2023 OR - Bouncy ride at 45+

Mine had 36-40 pounds in each tire when I drove off the lot

 

Even my sport with the stiffer suspension can feel boaty sometimes. I think what you are describing is probably “normal”.

 

I'd get it to a dealer and have them balance all the tires and check the alignment. Maybe use the term "vibration" or "low frequency vibration" rather than "bouncy." Move the tires from front to back and see if the vibration moves. Could be a bad wheel, or even a bad tire.

 

Vibration is not normal though.

 

Called the dealership again and they are insisting it is normal for the truck to "bounce" or have tire vibration constantly when driving. I will see about another dealership.

 

do you feel it more in the seat or the steering wheel?

You can rotate tires front to rear and see if the feeling moves. That will narrow it down a touch.

If that, followed by a Road Force tire balancing session (which would also reveal a bad wheel if it exists) doesn't improve things, next is weight in the bed as has been suggested. Just to see what happens.

 

I think you need to change up the semantics. Based on what I read in this thread you’re describing a rear end vibration and not a “bounce”.

 

in addition to what others said, I’d recommend test driving another OR and see if it can be reproduced, if not then you know it’s likely your truck.

 

The problem is finding one. Our local dealer, the one that says it's normal, has 1 truck on the lot. A Trail edition. Next closest dealer would be where I bought the truck, and they are 90 miles away. They would want me to drop it off on a weekday with no loaner option right now, so it's a mess.

 

I'll start saying vibration. It feels like a consistent bounce feeling while cruising.

 

I am not a small guy, 5'10" - 240. I feel my body jiggling and the steering wheel bouncing/vibrating.

 

Just trying to help you out.. most of the time when anyone says "bounce" it has something to do with overfilled tires/overly stiff suspension or broken suspension components.

In your case it seems to be related to something completely different.

Has your dealer attempted to go with you to "replicate the concern" or at least try to balance the rear tires?

 

Yep. Nothing over 32 psi for these type of tires (truck) or else you will have an uneven wear pattern on them and have to replace them early. You will also have a rougher ride.

The way you have been describing it and have been replying to other people, it's somewhat no wonder you have been having issues getting this resolved. You need to be more concise in describing where it is coming from, because if it's coming from the wheel and only at higher speeds that would imply it's a balance issue. If the entire truck seems like it's bouncing excessively at any speed that implies a suspension or tire pressure issue.

I will say, however, that vibration AND excessive bouncing is both a very prevalent issue on these trucks, as the factory suspension is too light for it and the tires must be perfectly balanced in order to avoid inducing vibration through it into the steering wheel. This issue for me went away after I did my heavier, beefier aftermarket control arms and load rating E tires years ago.

If I were you I would take it to a shop or dealer that does road force balancing and that will resolve your wheel vibration issues. I would also get the air in the tires set to 32 psi, no more no less, and go from there. If you have excessive "bouncing" still from the truck as a whole and not the wheel you will need to address the suspension and see how you can resolve that, but don't cross that bridge just yet until you get there.

 

I vaguely recall a TSB for out of round brake drums causing some vibration issues.

 

This is the biggest thing with tacomas. The stock suspension is just too undersized for the truck.

 

It's been an issue since 2nd gen. Worse is the fact that they assembled the 3rd gen with the parts bin from gen 2 and called it a "revitalized high strength steel frame and suspension" despite the fact that it was the same garbage from 2nd gen.

There is no fix for the suspension portion of it except for going the route of upgrade fully formed, boxed stuff (not that stamped steel garbage that the factory uses) the rear leaf springs need at least 3 more leafs to the 4 leaf pack in order to avoid axle wrap and better hangars.

Unfortunately, if you want the suspension portion of it fixed which allows the entire truck to bounce (not vibrate) you or a shop is going to have to roll up their sleeves and do some work on the thing. It's not a cheap endeavor, but it is entirely worth it in the end as the outcome is worthwhile and does produce much more favorable results in terms of ride quality.

 

Dealer took it for a drive and said they feel it but its "normal" for "off road tires".

I have it with a tire shop today and they will road test balance it since the dealer didn't want to.

 

My tundra had that issue, but only had a pulsing action when the brakes were applied. I take it the op's issue is all the time. Still it sounds like a bad set of tires, or over inflated. My tacoma had about 38 psi in the tires when it left the dealers lot. Felt like I was bouncing down the highway at times driving it home.

 

As others have said, those are not aggressive “off-road” tires with deep treads. Goodyear rates them as “All Terrain”, they are also designed for street use to ride very smoothly. I think you are right about the balance. Good luck with that dealer, especially for your future truck care needs…

 

I run my tires at 32 psi. Seems to help the off-road suspension is a bit bouncy . I find the tires at 32 psi rides better . When they get warm they will sit at 35psi .