Buzzy Vibration at certain RPM's..read before buying!

By drive train angles do you mean the angles on the drive lines? Is there more to it than that?

 

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/PR-shaft/index2.html
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/drive-shaft-vibrations-solved-step-by-step.244535/

 

That I could not say.... He did mention that he read all about how Toyota had (supposedly) eliminated the drivetrain issue from the Gen 2 and he didn't feel anything like that in my truck when he drove it....

 

Good reference. Thanks.

 

Huh ?

 

I have an update and hopefully some positive news. As I posted earlier, I did have a field technical specialist evaluate my truck and the buzzing vibs last month. Today I spoke to my case manager at Toyota. The case manager conferred with the field technical specialist (FTS) late last night. Here’s what I learned from the case manager today. The case manager was very careful on how he worded this, which I understand. The case manager said that the FTS has driven other trucks as part of his regular site visits and found that "most" have it. Some have it worse than others. Mine is indeed one that has it more prominent than others. Because most of the other trucks he's tested have it to some extent, it is a “normal characteristic” of the truck “at this time.” However, the FTS said that they “have taken the next steps to move forward with a resolution that addresses the matter.” Toyota will be inspecting other vehicles in the region to compare and gather data, because others have indeed reported this problem.


I asked the case manager to confirm whether the “normal characteristic” meant that there was nothing more Toyota was going to do about this. He said that is not what they are saying. It is a “normal characteristic at this time,” but "Toyota has taken the next steps to address this" and the regional field office will keep me posted. I offered to do whatever they needed me to do to help them move forward. They said they had gathered all they needed from me and my truck at this point but will let me know if they need more. They asked me to be patient and assured me that Toyota will do everything it can to help. I read between the lines: “we know and are trying to find a fix.”


I think this is a positive step forward. I still encourage folks to report this to Toyota, even if you get the “normal” response. It will help you document it so Toyota can gauge the extent of the problem and you can go back and ask for the repair when a procedure does come out. If I learn any more, I will post. Thank you to all who have listened and shared experiences. Hang in there!

 

I have noticed this a tad bit in my Limited, as well, but it is very transient and only happens rarely. Perhaps it is something that happens in many of the trucks simply because of design...perhaps there is nothing that they can do about it at this time.

 

Good post.

 

My father got his Limited recently and it took a few days to show up. But, like yours, it's very faint. I'd say it's 80-90% less than mine. I envy him. His is very smooth. They may indeed not know what it is yet.

The only other anecdotal thing I've noticed is that sometimes the colder it is outside (i.e., below 20 degrees), the better it gets. The warmer, the worse.

 

In fact here is a pic. One of my Fantasy Basketball foes left this one on my window at work but you can see how my GoPro mount is set up. Had to dig through my phone to find this one! haha

 

I haven't read the entire thread, but is this vibration issue limited to 4x4 models? I have a 4x2 and have tried feeling for vibrations, hums, whistles, ect. and haven't felt or heard any issues. 2900 on the odo.

 

I had thought it was my imagination that the vibes were less when the truck was super cold. But I have had the same observation.

 

I did do some experimentation on the way home, based on what you said. Indeed, I did feel it more when in the 2-3k RPM area, accelerating up a hill. Interestingly, when using the gear limiting shift mode going down the hill, engine braking at about 2-3k, that vibration is not present at all.

I am not sure what the exact difference is other than actual combustion taking place vs. not taking place. Any ideas?

 

There is no doubt. We've had a cold snap here and it's been several below zero in the early AM, when I drive to work. Now, just driving around town, you really have to look for it, anyway, as you rarely sit in the RPM range where it occurs for any amount of time, like you do on the highway/freeway. It was always easy to find in warmer weather (even in town); however, it is barely noticeable in the severe cold at the lower speeds. As the vehicle (and outside temp) warm up, it always finds it's way back.

 

Originally, it seemed focused on the 4x4 non Off-Roads with automatic trans. As time goes by, we are hearing from some with 4x2, some with manual trans, and others with Off-Road models who have the issue. The majority, however, still seem to come from the aforementioned group. There are many, like you, who feel nothing at all.

 

If I was a mechanic the cold weather thing has to tell me something about this issue. Any of you mechanics have an explanation.?

 

Probably would tell the design engineering team something. Maybe when the engine is under a certain temperature, the hand-off point between different modes for fuel efficiency changes. Who knows, lots to speculate about. I, too, have noticed it is smoother cold, and have reported that before I think.

 

My access cab SR5 4x4 v6 does the same thing between 2000 - 2300 rpm. It's done it from day one now having 560 miles almost thought it was normal until reading here. I would describe it as exhaust resonating -buzz or harmonic tone coming from the exhaust system itself. Not sound coming out of the tailpipe but the exhaust system itself vibrating, buzzing that can be felt thru the floor and steering wheel. I can get it to change by accelerating/decelerating thru the rpm range. Some manufactures hang counter weights to minimize harmonic noise in exhaust systems or add insulated hangers at key points. If it's in the exhaust system this could be why it changes with ambient or engine temperature? Maybe strapping some weight on the tailpipe or other places on the exhaust system would be a test to see if it changes?

 

Yes, sometimes I think that the buzz sensation matches the exhaust tone.

 

I don't have this issue but please, someone try this. I hose clamp and heavy pipe fitting or something.