Propeller Shaft WEP - Help needed

Hey guys,

I bought my 2009 Tacoma new off the lot. For a long time (maybe as long as a year after purchase) I've felt jolts as if I've been bumped from behind by another vehicle. Usually felt while taking off from a stop but very occasionally when coming to a stop also. At first it was very infrequent and over the years it has been happening a lot more often. I've been complaining about this to my dealer for ages.

They've done general inspections, checked u joints, checked transmission and leaf springs. Finally a few years ago the propeller shaft and u joints recall came in the mail. "Finally" I thought. Took it to the dealer came back and they said they can't find a problem. They basically told me if they couldn't replicate the issue during a test drive they wouldn't do anything about it. The problem was pretty frequent but it's possible it didn't happen in their 5 minute test drive. I asked them what happens now, they said I'd need to pay $160 for them to do another check. I was pretty pissed off and left.

Now here I am about a year later. The issue is driving me crazy. I've called Toyota and they told me to try another dealer. The WEP expires 12 years after first use and that should be coming up quite soon for me.

When I go to the dealership I feel like I'm either talking to a conman or the king of no f*cks given. Does anyone have any non violent suggestions? Really appreciate it.

 

I've fought with this for years. It's commonly labeled as the "clunking" sound. There a good possibility that it's a worn transmission mount and/or carrier bearing. I replaced mine and it's much better but not perfect. (Note: only use OEM parts for those 2. All others are junk). I've torqued my axle/spring u-bolts to 70lbs. That helped a little more. I keep the zerks on the driveshaft lubed up every oil change. I've paid a mechanic to re-grease the slip yoke. Again, it all helps some but never perfect. I've learned to just ignore and live with it.

 

I had the same issue in my 08 took it to the dealer (denied)
I went to another dealer, they replace the driveshaft..
Took care of the bump..
Take it to another stealership if possible.

 

Do you think I should try to go through the dealer first or maybe mount a GoPro and try to capture it, then hit the dealer? Appreciate the input.

 

Yeah I'll probably give it a go. Did they charge you anything? Thanks for the reply.

 

There was a leaf spring TSB for my truck. I took it in and they said everything looked fine. Trust those guys about as far as I can throw em. Had a lug nut fall off my truck in the driveway after leaving there once. Another time, airbox was left open.

 

Nope but at that point I was still under Toyota used car warranty..
My symptoms were exactly what you described.

 

If you’ve been going to the same dealer ship try another one..
If you post Your location, maybe someone local can give you a heads up on what dealerships to avoid ,or which are going to work with you.

 

I'm in the West Los Angeles area and I've been going to Culver City Toyota. I'll probably head to Santa Monica unless I hear different from anyone here. Thanks guys.

 

Quote: “I bought my 2009 Tacoma new off the lot. For a long time (maybe as long as a year after purchase) I've felt jolts as if I've been bumped from behind by another vehicle. Usually felt while taking off from a stop but very occasionallywhen coming to a stop also.”

Need to lube the slip joint in driveshaft with Motorcraft PTFE lube. Did my 09 a while ago and not a peep out of it since.

 

I've heard that fixes the issue mostly, but would that indicate eligibility for the recall?

 

Don’t waste your time with dealers. Easy fix you can do yourself. One hour tops. If you been lubing the ujoints on a regular basis then im sure the driveshaft is fine. No need for dealer to inspect or replace. Stay away from dealers.

 

I hear you. I wonder if they'd replace through the recall though rather than just lubricate? I've heard folks still have the issue sometimes even after lubricating although less frequent.

 

I have a 2010 since new. Same issue as OP - sometimes feel like I got rear-ended after coming to a stop. I'm pretty sure the splines of the shaft need lubing. Took it to a dealer last year after a driveshaft related recall notice - dealer did not find any issue. I've read about using Motorcraft PTFE for the job or using grease with a high moly content like this:

http://www.molyslip.com/products/anti-seize-assembly-compounds/as60-anti-scruff-paste/

Anyone use high moly content grease to lube the splines and if so any success?

 

Sounds like it could be axle wrap to me as well.

As far as I thought I knew the leaf spring issue was a TSB that turned into a recall essentially. I got my 2009’s original 3 pack springs replaced for the new 4 pack springs as a recall, I didn’t have to prove anything, just said hey I’m here for the recall and they swapped them out. Might do some research into that

that said the new spring pack is only marginally better, I added still another leaf into mine. That helps.

 

I think they throw the new leaf springs under the truck during a frame replace too, OP how’s your frame looking?

 

It's axle wrap and the near flat leaf springs are the main culprit. With all things being equal a flat leaf spring will have a lot more axle wrap than a leaf spring with an actual curve to it when loaded. Everything is a compromise to some extent on a stock vehicle and leaf springs are not an exception. A flat leaf spring will have a better ride than a curved leaf spring.

It's obvious to me that Toyota tried to increase the ride quality on the 2nd gens versus the 1st gens. Flatter leaf springs, changed the design of the leaf spring hangers, and went from a 3 leaf pack to a 2 leaf pack (recalled and changed back to a 3, lol).