2011 Rear Suspension Noise

I've introduced myself in the new members area that I am new to Toyota's and to trucks in general. I've had trucks in the past, but never a Tacoma and for the last decade or so have been driving SUV's with AWD capabilities.

Anyway, I recently got my 2011 Tacoma double cab LB TRD and I really like the truck - but one thing that keeps bothering me is the rear suspension noise that I keep hearing when driving around on our poorly paved streets. Aside from having a heavy rubber mat in the back, I'm not carrying any cargo - but to me, whenever I go over some dips in the road like shallow potholes, the truck sounds like something is loose or rattling in the back end. It sounds like a toolbox full of wrenches that someone shook upside down.

Is this just normal for a truck or is it because some sort of TSB that I am missing out on. If it's normal, is there anyway aside from carrying a bunch of sandbags to keep the back from sounding like it's going to shake itself loose?

 

is the spare securely in there ?

could be something that easy ....

 

Sounds like it's the spare tire chain is rattling around down there mine does it to its abnoxious

 

My truck rattles but just to check, take the covers off the cubby holes in the bed and drive around and see if it makes a difference. Also do you have a hitch with a drawbar in it? Sometimes those things rattle like crazy.

 

Could be your hitch jostling in the receiver as well, if you have them.

 

^ probably this. My '11 makes (probably) the same noise. At the end of the spare tire chain, on the outside facing the ground, is a cylindrical piece that rattles.

 

Thanks for all the quick replies. I checked the spare tire and chain and its all good as well as no hitch reciever. I guess the noise is not really a rattle (cause that makes it sound like something smaller), but rather a metal on metal. Its almost like when the tire takes that quick second to "drop" into the hole and it makes that banging noise.

One thing I did notice as I crawled under the truck was a potential suspect - although it sounds a though it is coming from the passenger side rather than drivers side. But here's a pic of my drivers side rear leaf spring. Is it cracked - I think so, but I could be wrong. Does any of the TSBs cover this and if not, are they hard to replace?

 

That's it. It's cracked. Welcome to the club.

 

Sooooooo, would that be the cause of the noise or would there be something else.

Also, what's the next step? Is there a TSB for this or a warranty recall - or is this one coming out of my pocket?

 

Mine rattled pretty bad before I noticed it. Some have contacted the dealer and got new springs. I went to a private shop and got a new leaf and added another leaf to the pack.

 

so what does the AAL do? And did you just replace the broken leaf?

 

Toyota will replace it. Take it to the dealership. And if your headlights are fogged up or the DRLs are melted get some new lights too

 

Is it a "clacking" noise? I have a 2012 and my leafs will clack together on rough roads. Jump up and down on the rear of the truck and watch the springs. I'll bet that's what it is.

 

So I take my Tacoma to the dealer this morning and they confirmed that its broken. I asked them about the TSB and/or warranty recall. They just called me back and said that they spoke with Toyota Warranty Claims and Toyota has not "officially" put a recall notice out for my 2011 "yet", and that I could go ahead and get the work done by someone else and then get reimbursed. they also said that the US was different that Canada - probably cause there are way more of you Tacoma owners in the south .

Toyota also said it was 1000 a side to do .

Geez, Rainbow Toyota in Saskatchewan really dropped the ball when they sold me a CPO. The techs didn't even see it broken.

Soooo, what are my aftermarket options. I've read that aftermarkets will adjust the factory ride height - so now that means a level in the front and does that also mean a change in shocks/struts because of the extra length?

Oy oy oy. 2 weeks into a new to me Tacoma and I'm not so sure I made the right choice

 

You'll be alright drop 500 bux for new 5100s and replace leafs with aftermarket raise you 2 to 3 inches and you'll love it

 

Tacos are notorious for this don't be mad just have to make suspension upgrades faster then you might have wanted to

 

I would imply the safety factor of the recall due to it punching a hole in the gasoline tank. Also mention that it would come back to haunt them if the gas tank gets punctured and causes a fire due to a safety issue with manufacturing...