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

Has Toyota improved the transmission in the Tacoma?

 

2020 TRD Pro in Green, just turned 900 miles on it, had since October.

Bone stock driveline and suspension and tires. Added Toyota bed mat, Truxedo soft tonneau and basic oval side steps right after I got it. That's it.

Howl is becoming noticeable around 30-45mph and coasting. Here I thought it was air noise across the scoop or something as we get bitter winter winds here.

Haven't taken it in yet, will wait until it's first 6 month service in March to talk about it. Bought it new of course, with 10 year Platinum Toyota warranty with loaner and roadside coverage so not worried about the rear end falling apart or failing, if it does that's their problem to get it fixed on their dime and time while I have a loaner, also at their expense.

 

Improved it over what? It's still the most robust transmission on the market. A select number of people seem to think that the automatic shift points are all wonky, there are two things to remember
A: it's a midsize truck, not a racecar. If you want a midsize pickup with a sporty feel, get a Frontier
B: it shifts to optimize fuel economy. It also learns. Just drive normally and it'll smooth out, most of the complainers tend to jab the pedal down when it shifts giving the truck a very jerky feel.
3: ECT mode rocks. Use it. (AT only)

 

that's just driveline noise when you are decelerating and then accelerating the RPMs are changing since your playing around with the throttle and it causes the driveline noise, if you would lock in the cruise control at whatever your looking to get at speed you would probably eliminate it

 

Thanks. I had hoped to get a different answer for purely selfish purposes. . Best of luck to you!

 

As I posted earlier about my 19OR with 3800 miles at the time. Had the rear diff whine from the start, wasn’t worried about it. Was in for other things and told em so we went for a drive, tech heard it and replaced rear diff. All was good for 20 miles then right back to the same, whine between 55-60mph. Had a 17 SR 4cyl 5speed 4x4 that had the pilot bearing replaced and didn’t help either. By my experience with this I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s just harmonics that travel through the leaf springs to the frame.
Just a thought but what if we were to install a thin hard rubber spacer between the rear end and the leaf springs. Wouldn’t that isolate the harmonics to just the rear ended.

 

I cannot comment on any Tacoma other than the 2020 I’m currently driving because it’s the only one I’ve driven. That being said the transmission is so much smoother and doesn’t hunt for gears terribly like my previous 2018 Colorado did. The Tacoma also does not hesitate when accelerating at a stop sign or clunk harshly when shifting down to a stop like the Colorado did if that makes to you. I will never buy a gm product again. Wife has a rav4 and I’ve got the taco. We’re good to go.

 

Never realized the GM products had trans problems and it seems to be the entire line up. Glad you are enjoying the 2020. How do you like the power seat and car play?

 

so go 59mph

 

Upd

both power seat and car play were available in my Colorado so for me it’s not new but much appreciated. The larger screen is really nice too.

 

I give up. I've decided I'm going to have Toyota look at my diff. Took a 400 mile road trip yesterday and the noise seemed to have gotten even worse by the end. Also now getting a little noise from 65-68 mph, but in the speed spot (57-58 mph) its now so loud I can hear it over the radio at level 40. My wife even asked what the noise was (never told her about it before to see if she would pick it up on her own). It might be "normal", who knows, but it's embarrassing for a brand new truck.

Aside from that, I freaking love this thing

 

If you can hear it over the radio at level 40 then your howl is louder than mine. My truck details are above. 1500 miles.

 

That's way too loud. Mine is almost not noticeable with the radio at about 26.

 

I agree.

 

It took my wife saying enough was enough after a road trip for me as well. She refused to ride in it. I had Kicker speaker upgrades and my noise was audible (putting it lightly) with the volume up past 35. Sadly I decided to unload mine because work was too busy and my FIL was fighting Parkinson’s (he lost). I really wish Toyota would fix this no matter what the noise is because there is nothing else out there that I like more.

 

Sorry to hear about your FIL. And yeah I agree, the truck is awesome aside from the howl. If they could fix it, or at least reduce it significantly, I'd be totally thrilled.

I'll keep you guys posted.

 

I'm sure this has been asked... anyone tried changing the rear diff fluid?

Has anyone noticed if it was under filled from the factory maybe?

 

Getting my new diff in the morning

 

I hope it works out for you but if it does you will likely be the first. My noise came back at numerous speeds after my new differential was installed. It was quiet for about 1500 miles (which was nice). Best of luck to you and hopefully Toyota has a true fix in the works soon.

 

Oh I’m well aware. I’m more excited at the fact the service manager agreed to allowing me time to examine the new diff beside the current unit before it’s installed.
My 2018 was silent for 40k miles and this 2020 is loud enough to hear with the radio up to 30.