3rd Gen Poll: Rear End Noise howling when feathering throttle

What's the most miles anyone has on their whining diff? I have a little over 24000. No change in the sound that I can tell. Been the same since about 500 miles.

 

I have about 10k on my second diff. It seems to vary on how loud it is.

 

I had 15500 on my 2016 DCLB Sport when I traded it. I first started hearing the noise at 1bout 1000 miles and it slowly increased in loudness up to the 7500 mark where it seemed to stabilize. Didn't any better and wasn't getting any worse (although it was already outside of my tolerance)....having people ask "what's that noise...." is nothing I should have to discuss with a rider in any new vehicle these days.

So far the 2018 is mostly quiet although I can pick out some remnants of this whine if I really listen hard for it. If it stays as is then all will be OK, but I'm still very cautiously optimistic.

 

Update: Dealer just left a voicemail. The whine is "normal" per Toyota they said. Figures. They said their foreman is willing to go on a ride with me to make sure its the noise they hear. I may do that. I am going to ask to test drive a few of their 2018's with the foreman though. If one doesn't whine then normal is obviously a lie. I bet I can find one that doesn't whine. I'll keep everyone posted.

 

Thats how it played it for me. I did a test drive with the shop foremen. Of course he just played along and acted like he didn't know anything. If he makes any statements be sure to write them down after best to your memory. Recording is illegal in most states as it falls under " wire tapping".

 

Did you test drive any other Tacoma’s that didn’t whine with him? I want to hear their excuse when another almost identical truck doesn’t make the noise ha

 

Nope, they pulled a fast one on me and said " we don't know when the field service tech is coming out. When hes here we'll give you a call". Then of course he shows up and and did his " inspection" while I wasn't around. Dealership service advisor calls me and says " its normal characteristic". Case closed.. It was my intent to ride out and pick his brain on the matter.. Ever since then other dealers pull up my VIN and rush me out of there.

Don't make that mistake I did. Go with them. You're doing it right.

 

Ah, that stinks. I have a feeling my vin will be “black listed” by the end of the day.

I called the service advisor back. Asked him why my buddies doesn’t whine if this is a normal characteristic. He said he is just the messenger haha He said a tech and master tech/foreman drove my truck and said normal. He said the foreman was willing to ride with me in my truck if i like. I told him have him ready to to test drive another 2018 on the lot to compare. He was kind of hesitant about that for some reason ha

Man I hope we test drive another 2018 without the noise. I just want them to admit their definition of normal is BS.

 

You should ask the foremen or advisor. What makes differential whine " normal". Ask for a in depth explanation on paper bet they dont do it.

"Normal" for a bad pinnion bearing or setup is the only explanation.

 

No, it's not the only explanation. Don't spread bad information. That is one. Here are others:
2. Backlash setting
3. Tooth profile
4. Heat treatment
5. Case volume harmonic


There are many others but are variations on these. It does not have to be "bad" to make a noise. Please google square cut gearing and listen to a sound clip. With that said, our trucks shouldn't make that whine. Will Toyota choose to engineer it out or deaden the sound? I think sound deadening.

 

Just as an FYI, recording, even single party recording, is legal in many states. Where I live single party recording is allowed and you can do it covertly (without their knowledge). Their consent is not required. Below is a brief summary of state laws but if you have any questions regarding the same I’m sure any local attorney could assist. Best of luck.
https://www.mwl-law.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/LAWS-ON-RECORDING-CONVERSATIONS-CHART.pdf

 

He is in Oregon. Per the chart you listed.


"Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 165.540; Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 165.535 It is not unlawful for an individual who is a party to or has consent from a party of an electronic communication to record or disclose the contents of said communication. It is unlawful to record an in-person communication without the consent of all parties involved."

 

You are correct. There any many other factors. What I said wasn't incorrect. I'm sure there's is more to it. Fact of the matter is Toyota is contracting these differentials to Hino motors who makes these differentials. If you Google around you'll see they're listed in the whole gasket recall fiasco. So they are the main culprit for all these recalls and issues with the drivetains on the Tacomas. Not just this generation but even back to TSB-0057-13 from the 2nd generation. Toyota has never solved the issue nor explained what the root cause is to the general public.

At one point they were made in Thailand and apparently now in the U.S. I think Toyota was replacing earlier differentials under good faith, realizing its a complete shit show.. They most likely issued a new directive which is to stop replacing them at dealerships as it will likely result in the same issue. Claiming its " normal" is the new SOP and saves them $$

Of course this is merely my research and speculation. I'm sure someone will disagree. But I challenge them to offer a better explanation.

 

I have not researched the chart to verify it’s accuracy so it is just a general guide. Nowadays a simple Google search will give you what you need in seconds. The key is just to document the concerns and LL it if we are truly not happy with it. I know we all want solutions and it is good to vent about it but hiPSI bluntly but truthfully laid out the best options that most of us are faced with. It’s not as hard to LL these trucks as one would think and just starting the process will get us much further than endless visits of hearing that it’s a normal characteristic of the vehicle. That is a front line defense of virtually every manufacturer I’ve ever dealt with. Because they say it is normal does not mean it is. But, I would think time would be well spent researching LL for the state I live in and file a complaint against Toyota for it I bet most will end up with a trade assist because true Lemons costs manufacturers a lot of money. The issue is will we wind up with another truck that howls? This is certainly an unfortunate situation but best of luck to all, me included. Now I have to get back to work!

 

Getting ready to schedule my 15k service; how should I approach this?

I've been in to dealer for the howl at 10k, and again for a follow up with a higher level "factory technician". After adding

$13 Ford XL-3 Friction Modifier Additive - 4 oz.

Ford XL-3 Modifier to my diff fluid with no improvement all I got was "Toyota is aware of this issue and working on a solution. We'll contact when on is available". I opened a case with Toyota corporate, and got the same BS.

Should I bother even mentioning it this time? Is their any point since there isn't a fix?

 

Always be nice. Also, the worst thing you can do is show them something you learned off the internet like this forum. Ask them (nicely) if they have heard from Toyota about a TSB or fix. Ask them in a month. Call Toyota Care and ask them nicely. Continue every month or so.

 

I tried the " nice" routine. You have to be firm and play ball with Toyota. They'll lie to your face. I'd say be nice and present facts. Ask them about TSB-0057-13

https://www.carmd.com/Tsb/Download/98089/T-SB-0057-13

 

Likely compression or rebound of the suspension changing the driveline angle when the terrain changed. Some have had less noise carrying weight.

 

Thanks. This is what I'm looking for. Another angle to keep the pressure on them. Ill ask about this at my visit. I'll be kind, but I don't expect any results from the dealer unless I'm a pain in their ass. The nice guy route got me a big nothing.

 

"This bulletin does NOT apply to Limited Slip Differential (LSD) or locking type rear differentials."
"2005 – 2013"
"Engine(s): 1GR"

I mean I could quote the whole thing... They'll tell you that doesn't apply to your vehicle. Which it doesn't.