Updated 7/13: Droning or Howling Noise (Drivetrain? Rear End?) Video

I got mine fixed through Toyota manager getting on the phone with the factory. It's a differential gear that the tolerances were a few thousands of an inch off only on certain models/packages. They shipped the upgraded diff gears to our dealership and swapped them out for free. Noise is gone.

 

yup, that was me. I posted the information for smitty99 to check out, I included the Toyota parts list too.

 

Thank you so very much for posting this. I really think it'll help me prove that the sound isn't normal when I go back to the dealer and talk to the manager on Tuesday.

 

Just dropped at dealer. Service manager wanted to go for a ride. We got out on the freeway and His exact words were "Damn this thing sounds like an old ford!" He said he used to have an old Lincoln Town car that did the same thing (howling). He also said sarcastically "thanks toyota! Gee what did you pay for this thing 40 grand?! Thanks a lot toyota" ... so now we wait to see what they find out. He also couldn't believe how bad the bed was squeaking.

 

That's really good news. He not only heard it and acknowledged that it's not normal but he has the power to get it fixed by just picking up the phone and calling corporate.

 

Yeah how much of it was lip service I'm not sure....but we will find out. I just won't hold my breath.

 

I would had pretty much tell him to go fuck his mother since he wants to act like an unwarranted douche and went over his head anywho and made sure to explicitly and painstakingly highlight how much of a tool he is. So much so to the point where someone is threatening his job title as manager for having such horrible people skills.

OP. Without physically seeing what's wrong with it, I vote for improper ring and pinon lash being set from the factory. So overall, I vote rear end.

 

I had my rear differential replaced due to the noise/howl but the new one does the same thing. Have about 1000 mi on the new diff (4800 on the truck) and the howl is still there, a tad louder maybe, but it does have a different pitch than the first one.

 

It may come to that. It's definitely not over. I've just found from past experience that I'm more likely to get what I want with persistence and a smile. I'm definitely not against going postal, but it's not something that I jump to without exhausting other options.

After work today I'm going to talk to the local service manager. I've had horrible dealings with my local dealership's service department with the exception of the new service manager who has been very reasonable. I'll give him a shot to go to bat for me before I go completely ballistic.

 

Back to dealer?

 

Yeah, I have learned over time that it is definitely easier to get things done in your favor when you are nice and smile about it. Some places even document the sort of attitude you have so they know they will be more willing to help you because you are reasonable and pleasant to work with. Banks do this as far as I know. It wouldn't surprise me if dealers are the same way.

 

Yea, I have to leave town for a few months for work so I'll have to wait until I get back. Sucks, but they have been really helpful so far....Except rumble strip issue. They said they test drove new ones in the lot that had it so no issue. Love the truck just wish we could nail down these few issues.

 

I've never understood the logic that it must be normal because other trucks do it. That doesn't make it normal, it just makes it common. There can, and probably is, still a problem it's just a fundamental problem with the design and not any individual truck.

 

Dealer is replacing rear end. Service Advisor tells me they aren't sure what the problem is but "they know it's not right" so theyre working through red tape now to get it replaced. They are unsure of how long the truck will be in their possession at this point. However I informed them I need a truck this weekend as I have a dog trial in the AZ high country to attend. A toyota corolla isn't going to get it done.

As for leaf springs they said Toyota recognizes it is an issue but they do not yet have a solution. So they washed them off and did not grease them as they claim that greasing them is not advised by corporate -- it will tend to collect more dirt and dust to make the squeaking worse.

 

Congratulations on the differential. I had a very positive conversation with the local service manager during my lunch break. No resolution yet but he said that they've already replaced one differential for the same complaint and will do it again if it comes to that. They want to install the plugs in my control arms to get rid of that howling first then drive it again.

 

I will probably start pursuing a buy back or lemon law route if the leaf springs issue persists without solution. I am not going to drive a brand new squeaky ass truck all over town. This truck just has too many problems. What a pain in the ass.

 

Glad to hear they are taking care of you. The dealership I went to said there was no way they would replace anything unless they 100% knew what was causing it. They claimed toyota requires the parts to be sent back and diagnosed and if they can't figure out exactly what is wrong either, then the dealership gets charged for everything. I don't know if that is how it really works, but aside from absolutely obvious, by the book problems, it would make sense as to why I was told "sorry I don't hear anything" or "sorry they all do that, it's probably normal." They just don't want to take extra risk.

Funny how while under warranty everything is "breaking in" or "I don't feel/hear anything", but with my last truck the dealer didn't hesitate for a second to offer to "tear apart" my differential (for $1000+) looking for what was making it howl and vibrate. Figures.

Anyways, enough ranting for me, hope the new one is setup properly!

 

• LATEST UPDATE
• ~1:15PM Call Dealer to get status from Service Advisor -- hung up on when transferring call
• ~1:20PM Called dealer and get status they'd be replacing my rear end, working through "red tape" to process the warranty work. Dealer said they'd call back 'in a bit' to inform me further
• ~4:30PM I call dealer back because have not heard from them; they hang up on me in transferring the call
• ~4:45PM I call dealer again, speak briefly with Service Advisor who tells me he has to 'call me back in a bit'
• ~4:55PM Service Advisor calls me back; says they have to replace entire rear end but will be "a while" before parts arrive; suggests I come pick up truck then reschedule replacement once parts arrive

 

I plan to tow a 2500lb camper up to the high country this weekend for a bird dog competition.... here's to hoping the rear end doesn't shit the bed.

 

Yeah the dealership doesn't tend to do rear end work. Its kind of a replace everything sort of deal if under warranty. Those diffs are probably backlogged like no other too with the way production is.