So a few odd things happened on a long trip recently..

Hey Guys, I was doing a back and forth trip to NC from NJ and a few weird things happened with my 3rd gen tacoma TRD sport 4x4 ext cab manual (all stock, 10k miles, dealer serviced) during the trip.

The first thing was a random and very violent shake on the highway. I usually get some vibration around 70-75 mph and have the seemingly typical diff howl at 50-55 in 5th and 6th but this was different and more worrying. I was just cruising along at 70 when all of a sudden my truck started to shake violently, I thought I had lost a wheel or something crazy like that so I began to slow down. The problem went away and hasn't returned so I have no idea what could have caused that and its concerning that I cant replicate it and couldnt explain it.

The second was a loud metallic CLANG when I hit the brakes hard once, was definitely metal on metal and sounded like a bar hitting another bar. I have been through multiple racing schools and know how braking systems work and what abs feels like and sounds like, and it was definitely abnormal. It almost felt and sounded like something broke but again, I can't replicate the issue and there isn't any damage that I can find.

I hate to add to the 3rd gen problem hype but these were just odd to me. This is my 3rd tacoma and its got more weird problems and quirks than both of my other higher mileage trucks put together, I get that its a new model and the first year and stuff but there seems to be unresolved design issues or atleast bad quality control issues here (I also have the sticky 6th gear issue). I like my truck but I don't want to deal with random intermittent problems like this.

 

Have you ever checked the tightness (or lack of) of the rear leaf spring U-bolts? If they are very loose, the axle can shift, which could cause both of the conditions you experienced. The random violent shaking could be the axle shifting around, the loud bang could be the axle snapping into a wedged/locked position from brake reaction.

Seems like a good place to start.

 

No I have not, thanks for the advice!

Wouldn't expect to have to check for stuff like that 10k miles from purchase haha

 

Making a mental note for when I (if I still decide to at this point) pick up my 2017: Have them check leaf spring U-bolts, the ATF, and the CPS. I hope they've gotten all these issues taken care of since the 2017's have started being built!

 

Metal on metal sound when braking could be brake pads shifting within their slot in the caliper.

 

I had that same noise on a hard brake before too. Hasn't happened since then! #3rdgenproblems

 

I'd hope brake pads wouldnt make the sound I heard! It was fairly loud and definitely metal on metal clang lol

 

My brake pads make noise the first time I use the brakes after shifting from drive to reverse or vice versa. The pads shift and make a distinct "clink" sound, sort of like when you run over a metal grate or drain in the road and its clinks.

 

I don't like to be too direct on problem resolution with anything, but here you have a basic protocol that should be followed.
If you have time to post, you should have time to take it to the dealer, that's what you have a warranty for, pretty simple...