Brakes kicking after being stopped

My dad's 2007 Prerunner Access Cab (60,000 miles) has an odd problem either with the brakes or maybe the automatic transmission.

When stopped at a light and it turns green, depending on how you let off the brake pedal, a subtle "kick" can be felt and heard as the wheels start moving again. The kick is not violent in any way, nor is it loud. It's sort of like the clunk of the tailgate being shut, but much, much quieter and less intense. You won't hear or feel it unless you're specifically waiting for it to happen.

Performance wise, the brakes work fine. Stopping distance is good, brake fluid level is good, no grinding, no squealing.

 

Sounds like axle wrap.

 

Answers range from "it's normal" to "check your axle u-bolts"

Not a bad idea... spec on the u-bolts is 35ft/lbs and they should be closer to the 65-80 range.
At least one TWer reported cranking them down and the "lurch" went away.

 

I think it's normal. Mine does the same manily when my A/C or Defroster is on and when the compressor kicks in

 

This only happens when stopped and beginning to move again.

I'd have to ask my dad, but from my own experiences it seems to occur most often when abruptly letting off the brakes.

 

with mine it's mainly when stopped and when the compressor kicks on

 

I've had three Tacomas ('99, '02, & '06), all automatics, and all of their rear ends "settled" with a mild driveline jerk when letting off of the brake from a stop.

The '06, however, will lurch while at a complete stop. This 2nd Gen lurch is a common complaint, but I have yet to see an end-all-be-all explanation for it. Some of the proposed causes I've seen include torque converter, axle wrap (only one of my Tacomas was lifted), and drive shaft U-joints. I've read on here somewhere that Toyota is aware of it, but won't address it or offer a fix.

 

Axle wrap.

It's "normal" insomuch as many trucks do it. It's not particularly good for the vehicle and if you can eliminate it, that'd be advised. I'm having a traction bar put in mine soon to eliminate the issue.

 

I just bought a 2007 Pre and it does this too. It's not lifted and is a 2WD, Auto. I'm not a mechanic by any means so....should I take it in to have someone check it out? Most likely I'll get the standard "were going to rip you off now" crap and they won't actually fix the problem (if there really is one). But, should I? Is there a legitimate concern for safety or performance here?

 

I have Noticed same noise right after my rear springs been replaced.

 

Mine does this. It's the splines in the deiveshaft. You can disassemble the driveshaft and grease this area, or learn to ignore it. Some have even installed grease fittings there. Definitely check other things like u-joints and springs, but this is in my opinion normal for the trucks age.

 

So, Few months ago I realized a small leak coming from transfer case output shaft seal. I did change the seal but the leak didn’t stop.
Went to my friend’s shop to change trans fluid and filter.
He found out that there is an upgraded seal for this tranny (with double edge on it or something like that) which he installed.
The leak and transmission kick are gone since then.
I am thinking that if you low of transmission fluid you may experience small kick at low gear when stopping or after the stop