Does your Transmission Rattle like an old farm truck?

I have had this from the first day I drove my truck home. It was the first thing I noticed as I through it in neutral and roles into my dirt drive way. Every time I am on a dirt ride and go to shift while going over s bump I cringe because I feel something in the tranny is getting knocked around. I can also attest to it being cold. Especially this past winter I barely heard it at all and thought that whatever it was had gone away. Even after driving around town and warming the truck up for a bit I still wouldn’t get this...at least not as noticeable. I guess this could support the “mounts argument”. I levev3 hrs from my dealer and is hard to coordinate with the family and work to get to spend an entire weekend at the dealer. I will have to do it soon though. Just to get it on paper. I love my truck but this rattle is concerning.

 

OP, I would take it to a reputable Independant Tranny/Drivetrain shop and get their opinion documented. Then go back to the dealer with proof of an issue. I don't think I have heard this sound before in the conditions you describe.

 

FYI... I found this. It doesn't make me happy, since it means pulling the tranny, but it sounds mighty familiar:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-6-speed-manual-trans-rattle-over-bumps-solved.477131/

 

Thanks, good to know. Doesnt sound like anyone is having mechanical failures related to the issue at least, also appears to be a 2nd gen issue too. The TOB issue is definitely a known issue. Even FJs have the same issue.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. Just getting caught up after a few weeks of long hours at work.

I've read up on the throw out bearing thread - sounds familiar - in fact, the sound is also temperature related. Rarely noticeable in the first winter of driving.

Toyota Canada has followed up, again, telling me both automatic and manual transmissions rattle. They also invited me to test drive another truck any time I wish. I guess to prove that all Tacoma's normally come factory equipped with old farm truck rattle right off the lot? What's the best outcome here? I'll nod my head and agree, yep - that new one also sounds like it has 200k on it. (queue the slow clap)

Perhaps Toyota will try another angle. Oh, that's the "audible neutral feature" so I know when the driveline isn't under load.

I think it's embarrassing to call it normal operation of a $40,000 truck.

I guess I'll blame the throw out bearing

 

If Toyota's answer is "Normal Operation" - I would demand to know what's making the noise, and why it won't impact component wear/longevity

And I would also wonder what they're doing in their NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) department when they slap these together

 

13k+ on mine, still rattles no issues so far. My musings, only happens or is noticeable in neutral, definitely not a TOB issue I've heard those in person before. Trans is a direct/top mount, possibly noise in neutral is due to slack and a combo of extra movement when jarred. I've read that some people have had their noises go away after a lift, this seems unlikely but eventually Ill find out.

So far I've found two remedies, replacing the exhaust or 100Wx4 to the doors and 300W to a sub.

 

This is the throw-out bearing thread I was referencing. Not your typical bearing squeal

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...attle-over-bumps-solved.477131/#post-20387614

 

I got no rattles no nothing with my automatic trans.

 

My 19 has had it since day 1.

 

Could be, could also be a whole lot of other things considering the work done. The OP there might be onto something. For me though, I'm not concerned. Ill address my options when either the clutch is done or the TOB is done done.

 

I had this rattle since day one. Was a bit concerned at first. I then got into my 89 Toyota pickup and drove down my bumpy driveway in neutral and it made a very similar rattle. However not as pronounced. It is strange and would love to know what it is. Sitting in the driveway with engine off you can wiggle the stick back and forth and with the door open can hear the tinny rattle sound.

 

I have a suspicion that since rattling it while parked sounds the same as driving in neutral that the issue is simply just noise from the shifter/trans. I have no actual symptoms of any issue, just the noise. Even if youre not moving it while coasting the trans is still moving around over bumps. Since its a top mount and there are no cables the shift lever will still bounce and make noise as the trans moves.

 

Mines only noticeable in neutral going over bumps, etc. Every Jeep or truck manual I’ve had have been worse. I’m not concerned.

 

I would have passed on this truck had the rattle been there during the test drive - it's solid as a rock before the transmission warms up and gets all loose. Makes no sense - solid when cold, a box of bolts when warm.

 

I think it's odd, and am quite curious of what pieces are actually smacking against eachother. On mine it's pretty loud in the cab too, I've actually had passengers ask about it -- makes you question your 35k purchase....

And none of the other manual transmissioned vehicle I've driven did it, regardless of shift linkage type.
Shrugs

 

100% question the purchase of the 6MT since being told the rattle is normal. Spring roads this time of year are rough, windows are down now, passengers ask why my 2 year old truck sounds like hell, I grin and tell'em that's the factory installed neutral alert tone; it's a feature included only on the manual transmission. You don't get to enjoy it with an automatic.

I had an Isuzu 5MT 4x4, a Suzuki 5MT 4x4 and 2 AWD 5MT, they earned their rattles well after warranty.

It's solid when cold, it takes about 30 mins driving before the rattle lights up. Feels like something that could be corrected. But let's face it, MT is dying, the 3.5L was designed to work best with a 6 speed electronic auto transmission. I feel like mating that power plant to a 6 speed MT was an afterthought an it really doesn't work that great in the first place; but that's a topic for an entirely different thread.

Anyway... Kinda can't wait to trade it. I got it because it was MT, ends up the reason I don't like it.

 

Thats unfortunate. I had a S2000 that made similar noised at 30k when I bought it. Only it happened much less. I understand your feelings though, my last Taco was always having issues, ended up getting rid of it and it was a very stressful experience. I know the mindset.

All direct mount/top mounts Ive been in make some sort of audible noised when slamming the shifter around in neutral. All cable linked shifters were quieter but for me felt much worse and far more vague to drive around. I dont feel like anything is at risk with the Tacoma, but I do feel like the truck would be nicer with stiffer mounts for the trans. The shifter moves pretty wildly offroad, I had a heavier shift knob that I had to take off when off roading because it would actually shake out of gear. Noise over bumps might come down if the trans moved less.

I recently sat in a wrangler since Im considering a Gladiator in the future (dont burn me at the stake). It's a cable linkage, it was so odd feeling, like using a car shifter in a SUV. Some people might like that but not me. At least it wont shake out of gear, but it doesnt feel like a truck shifter like the Tacoma. To each their own though.

 

I've noticed how much that shifter flys around on rough roads as well. Wonder if our issues are caused by excessively soft trans mounts that let it torque around too much

And to clarify, mine doesn't just make the noise slapping it around in neutral, its over a lot of bumps too, or even just clutch actuation with the shifter still in gear. Noisiest on the 1-2 shift on my worn out neighborhood road

haha I test drove the wrangler prior to getting the Tacoma myself - I actually really liked the maneuverability (1 lane u-turns!!) and hot-rod feel of the powerful v6, manual trans 2 door. I just couldn't justify 32k to have crank windows and no a/c - and the wind noise. Plus I figured long term, i'll need the extra space and utility of a 4 door pickup. And I liked the safety tech

Their clutch is way too light amirite?

 

Yeah, I put my foot down and wondered if it was dry. It came right back though, the disengagement stroke feels like you've got air in the line, so light. I'll still test it when they hit the dealer lot, but I'm almost certain it's going to be a no go.

I get the noise over bumps but can only hear it when in neutral. Is yours making it in gear? Also, 1-2 shift I can clearly hear the clutch re-engage, it is noisy.