Axel wrap

How do you know you got it?

I've also been reading quite a bit about this little problem and as far as I can tell, you can never really 'fix' it. You can only make it not cause the problems you don't like.

The solution for preventing those problems is different for someone trying to put down major HP for dragging vs. someone trying not to break drive shafts rock crawling vs. someone just not liking the annoying thumps in your seat when rolling to a stop.

 

Ultimately traction bar is the best solution but people had good results with cheaper - simpler solutions. More info here
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/108316-goodbye-axle-wrap-mod.html
Edit: I know I have it too despite TSB for rear springs and it is annoying as hell need traction bar too just had no time to work on it.

 

OK, I think I have this.

TRUCK: 2007 PreRunner (2WD), V6, TRD Off-Road Package, Access Cab, 101,000 miles, bought new by me in June 2007.

Truck is bone-stock other than a set of 265/75-16 Michelins (+1 sidewall height).

Leaf Spring TSB performed around 2009. Issue started happening about a year after the TSB was completed.

"Clunk" a split-second after I come to a stop at a red light, then a "clunk" a split-second after I let off the brakes. Almost feels like the rear brakes are holding for a fraction of a second after I let off the brake pedal. In fact, originally I thought I had a brake problem until I did some reading on the forums.

This has been happening for a couple of years now, and the rearmost u-joint went out a couple of months ago. (Bad rotational squeak, only when backing up.) One of the bearing caps in rearmost joint was seized.

I replaced all three u-joints while I had the driveshaft out, and the problem seems much improved, but not completely solved.

If I am understanding axle wrap correctly, the rear leaf springs are deforming, causing extreme driveshaft angle. If so, my premature u-joint failure could have been caused at least partially by axle wrap (if axle wrap is indeed what I am experiencing)?

 

I replaced my U-joints at around 105,000 miles due to squeaking. Rear most one had completely seized. The clunking started more recently at around 115,000 miles.

Mine is 2005 PreRunner TRD Sport, Access cab, 115,000 miles. Auto transmission.

So, mine does the drop/clunk in Drive but not Neutral. Could it still be a suspension issue and not a transmission/driveshaft issue?

If I shift to neutral then brake hard, the rear doesn't hang up ("clunk").
If I leave it in drive and brake hard, it feels like the rear of the truck stays up then clunks down to normal height after I release the brake.

I was thinking it might be the transmission mount but now I wonder.
I have been complaining to the wife about how crappy the rear springs are anyway that I can't haul much without it bottoming out on every little bump in the road.

 

I can feel the axle wrap in my brand new allpro leafs!

 

Something else I've noticed while trying to pin down the culprit:
If I'm in neutral, rolling slowly, and slowly press the parking brake pedal, there is no slowing then it suddenly grabs hard. Not only does it lock up the rear tires but it also really rocks back and forth, (springs wrapping?). If I have the parking brake pedal down part way and back up, there is a light rhythmic squeek. Similar to u-joint squeek but not exactly the same. (I know my u-joints are good.)

I don't remember if it was this thread or somewhere else that someone suggested maybe the brakes played a part in the "clunk"/drop. I'm going to see about having the drums checked out soon anyway since that squeek makes me think one might be out of round.

Anyone else think it's combined wear of multiple components causing the "clunk"?

These are my thoughts on the possible players
1. Weak leaf springs.
2. Grabby rear brakes.
3. Weak/worn transmission mount.
4. Low auto trans fluid level (or maybe just really degraded/old fluid).
5. Worn bushings on rear suspension parts.

 

On my theory of multiple causes for the rear clunk: $55 of work and the clunk seems gone. I'm thinking it's not axle wrap for most of us. Or rather, any axle wrap is exaggerating other things.

1. Had a local shop "inspect, clean, and adjust" the brakes. Significantly reduced the "clunk" in the rear and generally made the brake pedal feel more responsive too. Driven over 300 miles since then and the clunk is still subdued.

2. I Drained/filled auto trans fluid. I measured how much drained out and it looks like ATF had been around a quart low. On a 5 mile test drive after getting the fluid level right, there was no "clunk" when braking. It cost me about $35 for fluid and crush washers from Toyota (with a coupon).

We'll see if it was just an odd day after the ATF or if the clunk really is gone. With 115,000 miles on original brakes and ATF, this was $55 worth spending anyway. Much cheaper than springs too.

My next steps if I do notice it again will be transmission mount or shocks. The mount has some flex but maybe not "excessive". Shocks are definately worn but I'm not sure if there is any binding going on.


edit: 500 miles since doing brakes and 200 since doing ATF and still no clunk/drop.

 

Hate to bump an old thread without new info but wondered is any updates on this? Having same "clunk" issue on a new to me 03 prerunner.

 

Mine went away on my 07 when I changed all 3 u-joints. I changed them because the aft one got dry and started squeaking when I backed up. So, getting rid of the clunk was a side benefit.

 

I should also clarify, due to my other post from a few years ago -

I don't have the clunk anymore at all. It totally went away after changing the U-joints.