Slight vibration during acceleration at low speeds

Been lurking around for an answer to my issue, but decided to dive in and create an account. I've seen lots of vibration issue questions and many answers, but haven't found a solution.

I've got a 2012 Taco V6 4x4 Double Cab 6 ft. bed with 213400 miles, never had a major problem. Bought it in 2018 with 127000 miles. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and all the other checks from a reputable dealer in Puyallup, WA. A few months ago I decided to do my own oil changes since my warranty expired. I know how to change oil by the book, done it for years even before I had the Taco. The only things I've done myself are front brake pads a couple years ago and starter replacement a few months ago. About a month ago I noticed a slight vibration when accelarating from around 20 mph. It continues to vibrate to around 40 mph, then goes away. Today I got the wheels rotated and balanced from the company I bought the tires from three years ago, thought the vibe would go away, but it hasn't. My next steps: maybe U-joints on the drive shaft? On the forum I've read about struts being a possibility. Tranny issues? No idea. I saw that someone greased the zirks on the U-joints and that solved it. I'll try that tomorrow. Any other ideas from someone with a similar issue will be appreciated.

 

Any squeaking in reverse?

Might still be worth it to drop the driveshaft and check the u-joints

 

This and the carrier bearing would be my first places to look.

 

Yes, I agree with Alex & Deogee. Those carrier bearings are known to fail at any mileage.

Push on the driveshaft & check for "play". Might as well change the U-joints while you're at it.

Good luck

 

Thanks all!! I'll check the drive shaft this afternoon and report back. Cheers!

 

I’m currently refreshing parts on my 2014 4x4 with 200k miles. I was experiencing vibrations when accelerating and braking. I replaced the carrier bearing and u-joints after dropping the drive shaft. The vibrations are now 99% better, but not completely gone.

 

I have a family emergency to deal with right now, so I might not get to the driveshaft check right away. But I did have time to find out the cost for a carrier bearing replacement, between $300 and $400. If that's accurate, I might just bite the bullet since it looks time consuming and possibly having to rent tools I don't have. But driveshaft check first, maybe tomorrow. Thank you Skunny for your later input. I'm hoping what you did helps me. And I wonder if you've had your wheels balanced recently. That might take care of the 1% vibe.

 

Update: I greased the two rear u joints, and the vibration seems to have gone away. Weird that it would solve the vibration problem. But I'll give it a week. Meanwhile I ordered a set of three u joints plus the carrier bearing from Amazon for $75. Great reviews, we'll see. First I'll replace the front u joint which has some play and won't take grease. Hopefully this will solve the problem. Easy I hope. I'll probably do this in two weeks, parts won't get here until June 3 or 4. To Gnar doggy: no sqeaking in reverse. Thank you for your input! I will post results.

 

It must have been my imagination that the vibration had gone away. It only got worse over the following week. So I finally found some time to drop the drive shaft yesterday. I replaced the front and center u-joints as well as the carrier bearing. Front u-joint was pretty much shot, but both the center and rear diff u-joints seemed totally solid. Since I had to get to the carrier bearing, I went ahead and replaced center one since it was half taken apart. Left the rear one alone, it's good for now. Got it all back together, and now ZERO vibration. I saved $$$ doing it myself. The u-joints and carrier bearing were $75 and the OMT Ball Joint Press and U-Joint Removal Kit was $44, and I'm sure I'll use it again. Also super helpful was perhaps the best Taco DIY YouTuber ever. Followed most of his instructions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WvlVa7OzS8