Groaning Toyota

This bulletin applies to 2004-2017 Toyota 4Runner vehicles Some vehicles equipped with part-time 4WD may exhibit a cyclical groaning or grinding noise coming from the front differential in 2WD that goes away when operated in 4WD. This noise can be addressed by replacing the needle bearing on the left side of the front differential.
Confirm the condition is present (noise present in 2WD and not in 4WD).
1. Remove the LH front drive shaft assembly.
2. Remove the LH differential oil seal. Using a slide hammer and oil seal puller.
3. Install the steering worm bearing puller. The drive shaft may rotate during bearing removal. Be sure to hold the shaft to prevent rotation.
4. Remove the LH differential needle bearing using the steering worm bearing puller.
5. Install a new needle bearing using the special service tools (SST) handle set and replacer set and a rubber mallet to press the new bearing in place into the differential. Note: install the new bearing with the engraved print facing outward. Installation depth between surfaces 3A and 3B should be 1.4 – 1.7 mm.
6. Replace the LH differential oil seal.
7. Install the snap ring to the front drive shaft.
8. Install the LH drive shaft.
MODEL YEAR……. P/N ……………………. ITEM
2004-2017...............90364-35010.................needle roller bearing
2004-2017..............95381-04045...................cotter pin
2004-2017..............90521-34003....................hole snap ring
2004-2013..............90311-47012....................oil seal
2014-2017..............90311-47027....................oil seal
Differential gear oil LT 75W-85 GL-5
SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS REQUIRED
09628-62011-01.............BALL JOINT PULLER
09520-01010-02.............DRIVE SHAFT REMOVER ATTACHMENT
09520-32040-01.............SLIDE HAMMER
09612-30012..................STEERING WORM BEARING PULLER
09308-00010..................OIL SEAL PULLER
09950-70010-01.............HANDLE SET
09950-60010-01............REPLACER SET