oh no....TSB-0171-16 Driveline vibration

my trucks at dealer now got vibrations at all speeds, rear howl is loud , front driver side axel has play ad well , dealer got me rental (ram.1500) told me they have alot of work to do on my truck and showed me a stack of papers from toyota tsp and procedures to fix .. most likely getting new rear put in .. love my truck this is my 3rd tacoma and am shocked with the issues.

 

Are these issues different from the clamshell bushing issue with vibrations? Have any of you swapped out for the ECGS bushing and still experienced the vibration?

Just for reference I just picked up a 2018 Double Cab SR, 4x4, V6 (Build thread coming soon) and it is smooth as butter. Now that might all change as I have King 2.5 RR/Adjustable coilovers on the way?!? I did a little research on leaf spring part #'s and it seems the SR's are different than the other models. May explain why it looks a little lower in the rear than most?!? I'll keep everyone posted as to what happens with mine. Thought I was getting out of "LEAF SPRING HELL" when I traded in my 2018 Chevy ZR2 so I'm praying this doesn't turn into an issue (Long story, PM me if you thinking of buying a ZR2).

FYI - My OCD with research has come up with two separate issues that cause driveline vibrations in these Tacoma's.

1. Clamshell Bushing
2. Driveshaft Pinion Angles (even on stock Tacomas)

Feel free to add.

: )

 

Assuming it's the clamshell...I've had everything done to mine that should have fixed it, minus the clam. ...I don't think Toyota will fix it and it's not REALLY that bad, but like you, my OCD still still can detect it if I feel for it right at downshift at 20mph. Toyota gave me a free 100000 mile warranty, so I'm good for now. If you find out about the clamshell causing it it would prorbably be worthy of a sticky because so many have this problem. I saw a link with a video showing the clamshell problem and that very well may be what it is. I've spoken with many other tacoma owners of older models and this seems to be a common problem with tacomas

 

My vibration is particularly bad around 50mph! Taking it to a different dealer tomorrow. First dealer was very dismissive, "they all do that" I can't believe we have to put up with this. I've read most of the posts here, is the general consensus the removal and replacement of the bearing gets the best results? Has anyone tried to shim their driveline similar to the OME shim kit?

 

For what reason did they give you the warranty?

 

To keep me happy? I've had multiple issues with the tranny to include the low fluid from the factory...

 

So, am I likely to be able to get this fixed, even though I have an off-road and suspension kit? I've had the vibration since I got the truck.

 

Same for me. Its the worst at 53 mph and I can feel it when braking. Its really annoying because they have literally never attempted to fix it!

 

If you have aftermarket suspension, chances are they will not cover it, but wouldn't hurt to ask.

 

Is this tsb only for 4wd?

 

I've got a 2017 Sport, about 6000 miles on it. Not all the time, but time to time when using a heavy break at lower speeds my steering wheel shakes and it feels like the front end is vibrating or almost like I have no control over steering.

Do I need to call my dealer?

 

Calling all driveline PROS


Hey Fellas. Got a driveline question. I have done all the work I think you will need to answer.

I have been having this weird driveline vibe from 38-44MPH and I have a feeling my rear axle shims are not steep enough. The vibes are happening at about 1200rpms the most when cruising, more-so on deceleration even when foot isn't on the gas or break.


Truck Details:
• 2016 4Dr TRD OR
• 2" OME Lift Medium weight
• 3/8" carrier bearing spacer (OME)
• Full rear dakar pack (no leaf removal)
• ECGS BUSHING INSTALLED!
• Drives amazing except for 38-44mph
• Driveline has been professionally inspected and balanced
• Shims on correct way with skinny tapered end forward
• I have the latest TSB


Please let me know if I need steeper shims or what? I have gone all the way from 1/16" spacer to 1/2" spacer in the CB with no luck.

I used Spicer parts calculator to figure this out. I measured the angles with a phone app and used same side of phone to measure angles without phone buttons interfering.
http://spicerparts.com/calculators/driveline-operating-angle-calculator


Someone please give me some insight because I cannot figure this out for the life of me.

 

I felt vibration on my 2017 TRD OR from day 1. Vibration is constantly there at any given speed. It felt more on gas paddle. Engineer from Toyota is looking at it at dealership (now). Love my Tacoma (have owned all three gens plus pre-tacoma) but hated the issues 3rd gens are having. It's just not living up to its name.

Hopefully Toyota boys won't tell that "normal operation" crab. I called to Toyota center as well as post on Toyota USA FB page where they actually look at it and respond. Hope everyone experiencing vibration issue to call and report... hoping for recall or something....

 

That's what I want to know. I showed the tsb to my dealer and they said it was only for 4wd. I'm wondering if anyone with the 2wd has had any luck getting this.

 

Just to add, I have a 2017 SR5 4x4 and had the TSB applied and my OCD still picks up vibration at exactly 20mph. It's better but it's still there.. After driving a 2001 for 10 years I never even looked into potential issues with Tacoma's? I think it's just going to be a bitter sweet relationship with the 2017... it's a Tacoma but she just ain't right. Sucks, but I really don't want any other truck so I guess I'm stuck with her!

 

How did you confirm you had low tranny fluid? I feel like I can't trust the dealership. I had mine checked at the 15K service and they said it was a bit low but I still don't trust them. The truck drives ok, but at low speeds in traffic it seems to be a bit shifty and lurches from time to time? Just wondering if it's characteristic of how they operate or is there a potential issue with the trans fluid level?

 

I feel the exact same way

 

does anyone have a 2 wd 3.5 auto which demonstrates the exact behavior outlined in the t s b? mine does. i can hear it, fell it in the brake pedal and steering wheel. i suspect, to one degree or another, it involves a lot more trucks than they want to admit to.

 

Feeling it in the brake pedal and steering wheel may be a different problem. This vibration in the tsb is the entire vehicle. Mine would vibrate like driving over a rumble strip, the dash rattled, it is not limited to just the brake pedal and steering wheel at all.

 

I have had these vibrations since I bought my truck in January(used). I chalked it up to just being part of the way the truck drives. I thought it was just me but then my wife drove it and noticed it. After endless researching on this I was hesitant to take it to the dealer because I figured I would just get the run around. I finally made an appointment. My dealer was super cool about all of it. They acknowledged the problem and ordered new rear leaf packs even though my trucks vin wasn’t technically under the TSB. Installed new leaf packs under warranty. I can finally say I really love my truck after being bothered by this since I bought it. My truck drives like butter now and has made 100% difference. Super happy and finally feel like my truck is right!