Universal Joint

I don't know if it is the universal joints that are going bad on my Tacoma or not.

But here's the situation. I noticed there is a thump when I stop at a red light, sounds light the transmission is having issues. It feels like the transmission is engaging/disengaging. At times I thought that some has tapped my rear bumper.

Talked to a buddy today and he said that he had the same situation in his Tacoma Sport. And that he replaced all three universal joints on his and now he is not hearing the thump sound.

So is this a universal joints problem or is it something else?

Thanks

 

Loose leaf spring ubolts and low trans fluid are two other things to look at.

 

My 98 had the same issue starting of, after shifting gears and stopping, reo laced u joints at AutoZone for about15-20 $ each back in 2004 and the issue went away. When I took the old ones out the joints looked like an egg and all the roller pins where gone

 

I had a 2010 dcsb sport I replaced all three u joints and the problem was resolved I had 80,000 miles on it. You can remove the drive shaft and take it to a automotive machine shop they will replace the joints for a few bucks. I did mine with a vise and hammer it was a pain.

 

you should be able to grab a hold and give the yokes a twist to see if there is any slop (both sides at the u-joint). Look for rust around the caps, also Load them up with grease and see if the sound changes at first.

 

Had that same problem until I serviced the transmission (drained 6 qts of oil and changed filter). That was at 70k miles, I'm now at 145k miles and the thump has started again. Guess it's time for another service.

 

You sure it's not the AC compressor kicking in? It runs with heat too.