Problems/issues with my truck

Recently bought a 2004 Tacoma sr5 trd 4x4 5speed with 109k miles only 12/4 and I've come across a few things that i didn't notice on the initial test drive.

1. Fan on passenger side (behind glove box maybe?) making noise.

2. On a cold start (usually under 30 degrees) it makes a loud what sounds like rubbing sound from the the steering. It louder when I turn wheel, but eventually goes away after a few minutes of driving.

3. Clutch makes a chirping sound unless i have it pressed it. Also when I press the clutch it, it makes a clicking sound. (sounds like it comes from the dash, don't know if either of those are normal)

4. About a week ago we had snow so I started up the truck and put the brake of so I could brush it off as it warmed up and I notice the brake had almost no resistance to it when I pulled it. Fully pulled out and on a slight incline I was slowly rolling backwards. The brake worked when I got it, probably used it 3 other times.

5. Average gas mileage is what? I topped off the tank last fill up and should be at low fuel light only. Thing is i only put 215 miles on and I'm almost out of gas? Wtf, ~12 mpg is ridiculously low, shouldn't it be around 18? (probably only used 4wd twice for about 2 blocks, should affect it that much)

 

Can't speak for item-3 but item 4 the emergency brake may need adjustment, mine wouln't hold when I first got the truck the linkage was partially froze, from non use, and had to be taken apart and lubed. Sound to me the p/s fluid is just cold on the steering issue,and there was a post on the fan noise you may have to do a search.

 

Welcome to the site.

Here is a sticky link under 1st gen where lots of helpful common stuff is listed, including the e-brake:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1s...y-how-thread-compiled-list-helpful-links.html

For the steering, have you checked the tension on the PS belt? Is the noise a squeak or squeal?

For the clutch, the "clicking" sound under the dash when you depress the pedal is likely the worn/broken little plastic bushing on the big spring attached to the clutch peadal under the dash (crappy design). Mine varies between no noise, and then an obnoxious squeak-click sometimes. You should see a link in the link above for how to replace this, or search "clutch squeak." One guy replaced his with a bronze bushing and said it works great. I am going to try this when I have time.

I am no clutch expert otherwise, but there are plently on this site. I think I have the same chirping (mine is more like whirring) with the pedal out as you describe, only mine is super faint. I can't recall if it indicates a worn throwout bearing or what. Somebody smarter will no doubt be along to help soon...

 

Yep. Mine's a little noisy too, but blows just fine (unlike my wife). The only thing I can suggest is cranking the Metallica a little louder, because it probably isn't worth fixing until it is broke.

Like others have suggested it may be too little tension in the power steering accessory belt. It could also be a lack of power steering fluid or the fluid needs to be changed. I've also noticed that my truck power steering pump seems to whine just a little until it gets warmed up. Try the simple stuff first....it's cheap and even if it doesn't fix the problem, it's probably needed anyway.

A common sound clutches make is a "whirring" sound until the clutch is depressed. That would be your throw-out bearing. Don't worry about it, just replace it when the clutch gives up the ghost.

Tacomas have a tendency to break a little plastic bushing on the clutch return spring. This causes an annoying squeak. My 97 didn't do it, but my 2003 did. It was especially bad during wet weather. Anyway, here's a good fix that I have implemented on my 2003 and it went away:

http://homepage.mac.com/danny/clutch.html

Several things about Tacoma e-brakes:

1) Use your e-brake everyday, PERIOD. E-brakes will fail prematurely if not used. There are a lot of mechanical parts that need to be exercised to keep them freed up. The old adage "if you don't use it, you'll lose it" applies here.

2) The e-brake could be out of adjustment. I suggest buying a $20 Haynes manual that details how to adjust it. It's fairly easy.

3) I'm not sure how many miles you have, but you may be due for a new set of rear shoes (doubtful, but possible). Additionally, the rear brake mechanical actuator may have become stuck, but again, highly doubtful for both sides to do this.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the info. I also edited the first post and added another issue, one that I don't know how I forgot and it's the worst one I think.

 

Ahhh, gas mileage, the most debated topic ever. I can sum it up with what I saw someone else say: I've seen my truck get 12 mpg and as good as 21 mpg.

There are a ton of variables as to why you may be getting poor fuel mileage:

1) Oversized tires - load on the engine
2) Lift kit - more wind resistance
3) Seasonal gas changes - ie, winter mix versus summer mix
4) Altitude
5) Driving conditions - highway, city, towing, 4wd
6) Bad gas
7) Truck needs maintenance (plugs, wires, air filter, etc)
8) Tire pressure is too low
9) Outside air temperature
10) Heavy right foot - most likely condition to bad mileage

Additionally, remember, don't take one tank and consider that you're average. Watch the next several tanks.

 

Hilarity. +1

 

^^^Lots of factors. I assume you have the V6. Use a light foot, it has plenty of low-end torque, and I rarely take mine above 2000 rpm unless I am getting on the freeway or need to make a manuever, or am dealing with a serious grade.

Avoid stopping whenever possible. Try to take routes with few stop signs, and instead try to time traffic lights. Sitting and idling a lot is a killer.

Also, the computer will learn your driving style over time and adjust a bit. Give that a little time.

Also, make sure that alignment is dead on. Bad alignment can create a lot of resistance.

In short, use every freaking trick in the book. Tuning, maintainenance, and habits...