Time for a dealer visit---

Taking the truck into the dealer tomorrow for the following:

-Squeeky rear leaf springs
-Metal clank sound when initially starting to move after parked
-Popping noise when turning onto an incline (suspension flexes)
-Vibration in steering wheel at around 50-65 MPH
-Harsh 1-2 shift (always been there and they its always "normal" to them)

Anybody have similar issues or maybe know whats wrong. Anything common on here? If I could get the above fixed then this truck would be flawless

I have a 2008 DC SB 4x4 Taco

 

harsh shift is normal.

 

no its not buddy, why does everyone accept it. shi* I hate it

 

I did go mudding and they were worse until I washed them, but they're still squeeking. Not acceptable, the truck should be able to handle a little mud.

Brake shoes look fine, they shouldn't be re-seating, whatever that means

Tires may be out of balance, I noticed it after I had them put on. Its been a while now so I'm not sure if walmart will re-do it.

Level check and yes its fine.

 

Kinda helps if you put your vehicle particulars in your profile information or in a signature.

 

nevermind

 

The first 4 issues could all be stemming from an issue with your leafsprings...

From my exp 90% of sqeeky suspension is a result of dirt/grime in components; the other 10% is from worn/loose suspension components. It's a good idea, after you pressure wash the underside, to spray eveything under the body that's black with Armorall or a Silicone spray, whichever you prefer.

As for the wobbly front at 50mph it's probably a tire issue (blancing etc) but that might stem from an alignment/suspension issue that's caused your tire to deform, or hopefully you just lost a 25cent weight from our wheel and it can just be rebalanced.

Good luck. Let us know what happens.

 

Thank you nvdeserted, you made me think! lol

I went offroading right after I got my A/Ts installed to try them out. I bet I knocked one of the weights off. Come to think of it, thats when I noticed the vibrating...I just thought it was a balancing issue from the beginning that I didn't notice right away and I did it offroading.

Regarding the leaf springs, I hope your right. I knwo the squeeking is from that and hopefully the dealer will fix it. I removed my hitch ball so hopefully that was the clanking.

I will be so happy if I can fix everything. My biggest pet peeve with the truck is seriously the 1-2 shift though.....I really wish it was smooth like the other gears. Sometimes it feels like a old truck shifting if you knwo what I mean.

 

i get the metal clang when first starting off, but usually it's when i put on the brakes to back up after pulling out of my parking spot, happens more frequently/severely the sharper the wheel is turned. i also get the pop when i hit a bump during a low-speed, sharp turn. i also have a lift, however, so i have many more possibilities for source of problem. anyway, let us know what you find out.

 

Thanks guys, keep 'em coming. I am just the type of person to like a perfect vehicle all the time. Little noises really drive me crazy the most. At least this Tacoma (fingers crossed) for the past 36K miles has been rattle free inside. Even my $38K lexus IS had rattles in the dash, lol.

 

I had a 'lost wheel weight issue' a while back, I don't know if the installer forgot to put his purse down first or what but a few went missing in about a week and caused a crappy ride between 45-55mph.

Also, shifting should be smooth. I'm still surprised at how smooth the shifting is in mine, even when I'm on the gas going uphill (usually when it's harshest) so hopefully they can figure that one out for you. All trucks are a little different but there ARE smooth shifting Tacos out there. Occasionally it can be a little harsh when I'm towing but I guess that's expected.

 

I know it should be smooth, thats why I keep pressing the issue, but until something breaks, I don't think they'll do anything . I do understand them though because I have no idea what could be wrong....only thing I can think of is the torque converter.

 

I too have the harsh shift. And it is not normal for the truck to do that. I've address the isssue numerous time and no fixs. There are tsb out for the 09-10 model they can get the ecu reflash done but how bout the 05-08 owner out there. Are we out of luck?

 

Make em fix it

 

Yeah please keep us updated so maybe I too can remedied my problem thanks in advance.

 

My rear leaf's used to squeek like mad! I took it in to get the rear leaf TSB springs and mentioned this to the techs. They said there is another TSB for squeeky rear springs and that the new leaf packs would be way better. They were spot on! The new springs are quiet and ride much better.

 

hey nighthawk, i have 2008 access cab 4.0 auto and have the same problem, along with wind noise and some other small issues but i have been told by 2 dealers that this is normal even though my taco has a matching vds in the vin for tsb 0373-09. going to try my 3rd dealership on 5-14-10. I will let you know what they say..btw, does your transmission have a lag sometimes after making turns and driving in stop and go traffic?

 

Just got my truck back from the 3rd dealer. The tech said my transmission was low on fluid and filled it. Seems to shift a little better, he also said the tsb is for 2009/2010 only even though I had a matching vds in the vin. Anyway while the truck was there they replaced the entire back sliding glass window due to a faulty seal on the sliding glass part, $900.00 bucks, they ordered new door seals and a new latch for the sticking access door. I finally have a a taco that I like!!!!!!!!..thanks toyota for picking up the tab

 

The TSB is actually for a 2 -1 DOWNshift, not a harsh 1-2 upshift. My truck shifts hard from 1-2 as well, and I don't understand it, because every other gear is smooth as butter. Good luck getting it fixed...everything I've ever been told is that it's normal.

 

I'm starting to wonder? This truck drives totally different now and the tech said he just added about a quart of trans fluid. I cant believe about 1 quart of fluid would make that much difference but anyway if yours is shifting rough it just might correct it..good luck