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1997 Weird Noise Behind Dash

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by I_eat_trash, Dec 22, 2018.

  1. Dec 22, 2018 at 7:50 PM
    #1
    I_eat_trash

    I_eat_trash [OP] Member

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    Just bought a 1997 Tacoma with 138k miles, 5 speed manual, and a ton of body damage. I am getting a weird noise behind the dash starting at 25 mph. It seems to only happen first drive of the day, and it has been below freezing. Seems worse inside, doesn't get worse when I open the window. Also, the speedometer seems to jump around a bit when its happening. Check out the video: https://youtu.be/ICB2Kz0H6SM
     
  2. Dec 23, 2018 at 6:48 AM
    #2
    old grouch

    old grouch Well-Known Member

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    E-Locker SS Skid 2" Lift
    My 95.5 has the exact same noise. I think speedo cable is in need of lube. Just haven't had the nerve to pull the cluster.
     
  3. Dec 23, 2018 at 8:50 AM
    #3
    RysiuM

    RysiuM Well-Known Member

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    Was Golden State, now Poland EU
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    DD Deck+backup camera, LED DRL, All LED except H4 Hella
    That is speedo cable or bearing where it rotates in the cluster. Early models have mechanical speedo (powered by cable), while later models have electronic (via the sensor in T-case).

    Now removing the cluster is straight forward up to the point 14 (see the instruction attached) but the tricky part is to disconnect the cable. You can't pull the cluster out because it is held by the speedo cable, and you have very little access to unscrew the speedo cable because you can't pull the panel out. The good thing is that the cable can be unscrewed by hand so it is possible.
     

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  4. May 17, 2019 at 10:05 PM
    #4
    GQ7227

    GQ7227 mw survivor

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    309km east of Hazard ...the good life
    Vehicle:
    '97 black SR5 0g ~ MT @ 176k ...
    black woolWax, green IFC, borlaCB, custom Line-X PC drums, skid, nuts, hooks, 1/4 silver frame...
    this is not the current noise I am experiencing that popped up about a month ago, first discouraging noise i have ever experienced!!!
    it is on the passenger side behind the glovebox
    happens only when accelerating, stops when coasting
    so far only happens after the A/C has been on the freeway (don't think it makes noise with A/C on, haven't noticed yet)
    turn A/C off, leave fan on, get off the freeway, stop at light. Cruising side streets noisy rattle comes on when accelerating, goes away when coasting
    should I try if it only happens in certain gears? I have MT

    ... when it has been cooler outsie here I test drive with no A/C on and no noise happens
    trying to isolate it to something in the A/C system
    perhaps silver tubes that come into the cab?
     
    Black97v6MT likes this.
  5. May 17, 2019 at 10:10 PM
    #5
    TacoJohn4x4

    TacoJohn4x4 Captain Save-A-Ho

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    I have that same noise. Seems to only happen when my AC is on or that’s when I notice it, passenger side behind glove box. Hasn’t bothered me that much yet to look into it.
     
    Black97v6MT and GQ7227[QUOTED] like this.
  6. May 17, 2019 at 10:14 PM
    #6
    GQ7227

    GQ7227 mw survivor

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    309km east of Hazard ...the good life
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    '97 black SR5 0g ~ MT @ 176k ...
    black woolWax, green IFC, borlaCB, custom Line-X PC drums, skid, nuts, hooks, 1/4 silver frame...
    have you had the problem long?
    this just started happening when it warmed up outside and had to turn A/C on sometime in April
    it has not started happening WHILE the A/C is running (as far as I can tell)
     
    Black97v6MT likes this.
  7. May 17, 2019 at 10:17 PM
    #7
    TacoJohn4x4

    TacoJohn4x4 Captain Save-A-Ho

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    I think ever since I had my truck which is almost a year now? Maybe it’s a “normal” thing with our trucks?

    Keep in mind this is not my daily and I drive it once a week to keep the battery going unless I’m taking it on a trip.
     
    Black97v6MT and GQ7227[QUOTED] like this.
  8. May 18, 2019 at 5:36 AM
    #8
    GQ7227

    GQ7227 mw survivor

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    309km east of Hazard ...the good life
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    '97 black SR5 0g ~ MT @ 176k ...
    black woolWax, green IFC, borlaCB, custom Line-X PC drums, skid, nuts, hooks, 1/4 silver frame...
    don't know if this is 'normal' as nobody else has chirped in yet with similar issue/symptoms
    i sure hope its not normal at this age, really sounds like something is loose or vibrating back under there
    I could eliminate the 'noise' by NEVER turning the A/C on again but dammit it gets nasty humid here,(not as bad as in the south,though) I can drive with the windows down with the heat and breeze but I am very sensitive to humidity lol
     
    Black97v6MT likes this.
  9. May 22, 2019 at 5:15 PM
    #9
    I_eat_trash

    I_eat_trash [OP] Member

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    It must have been the speedo cable or bearing, because it make a horrible sound one cold morning this winter and now I dont have a speedo or odometer.

    Any ideas of fixing it? new cluster? or is it possible to replace the bearing or cable? I just want cruise control back
     
    Black97v6MT and GQ7227 like this.

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