New Owner 2002 4x4 SR5 Question

I just bought my first Toyota. I started looking for them about 2 months ago and wanted to buy a first gen. I was kinda picky on which one i bought. I absolutely love it so far! However...first thing in the morning i have a noise. After driving the truck for about 5 miles the noise stops. Its hard to explain but it sounds like a rubbing noise almost like when your tire rolls over some rough concrete. You can feel the vibration while the noise is happening. i thought it might be my tires but it does it no matter the condition of the road. The noise isn't constant... it will make the noise then stop. I also thought it might be a bearing but it only makes the noise say every 4 complete tire rotations. I am stumped on what it could be. Any help would be appreciated.


Anyway! Thank you for all the members hard work. There is a ton of information out there and i owe a lot to you all for helping me make up my mind on purchasing a TACO!

2002 Toyota Tacoma Extra Cab 4x4 SR5 Silver.

I will try to get some pictures posted so you all can let me know if i got a good one or not!

Thank you!

 

Does the noise vary with an increase or decrease in vehicle speed? Does the noise vary with an increase or decrease in engine RPMs? Where do you feel the vibe? Steering wheel or your seat?

 

Yes...if i go slow the noise and vibration is slower and last longer. If i go faster the noise is shorter but the vibration feels the same. I feel it more on my feet. Its hard to describe unfortunately and i understand you guys are not mind readers..lol


Thank you for your reply. Im loving the Yota family already!

Pics of the truck will hopefully go up tomorrow.

 

The fact that the noise goes away with time and use suggests it is something that might be warming up and once it does, the noise goes away (for now). A bad bearing might do this for a while but it will only get worse.

If the vibe is not in the steering wheel, look to the back half for the source. This still leaves a lot of things it could be but it also suggests there are many things you can do for maintenance to minimize or eliminate possibilities.

Driveline vibes are common. Start by greasing all your fittings. Check the rear diff too. If you aren't sure how long its been since the fluid was changed, drain and refill with fresh. This should be done on a 30K mile cycle at a minimum.

 

Digi, Thank you very much for your help. I believe everything is greased up. I will be checking the diff today, since i dont know when it was changed last i think i will just go ahead and replace the fluid. Timming belt and water pump are on my list of things that need to be changed. The last owner said he did not do those items.

Do you guys recommend transmission flushes and coolant flushes? I have heard mixed reviews about them. I have also thought about using the seafoam trick with the vaccum hose but im nervous. It runs smooth now.

Thank you for all the feedback!

for DIGIRATUS!