New to the forum and Tacomas! I Have a question!

Is it normal for my 2003 Tacoma 4x4 5-speed manual transmission to be loud while crusing at highway speeds? Its like a low whine and I have never ridden in a tacoma with a manual transmission before and I didn't know wether this was normal or not? Thanks in advance!

 

Probably not? Sounds like you have something to fix

 

Mine whines in the lower gears but by 4th-5th it's quiet

 

Thanks for the replys! If I had to describe it a little better it sounds like its in 4x4 but the sound is relatively quiet but I can notice it. I also noticed that it only makes the sound with my foot on the throttle, when I let off the throttle there is no sound, no matter what speed you are at. Its not really a whine like I described before and I really don't know a good way to describe it. but like I said its once I let off the throttle it isn't there!

 

Also another note is when I am getting into the throttle it isn't there. Its only there with light throttle while cruising if that helps! Like I said this is my first tacoma and first manual transmission I have owned and I am not used to the normal sounds that they make! Thanks again!

 

Hmmm first off I would check all the fluids make sure they are topped off. If everything is topped off and looks good,no signs of burnt fluid or chips in the fluid, I would start checking the front end. Kinda seems like a wheel bearing maybe? I could be way off but its worth a shot

 

I would start by changing all your fluids. Then go from there. Wheel bearings are a possibility.

 

The best way to start would be to ride with a few other similar trucks. Post your location to see if there are other members in your area, or just go test drive some at dealers. Make sure you drive more than one to get a good feel for what sounds normal and what is different.

 

Wheel bearings aren't going to whine like metal-on-metal gears... Manual Trans and Differential gears will whine under acceleration and can be quiet during deceleration. The Manual Trans will be louder than an automatic, so maybe you're just not used to it, but to be on the safe side, check your fluid level and condition in the Trans, T-Case, and Differentials, or go ahead and flush and refill with new fluid. Might as well grease up all zerk fittings while you're under the truck to ensure nothing is dry. If you're still concerned find another Tacoma and go for a ride, or find a Tacoma owner to ride with you to compare.

 

Under acceleration sounds like it is the transmission, transfer case, or rear axle gears. I test drove a Tacoma before buying the one I have, the transmission made a definite whining noise under acceleration that my Tacoma does not have.

 

All Tacomas have a distinct loud whine under load especially at highway speeds. Toyota should have put a 5 or 6 speed automatic transmission in it. Also as far as power, the power band is in the low to mid range, on the freeway there isn't a whole lot of passing power.

 

What were you driving before the tacoma?

Could be a variety of things and/or normal.
Econo cars with tiny little street tires won't make as much noise as a truck, off the ground, with bigger all terrain tires. 4 cylinder engines don't make as much noise as 6's.... Just sayin....

Like all vehicles I buy used - the first thing I do, is start crawling underneath to inspect the vital signs. Change all the fluids - diffs, transmission, transfer case, engine oil, etc. Lubricate drivesafts, clean air filter...etc. Rotate tires...The usual stuff.

 

Thanks for all the replys! Not sure if anyone on the forum lives around me but I live in Virginia in the new river valley near radford university! The previous owner kept the truck well maintained and up to date, just not sure when the last time the fluids were changed! I bought from a local dealership here and I am wondering if they just put some cheap fluid in the transmission, or would that even affect it? (If they even changed it!) It doesn't really even get any louder depending on the speed its just there in 5th gear 50mph and up (highway cruising speeds.) My previous truck was a 1992 F150 with a Automatic trans. Thanks for helping me try to figure this out! I am thinking about getting Redline to change out the tranny fluid if anyone could give me some pointers on doing the change that would be great!

 

One thing I would like to bring back up is the fact that the second you let off the gas (start to decelerate) the noise is gone!

 

I have this on my truck right now. Is there a little gear chirp right as you're getting on or letting off the gas?
I'm pretty sure its my diff, most likely bearings.
I'm getting my new gears and rebuild kit in a week, if you don't figure it out by then, I'll let you know what happens.

 

No gear chirp when you let off! The sound is so little that just having the windows down you can't hear it. I can just hear it when all the windows are up!

 

Mine does that same exact thing!!
It almost sounds like something electronic engaging/disengaging
I just thought it was normal

 

Hey guys I need the fluid capacities for both differentials, manual tranny, and transfer case ! Thanks!

 

Dont mind that is says 2UZ-FE. All the stuff you asked for will be the same.