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

100% agree. When it doubt, take it to another dealer. Tons of them out there...

 

try backing the cruise control off one mph at a time while driving on a flat. Mine howls a lot when going down the slight decline on my way to work on the freeway. It does it there every morning

 

You need to get that looked at man before it blows on you out in the middle of Happy Valley or San Gabriels

 

OK MOM, geez

I'll do it next week, really. I'll go start a shit storm at Pasadena Toyota

 

Went ahead and opened a case with Corporate this evening. They seemed interested in helping but said they would like a second opinion before proceeding. They also agreed that "driving another with the same noise" was not the correct way to diagnose the issue. They actually suggested that I mention your situation as well when speaking to the new dealer, which I thought was surprising. Guess it's back to the stealership again when I get a chance.

On a side note my gas mileage sucked after picking the truck up. Usually average low 20s on my drive home - 18 tonight. Maybe just a fluke.

 

Matter of fact, can't remember verbatim but pretty sure Service Manager did mention they tested something like four other trucks on the lot and only 1 of them had the noise....I think he said they were going to look into that one too.

 

Noise on acceleration ... pinion bearing

Noise on coast (no load) ..... carrier bearings

Also noise can be from improper contact pattern with ring & pinion gears , also I've seen off shore brand ring & pinion being very noisy

 

Is any noise acceptable? Seems like it would be? Mine has the noise and it is louder than previous trucks but what is too loud?

 

I guess it depends on what you're willing to live with. I've got an '03 4Runner with 150k miles and the rear end makes no noise, same with an '06 Xterra. This is my first Tacoma (and first new vehicle), but I don't feel like I should be able to hear the diff. howling over the stereo, especially for what I paid for the truck.

I have another appointment tomorrow with a different dealer, so we'll see what they say. If they also claim that it's normal I'll probably just drive it until the rear end goes, then start the battle to get it replaced. At least I've got it documented that I've got a problem.

 

Mine is documented too.....acknowledged but deemed "normal" by a tech.

Mine happens between 52 and 60 with slight feathering of the throttle.

I also have an open case on the trans, but the case manager is really hard to get a hold of.

 

For quality OEM parts, especially at the premium price for a Toyota, zero howling or whining should be acceptable. If you can hear it in the cabin with the radio off, there is an issue. If you can hear it with the radio on, there is a big issue.

It won't get quieter, unless the fluid is changed, that has the ability to quiet it down but it doesn't fix the root cause. Once a diff whines, it will always whine, then it's only a matter of how loud and when it will get louder. No quality gear set at 5k miles should whine, just lol.

If you have any whine, get it documented. Even if they won't fix it, document it.

 

Well, I have to admit that my rear diff has started to whine at 3800 miles. I did have it replaced already at 451 miles because of low fluid (aka no oil), but that was a totally different kind of howl. I can feather the gas like everyone else at 55-60 and make it happen now. I was already compensated with a payment refund and 7 year 100k warrenty. I'll probably just live with it and if it goes out, have it fixed again.

But I do have a question, is it possible for this to be caused by having driveshaft departure angles out of spec?

 

Visited the 2nd dealership today. They agreed that there is a very loud whine coming from the rear differential, but would not specifically comment as to whether they thought it was normal or not. They basically told me that they didn't know, and had no similar Tacos on the lot to compare it to. Requested that I come back in two weeks when they're supposed to have another OR so that we can drive it.

Updated Corporate, they have requested the regional parts and service manager get involved. Maybe that will get us somewhere.

Dealership did seem very eager to help once I told them that corporate was involved though.

 

Sounds like the OP's truck has a cough. Might want to heave the dealership also check that out, but most likely they'll come back and say "could not replicate".

 

Just dropped at dealer. They said they'll probably have the truck for 2 or 3 days. Will report back with what I hear. Leaf Springs reported to squeak again as well -- this is attempt to resolve #3 for leaf springs issue. On 4th attempt, if not resolved, my understanding is it has reached threshold for AZ Lemon Law. Would prefer they fix or replace the vehicle with one that does not have these issues at worst case.

They gave me a 2016 Camry for loaner. Damn this thing feels like a rocket ship compared to my Taco!

 

I got a Camry as well when I left my 3rd Gen at the dealership for 3 days. It did feel like a rocket ship, but it also felt like I was sitting on the ground and felt like I had to crawl out on the ground when I was getting out of the car!

 

Yeah also wondering if when I drive thru at Dutch Bros Coffee if they'll offer me the senior citizen discount...

 

There's a spot that has nasty potholes on my commute to work and in the Tacoma it just feels like a little blip, but when I rode through that spot int he Camry I thought I broke the suspension.

 

Mine's actually at the dealer now as well. I'm getting the LCA plugs put in and the service manager is going to take a ride to listen to the differential. We'll see how all of that plays out.

 

Rear diff was replaced. They say the noise is gone. Going to pick it up today.

On the other front (Squeaky Leaf Springs) Dealer said Corporate will not authorize them to replace/repair as nothing is "broken" although the noise is horrendous -- essentially he said "their words were "Live with it."" -I quote. So now I called corporate, told them I'm still interested in their offer for the 125k/8year extended platinum warranty but I said I'd like them first to push to get the leaf springs replaced. I contended that I made it almost 10k miles before the original equipment started squeaking and perhaps a new set would at least get me 10K more in the interim while Toyota works to release a more permanent solution. A search on youtube yields a handful of videos with people experiencing the same issue on 2016 Tacomas and I've heard of at least three folks having their leafs replaced under warranty. I want mine replaced or fixed. There is no reason a $40K truck should sound like a rusted out mattress. Even the service manager said "It sounds like an old Ford!" Video of leaf spring issue here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8n02FgrkC0