07 TRD Sport, 4wd 4 door automatic transmission issues

Hi Guys

This is a 2nd part of a thread I've posted yesterday. Had my car inspected by the dealer due to some chattering (vibration) that I thought came from rear diff.

Dealer called me this morning, and told me that I need to replace the transmission, that's where the noice is coming from.

There is a vibration when going up hill, on low rpm like 1500, around 25 - 30mph. It starts vibrating pretty bad sometimes and I gotta let the gas go and push a little bit harder sometimes. Never on high speeds.

Dealer quoted for > $5000.

I bought the car on craigslist a few months ago and did not noticed the issue.

Anyone have any idea how much a trans cost to buy for this truck? where? any advice would be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

My initial post:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...ange-chattering-rear-slow-speed-hills-so.html

 

I think there is a dude in the buy sell section parting out an '11.

 

How many miles is on it? Usually these a750's are pretty darn tuff. I wouldn't drop the money on a new one yet. Me being cheap, I would try a flush or at least a pan drop to see where the problem areas are. Then Maby a rebuild if you can find the right person. Iv also got a trusted mechanic so I wouldn't go to the dealer either.

 

Find a good transmission shop and get a second opinion. The first thing I would do is make sure the fluid level is good. Mine was about a quart low from the factory.

 

Why exactly does it need a transmission? Did the dealer give you any specifics? That just seems too generic to me. I would def get another opinion.

 

When is the last time you greased the driveshaft U-joints? Lay under the truck and push up on the driveshaft at or near the center bearing. There should be little to no play in the bearing.

 

What is the name of this dealer?

 

This ....

And to add (to the Op)...check pinion bearing. Check driveshaft to make sure the driveshaft isn't missing any weights.

When was the last time the diff oil was changed? You have a mechanical LSD which has clutch paks. Drive the truck in tight circles in both directions with the steering wheel maxed. If the truck / diff starts chattering, rumbling, and/or bucking - it could be part of the problem (or not), or at least a warning sign that you need to do maintenance.

 

There is some info in this link that may help
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/te...hift-kit-shift-recalibration-kit-2nd-gen.html

 

The transmission has 165k miles

The dealer is the Toyota dealer in Kirkland / WA

The dealer did not mention yet the reason why the transmission failed. I still have to pick up the truck from there.

I just purchased the truck a few months ago, and I jumped right away to change the diff fluid. Because of that, I was under the impression that the chattering will be from rear diff. Not the case. I did that myself 2 - 3 times, dealer did it twice so looks like not the case.

Did not change the transmission fluid yet, plan on doing that first thing.

Will make note of all the other advices.

Your advice is still very appreciated. I love the truck and feel very disappointed for the experience with the transmission. Was planning to take good care of it, but I'm learning that might be a little bit to late for that.

Thanks again for all the input and advice.

 

again the chattering, "vibration" (not a slight vibration but more medium at least) is going up hill most of the times. Slightly uphill is enough. Down hill haven't noticed anything or freeway and higher speeds

 

Any dealer I have ever dealt with subs out transmission work.

 

This may de a dumb question but is there any chance it's real bad pinging from the engine (Tuneup needed/ bad gas, etc.)?

 

A friend of mine had a bad torque converter in a 3rd gen 4Runner that did something similar. His girlfriend at the time kept driving it until it eventually broke the flexplate. Big bang, lots of horrible noises, and it just coasted to a stop. I know a lot of dealers would prefer to cover all their bases in one job to prevent come-backs. So I suspect even if it was a torque-converter issue they would want to do a trans too considering they have to take it out to get to the converter. I would get another opinion. As far as fluid level if it's grinding and shaking a fluid change isn't going to cure it.

 

I second the motion for a real good second opinion - especially separate at a Tranny shop if needed. I realize the Dealer looked at this but I'd still want to eliminate anything else - REAL Bad Ping (which can sound like a bad UJoint), Loose/broken bolts on Torque converter/Tranny, Bad U Joints/Center support, Bad Converter, wheel bearings, CV joints, etc. etc.

As A final thought - When you go down hill and floor it - do you still hear it then ?? Also, Try going backwards up the hill and see what it does ...

 

I haven't felt the vibration going down hill yet.

The vibration is for about 3 seconds or so and it shakes the whole car.

I have to let go to the gas in order to get read of it.

Spend a lot of time yesterday reading online about it.

Sounds like a flush might help and a reset of the transmission computer (is that the ECU?)

Also there is a 2 of

$15 Lubegard 19610 Dr. Tranny Instant Shudder Fixx 2 Ounce 2 Pack

Lubegard 19610 Dr. Tranny Instant Shudder Fixx, 2 oz. that I plan on using if it's not working.

Also how much a torque converter replacement cost part + labor (separate) roughly?

Just a curious questions that some people might not like maybe, but considering that I was tricked myself into buying this car and the past owner did not mention the issue (and Toyota is supposed to do a better job building this cars):

"If I plan to trade it in to the dealer, with another Toyota Dealer have access to the quote I've got from the other one?"

Thanks to everyone for the help

 

Anyone recommends a good shop here in WA east side?

thank you!

 

This is the diagnose I've got from the Toyota dealer after a drive test

"Roadtested found transmission most likely the issue. Feel as the torque converter is locking up at low speed and causing the shutter the guest is feeling"

Any suggestions from here?

How much would a new torque converter cost?

thanks

 

Dude you have 165k Miles and I bet transmission fluid was never changed. Why not take time spend $200 on Toyota WS, follow procedure here and replace that first.
You can dump $5000 in it if you want but I would start with fluid change first.
Toyota like Honda is very touchy when it comes to fluid. Put fresh one first and see if you get any change. If nothing than its not transmission.