New Tacoma Owner. Need your opinion on vibration issue.

Hi Guys,


New member here. Recently bought my first Tacoma. 2015 TRD sport AC 4x4 auto. My last 3 trucks were Silverados. My 19(new body) was such a turd I ended up lemon lawing it. My 16 had a ton of issues as well.


Anyway. I love this Tacoma. Only 58k and bought it CPO(paid 22k). The truck has a tiny bit of take off shudder. Feels like the rear of the truck giggles for a second right after take off. Sometimes it does it. Sometimes it don't. It seems to happen more after being in stop and go traffic for a while. The first 15 mins of my commute its "almost" completely gone but then comes back. Ive done my reading about angles and carrier bearing ETC. I see that many people simply just have never found a solution. So here is my is my concern.


Many people have stated that some repair attempts have actually made it worse. Being that the truck still has a warranty you would think I should just bring it to the dealer and let them take care of it. But I worry that this tiny shudder/giggle/ vibration may actually get worse if they start replacing parts. I would hate for the vibration to move and happen while driving. after 15mph this truck accelerates smoother then my 50k Silverado did. I don't want to mess that up. I can deal with it no problem but I would like it gone if possible.


Truck has a build date of 5/15 so It has all the latest rear suspension updates. The carrier looks fine and has no play that I can tell by trying to move the driveshaft by hand. I greased all the zerk fittings and also had the dealer do a front and rear diff service right after I bought It(did it before the fluid change).


Should I just be happy that its very minimal and just try and ignore it or should I have the dealer take a look?

 

Some have it...some don't. Not worth chasing a fix. Ive had it since almost new and hasn’t really gotten worse. May end up replacing carrier bearing with new as it’s getting old. May not make a difference...but I can live with it.

 

Any opinion on adding a 1 inch block to the rear. Do you think it will make it worse. I plan on doing a 5100 kit.

 

Any chance it is torque converter slip? It’s possible the PO towed heavy or a lot with it? If it’s just on take off maybe check the trans fluid for signs of scorching.

 

I was thinking that but I don't feel any slipping. just the jiggle feeling. I have a big steep hill right before I get home from work. I've stopped half way up and then taken off hard, slow, med and it doesn't make it any worse and sometimes it wont do it. Very strange.

Its hard to explain but I almost wouldn't call it a shudder. Its not like when you drive over rumble strips. it literally feels like a jiggle if that makes sense. like someone is shaking the bed back and forth but only lightly. When it happens I feel zero hesitation. I have my bike loaded up last weekend(about 350 lbs total) and same story.

It also doesn't do it in 4wd from what I can tell.

 

Maybe alignment?

If it were me, I'd keep searching to find an issue. You'll sooner or later find the answer on TacomaWorld. May just have the wrong term you're searching - usually my personal issue.

Otherwise, call a local shop that you rely on, or the dealer (if they're solid). I'm fortunate in both ways that I trust both that I go to.

 

TRD Sport judging from the mirrors, does that year have the limited slip rear diff? Limited slip friction modifier??

 

Here are a few things i have read on the issue:

- drive shaft alignment: does everything line up from transfer case to rearend? I have heard of them being a little out of line. Some have used a string to check, others a laser.
- axle wrap: some had success with adding small degree shims to correct pinion angle which can exacerbate axle wrap which can cause shudder
- carrier bearing issues: as mentioned above
- flex in rear shackle hangers: some have said upgrading to a heavier duty shackle hanger like from Archive Garage or BAMF have solved or greatly reduced this vibration.

Good luck let us know how it goes!

edit: also, some people have eliminated the carrier and had a double cardone one piece drive shaft made and this solved the issue, though whether this is because of carrier problems, driveline alignment or pinion angle is up for debate. I have heard custom one piece driveshaft run up to $1000 but many like this route. Im considering this once i get my Currie Rockjock D60 ready.

 

I just recently bought a used 2011 4WD TRD Off Road. I had a vibration that went from moderate to really bad real quick. I decided I would replace my u-joints to start off with. I didn't do it quick enough and the front flange on the rear shaft broke. Now I had to replace the rear drive shaft, repair exhaust, and possibly replace the 4wd actuator. The vibration went away when I replaced the shaft.

 

oof

 

Weird part is that it isn't consistent either.