PennSilverTaco's "Perfect 5-Lug Regular Cab" Build, Aspergers, and General BS MegaThread!

The problem is that the it’s really difficult to tell; I used a handle from a jack as a stethoscope on the A/C compressor, alternator, and power steering pump. None of them seemed abnormal. I am also thinking torque converter since it only makes the noise when it’s in gear…?

 

It's possible. I was thinking that last night.
But again, I never seen one fail with symptoms you are having.
Plus, I don't like jumping to conclusions on big things like that.
I'm not a transmission or AC guy. I've helped other people pull and install a few.
But diagnose or repair them? Never.

My father was a mechanic in the 1980' and mid-1990's
What little I know, was from helping him.

 

Being it only does it in gear would suggest it's in the transmission (maybe the pump whining?), if you want to rule out the accessory drive take the belt off and run it a few min to see if the noise is still present.

 

The transmission has a pump? Or do you mean the power steering pump?

 

Assuming it's an automatic yes there's a fluid pump in the front of the transmission driven off the torque converter that supplies the necessary fluid pressure to engage the clutches and lubricate the transmission, I can't say that I've heard one whine on any Toyota vehicles but I have on others.
@gearcruncher may have some thoughts on this if it's in the transmission but I would want to pull the belt off first and see if the noise is still there to rule out an issue on the belt driven stuff.
You can't run it long with the belt off because the water pump won't be turning but a few min won't hurt it.

 

I would pull the serpentine belt and let it run for a minute to see if the sound is gone, that will help determine if it's a pulley or bearing

 

If it is the transmission, and your engine is burning a quart of oil every 3,000 miles. What's the plan?
A transmission would be cheaper than a new truck, I mean you have a new frame. But things can get expensive if you have to pay someone else for the work.
At least your truck is a 2WD. Labor and parts will be a bit less.

 

I am going to the mechanic tomorrow before work to have him listen to the truck, and I will have him take the belt off.

 

Defiantly start with pulling the belt.

Keep us updated.

 

I could care less about the burning oil, and it’s actually more like a quart and a half every 4,000 miles; I will totally replace the transmission before I buy a new truck. Like you said, the whole underside is less than three years old and has just 63K miles on it.

 

I just checked the transmission fluid level, and she is definitely gonna need a flush; I can’t remember when I last had it done, but I swear it was in the last 50,000 miles…

 

@TnShooter Transmission fluid looks good in my opinion…

 

I would be hesitant to replace any parts yet until you have a form diagnosis of the actual problem.

I hope you figure it out as that truck is in good shape otherwise.

As far as burning oil, id recommend trying the b-12 chem method right before your next plug change....if it's simply stuck oil control rings it very well may help the issue.

 

Charlie, I do Not see a hint of red in that sample!!

this transmission fluid really Should be drain & filled once a year or ~15k miles
4qts for the D&F is less than 20$ for genuine Toyota T-IV on the holiday 40% off sale, so it's not a real significant cost output on parts
a family member of mine has a 2o11 single cab 4wd AT with 96k miles that i am looking after the maintenance and upkeep... since they (Toyota) no longer make new single cabs in 4wd or otherwise, this rig has gotta last a VERY long time... they have had it since it was new like you have had yours
and i am changing the transmission fluid every 12k to 15k with the Toyota T-IV stuff to keep it clean and red
this '11 Taco is 4wd so there is enough clearance for me to squirm underneath to access the transmission pan drain plug without having to lift the truck off the ground at all
you have a 2wd? is there enough clearance for you under there to access the drain plug or would you need to get it on ramps? these dealershops are wanting 200$ these days for a simple drain & fill... not sure what the cost is for a full flush with their special machines?

have you ever dropped or had the pan dropped and cleaned out?

 

I am definitely going to have the transmission fluid changed by my mechanic. The pan has been dropped before and the system completely flushed; I know it has been done since the frame replacement in November 2021, but I don’t remember when. Currently at mechanic’s…

 

My mechanic believes it is the transmission oil pump. It could be replaced, but at 203K miles what’s to say that something else won’t break and put me back at square one? I’m likely gonna put a new tranny in it…

 

i find that fluid sample Exceptionally Dark for being completely flushed less than 3yrs and around 50k miles ago with a pan drop!

how do these taco guys and girls with the fancy sealed transmissions ever get a sample peek?
i love the checkstick right there in the engine bay! easy to monitor

 

Truck is getting a used transmission out of a totaled truck with 62K miles. It comes with a 3-year warranty on parts and 50% of labor. I am getting it done ASAP and borrowing my mom’s 2013 Murano while the truck is in the shop.

 

I hope this works out for you! I would think if it is the transmission this newer one with much fewer miles should last you many years to come assuming it's put in right!

I totally understand your position! That was why I rebuilt my Tacoma's front end after my wreck. I also have a new frame and newer trucks are just not in my budget right now with these exceptionally high prices and unwanted features that seem to cause more problems then they solve.

 

My credit score is somewhere in the 780s and I have a full-time job. However, even with my credit, the interest rate on a used vehicle is well past 9%. My parents bought me my current Tacoma brand new in September 2009 when I was 20 years old. My dad’s interest rate was 0.9% APR through Citadel, and I absolutely refuse to be gouged out the ass on monthly payments!

My truck has had the following done since November 2021 that I did not have to pay for…

• New frame in November 2021 paid for by Toyota (I’m guessing $15K-$20K).
• $3,000 in body work after an accident in February 2022 that was not my fault.
• $5,000 for a head gasket job in October 2022 that was paid for by my dad as an early Christmas present.

Stuff that has been paid for by me since March 2023…

• New radiator in March 2023 ($600).
• Rewire HVAC system, replace control module and blower motor in summer 2023 (Forget month; $745).
• New tires in April 2024 ($800 including mount and balance).
• New oil pressure sensor (over $300 but forget exact price)
• New fan belt and tensioners/pulleys in June 2024 ($575)