’m so proud of you. 👏

[@johnshewan6778]

I had a tremer in my steering wheel after installing a 2' lift. I then installed the spacers to lower the front differential and the vibration/tremer went away.

[@joshuadine4110]

Don't know if this will help. One of the semis I drive at work has dump truck tires on the front and it didn't come this way when truck was new. I get the same vibration at 35 and 50 mph. However it only happens on grooved roads or highway. When I asked the mechanic that services our fleet he said that bigger tires or applications on vehicles or tires with wide groove patterns will ride the road differently and those grooves in the road can cause the tires to grab and shake. He said it can also happen if the tire is under inflated or if on a smaller truck a bearing is starting to go bad. I would also check ball joints and tie rods if there loose or bent. Hope this helps.

[@mr-peabody]

Shoulda rented a vibration meter - I bet CA has a lot of those devices for rent. Vehicles are designed and built with a set amount of entelechy (complete purpose). Over time you experience a “separation” when you modify the vehicle. This is thus wrong: 00:00:59 ….. I'm not sure though because those were all things I did *_a while back_* and I haven't done anything to this truck recently at least when I started noticing the vibrations.... Yes, it is something you did a while back.

[@DrewPeabawls]

I also get a vibration that only shows up when it's cold outside. Best I solved it by turning up the music very loud!

[@WendzDarKnight08]

Replace your sway bar ends. Add polyurethane bushings to the sway bar.

[@justlg3359]

Nice job, but u still didn't link us to where u got the tool to remove the bushing. Need that tool thanks

[@michaelpellegrino3220]

It's part of a kit you get when you purchase the bushing from East Coast Gear Supply. It'll be an option at check out.

[@Makemysammich23]

Done this exact upgrade to my 2016. There is NO way that axle nut came off that easy. Unless it’s been off before and NOT properly re-torqued. Even a 1/2” impact has to hit several times to break it.

[@kerrygibbs8198]

You make videos that are truly helpful! You should how to do things and are easy to follow!

[@craigdempsey2230]

Being a dog myself, your dog has requested that in the future if they start panting then please reduce the temperature withing the car - better still have the auto climate controll turned on to a temperature that they stop panting at. Being a good human im sure that would make you as happy as we would be. - Reason being as a dog we have to pant when hot as we dont sweat and when we pant we cant relax!!

[@javierramos9795]

I get the same vibration at exactly between 25-30 and 55-60. Only at cruising speeds but not at acceleration. Here’s the caveat mine is 2WD. ☹️

[@r0b0saurusrex80]

Hey Chloe, have you had steering rack issues with your Tacoma? If so what have you done to upgrade or just fix it?

[@haikuhui]

What size ECGS bushing goes in the Tacoma?

[@111Ronaldinho]

Do a part 2. I have a feeling on my Taco I have a driveshaft or U-joint issue vibrations I've been reading some of the comments.

[@patrickhenry8281]

Chloe, just a side note. You forgot to mention the lower ball joint bolts torque spec. Otherwise keep up the good work, great vids.

[@BrianDIYChannel]

Does wheel alignment need to be done after this?

[@arrealhandymanservice4459]

Yup it’s a wheel/hub bearing

[@scotw67]

Another great video, Chloe!!! What size tires are you currently using?

[@dantelopez4110]

gotta be the lower and upper steering shaft!!

[@SimonSaysyo]

My truck makes all sorts of noises, vibrations. 😂 once you wheel once that truck isn’t the same.

[@egtallday]

Front Arb locker will eliminate that issue

[@cqreynolds]

Take a look at your U-joints and also driveshaft balance.

[@JOSEKmb]

I have a 2021 Tacoma trd off road 4x4. I still have the suspension stock. Do I need a lift if I put the 4Runner trd pro 17in wheels?

[@kylep148]

I have the same issue with my 2023 4R. 0 mods done. Apparently it's a known issue 🤷

[@chvyguy21]

It’s one of three things causing the vibration: 1.) Tire Balance; 2.) Driveshaft Angle; 3.) Needle Bearing (which you changed).

[@DB-qm4jx]

Or combination?

[@edc139]

uneven tire tread wear too

[@DB-qm4jx]

Can it be a bent driveshaft or under greased component?

[@StuartPatton-j9j]

It’s going to be your carrier bearing most likely

[@timvanschubert3177]

Passenger clamshell bearing?

[@casperhawj9085]

Thought you went with the Runner?

[@StuartPatton-j9j]

Vibrations at the higher speeds are likely caused by your carrier bearing I believe

[@Cornine]

It could be the road. Sometimes an unevenly paved road causes you to think there’s something wrong with your vehicle.

[@craigdempsey2230]

My owner has a peaugeot 107 totally standard. After a clutch change his car had developed a vibration at 55mph to 70mph. Does anyone know the fix for that car?

[@mrwick4875]

Seems like might be a axle issue ur because if it only happens when turning left

[@jeromea9786]

Just subscribed to you, although I've been watching you before as well. Just wondering if you are planning any meet up with people who owns Taco and Tundra in the future?

[@MaxRay16]

Is anybody able to say how much they topped off the front diff after the install? I know the front takes like 1.6L when I changed it earlier but I only have like .8L of a bottle left and wonder if that's enough so I don't need to buy another bottle

[@MaxRay16]

Incase anybody was wondering, I let more drain than I probably could've, but I used about 0.6L refilling the diff. I also replaced the axel seal. I have 95k on my stock tacoma, but I do feel like it helps some vibrations and my needle bearing did have some good play to it.

[@hillrunner2]

Great info and you have some good skills. 😊

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

This was a serious project. While I appreciate your hnoesty, unless someone does this every day, they're going to make mistakes - far worse than anything you did here. As a mechanic for 40 plus years, I'd work with you any day - you should be super proud of ALL the work you do. Cheers!

[@retiredafce3373]

Do you think it’s a U joint?

[@XDgamer-lk8nf]

Wheel bearing ?

[@jacobchavarria8644]

I love you ❤❤❤ mechanic

[@BlueSTI]

Wonder if shes a pharmacist or an engineer?

[@dal-kj7yv]

Chloe, upgrade your bump stops. Either wheelers, duros, or sumos. You wont regret it.

[@larrybeltz4112]

I think you did a good job 😊

[@Vndrew_ARW]

Yo, I felt it when I saw the extra method center caps tho. If you know, you know… 😅

[@petyweestraw]

You know my boy Jake?

[@OceansideCreations]

Very impressive

[@BushRat253]

I would be so pissed if I spent all that money on a nice lift and then this started. Makes me rethink lifting my truck.

[@MarioFlores-dh1gi]

Chloe I did tell you awhile back, this is something that has to be done after you lift your truck. Hopefully you got it fixed.

[@itunda5607]

If it’s still there in 4wd it isn’t the needle bearing

[@REDNECKBONVIVANT-gv9qz]

Tire balance, it will exhibit the exact symptom. .

[@jaypikachu6660]

Check the basic first, stop waste money, even though the tires are well balanced, tire road force will case wheel vibration, when I installed my 33-12.5-17” new tires I line up the red dot from the tires (highest point of the tire), match the lowest point of the rim to minimize the road force and then balance the wheels, it has been 10k miles, never have any steering wheel vibration.

[@blthep1411]

I don’t think your tires are balanced right. Shaky vibes like your steering wheel seems to be doing is almost always tire balance. Especially when it comes and goes at various speeds and especially since it changes when turning left.

[@RobustArid379]

Oh noo

[@mmgee]

I have a Ford Ranger, Its vibration was called the “death wobble” was thinking the world coming to an end…

[@iquit_lin]

Good job 😂

[@BAcHIGU_]

People overthink these IFS components... might as well SAS the 🌮

[@OverweightOutdoorsman]

You need a grease monkey jumpsuit for these jobs - even though your garage looks immaculate.