Little bit of a rumble and clicking and squeeking when I accellarate from a stop

I have a 2013 Tacoma double cab 4x4 with 134K miles. When I take off from a stop, I have kind of a very, very slight shutter, for maybe 2 seconds, sort of like hitting the rumble things on the side of the road to let you know you're on the side. Just at take off though. Today, I noticed a clicking or squeaking noise when I accelerate a little bit faster from a stop. Usually have windows up and radio on low so I don't know how long this may have been the case. It isn't loud because I don't have the radio on loud, mainly loud enough to hear it, and I can't hear the noise. Got under the truck and grabbed the driveshaft (forward) and it was tight. Grabbed the driveshaft going to the rear tires and it seemed that it was pretty loose through the carrier bearing. Not sure if it is supposed to be tight or loose. What kind of play, if any is supposed to be there. The transmission on this truck is sealed so if my transmission is going out, I won't be a happy camper. It drives fine and doesn't seem to feel like it is slipping. Any input?

 

Axle Wrap?

 

I would suggest blocking the front wheels, put tyranny in neutral, and jacking up one back wheel. Spin the elevated wheel, by the tire and feel for tight spots or vibration. Listen for squeaks , chirps, thuds,ect.. Then put the tyranny in park, and rock the tire back and forth. Inspect the U-joints and carrier bearings on both shafts as you rock the tire back and forth. Look for extra play in any u joint or something out of line.
BUT, before I did all this stuff, Id grab a buddy and have him drive while you ride in the bed. Listen for the noise, and see if you can narrow down the area of trouble. When you get home, feel all the hubs on the axles for warmth, also the U-joints and carrier bearing. Check the rotors and drums for excessive heat, Careful, could be real hot.

 

This morning, I took it to my mechanic for an honest assessment and he said the carrier bearing was waaaay to loose. He would have to remove it, send it to an axle and driveshaft shop to have the bearing pressed off and back on. It would be a 2 day turn-around. They could fix it though. Took it to a nearby Toyota dealer and let them diagnose it, with the input that I knew. They were pretty quick to tell me my u-joints were fine, transmission was fine but, my carrier bearing was completely shot. Even let me feel what a good one should feel like. They had one in stock, so, they replaced it and one of the u-joints. Parts, labor with military discounts and since he quoted me a price before he started that didn't include the u-joint, he adjusted the labor rate and gave me an extra discount amount so the total didn't change. $422 OTD. I don't have the tools to do some of that myself, so I let them handle it. I don't feel bad about that. Runs like a charm now. Thanks for all of the input and suggestions.

 

I Just love it when something get fixed!

 

Me too!!! I am so glad it wasn't a $4000 transmission. Christmas did a job on the account, but the transmission would have hurt a bit more. What is your opinion of the total? I don't feel bad when I think of what it could have been. Not exactly how I want to start the new year though. Oh well. It is fixed.

 

Happy ending,huh.....