3rd Gen Poll: Rear End Noise howling when feathering throttle

The second thing they teach them is "That is normal for this vehicle." The 3rd is "That problem is caused by the way you drive the vehicle and is considered normal wear and tear...we can't cover it under warranty".

 

Don't forget. "It's normal for this vehicle."

 

Got another one. "Can't reproduce the problem."

 

Two techs drove it. First couldn't hear it. Second heard it "faintly" and said it was normal for the Tacoma to have a faint whine from the rear diff. Given the polling here, I can't dispute that, even though I don't think it should be normal. We agreed that I will bring it back if it gets loud enough to hear over the radio. It is that loud now... but I'll wait another 2500 miles for my 15K oil change and hassle them again then. Maybe there will be a real fix by then anyway. I'm not too keen on them messing with the truck if it isn't going to resolve the issue.

 

There's the answer! Just turn the music up loud enough to drown out the howl.

 

Yep...I just got the "Can't reproduce the problem" call a couple of hours ago. Drove down and went for a ride with the service manager. He heard the noise and is going to drive it with their lead tech tomorrow to see if it is something they need to chase or just monitor to see if it gets worse. He seemed pretty reasonable about it...so we will see what happens.

 

Went in to pickup the truck, 5k service completed, trans shifting tsb completed, explanation for whine was "The gears are left loose so they don't heat up....so they make noise". They said they drove another Tacoma and it had a "similar" sound?

I requested to see the service manager and we chatted about it....he didn't acknowledge or discount the issue but said that a Toyota FSR was going to be there tomorrow and if I could leave it he would try to get the FSR to look at it....he indicated that technically the FSR needed an open case before he would look at something be the manager felt he could at least run the situation by him if the truck was there.

So....more to come tomorrow....I fully expect to hear that "it's normal....." or something similar so anything more than that would be great. I'd be most comfortable in hearing acknowledgement of the issue and info that Toyota is working on a fix.

 

How is this all the sudden normal on a 2016 vehicle? A damn near $40k truck makes this noise and it's normal? Bottom line it might be normal but IT ISN'T RIGHT. I don't get it! I have NEVER had a new truck sound like this and I've owned several in my time as well as some used ones that did not make this noise...

EDIT: Is this the new leading edge technology that Toyota is implementing into their design for 2016? A rear end that howls... cool shit man. Real cool. It must be the new "state of the art" howling differential. It's the new industry standard and best practice in rear diff design, don't you know?!?

Give me a break Toyota!

 

I drop mine off tomorrow night. The same FSR that approved my first diff replacement for the same issue will be checking it out on Thursday. My dealership has acknowledged the the noise isn't ok for two diffs now, and the FSR agreed the first time, and I would bet on him agreeing again. So Thursday will be the big moment of truth I feel!

 

There I feel better...

 

Is the ring gear inside the 3rd member also? I was always under the impression u should always use matching sets of gears and pinions. Sorry first 3rd member axel I've owned.

 

Update: Dealer called and said FSR indicated that Toyota is aware of the issue and it is under investigation.....but that it is considered "Normal at this time....." I ensured that it is documented in my records....I asked about an investigation # and the service tech didn't have one but I'll talk with the service manager when I pick up the truck and pass on any other info I get.

Looking forward to hearing from several others that are awaiting info too

 

"Normal at this time." That's a new one.

 

Yep...I got a kick out of this variant of "It's normal..." I pass by the dealership every day so it's very convenient to stop in and inquire about the status. Assuming it doesn't get any worse I'll officially inquire at my next service point. If it gets worse (can't drown it out with radio) they'll see me sooner. Life has taught me that slow firm pressure usually gets better results than making a big fuss.

 

Has anyone had a diff failure yet? Just to put it in perspective the rear diff on my 2014 Ram sounds and feels like it has a pile of rocks in it when I turn the corner and fiat/ram is telling me its normal. Its normal because its still under warranty, when that's up they'd be happy to sell me a new one I'm sure.

 

Looks like I'll be in this bad boy for the next 24 hours or so



Hell yeah, it is a Hybrid!

Field Engineer is looking at my truck tomorrow, and I will update you all with anything I hear!

 

Just returned from dealer and had a lengthy discussion with the service manager who reiterated that the FSR was immediately aware of the the rearend whine issue and the Toyota is investigating it. The FSR was aware that some rears had been replaced and had not fixed the issue and indicated that Toyota is working with the rearend manufacturer to determine the cause. A Dealer Product Report was filed with Toyota for my vehicle which makes sure Toyota is officially aware of another vehicle with this issue.

I'd prefer that the cause was known and it was fixed but all things considered it was better than hearing "It's normal" period. I'll remain hopeful that Toyota will resolve the issue and then any of us with the issue will have it fixed and return to being fully happy with our trucks.

 

This is great news. If they can fix this my mood toward my truck will be much improved.

 

Got a message earlier when I was away from my phone from the service manager. He and their lead tech drove the truck this am and both heard the sound, noted that they could vary the sound with speed, but lead tech claimed he could create the sound under acceleration as well. He said they both acknowledge that it is there and will indicate that in the service notes, but don't think it indicates an immediate problem (another variation on "normal" smitty?)

I will admit that it is fairly quiet right now and you have to know what you are listening for to notice it if you aren't driving the truck every day like I am. He said if it gets louder to bring it back in and they will try to chase it down. He said they both thought it was not the differential, but did not have any better ideas on where it is coming from. I am under the impression that they feel it will be easier to track down the source if it gets louder. If I see something more definitive pop up here I will take it back and show it to them...but I guess for now, I will just try to drive faster than 57 or slower than 53 as much as I can...

 

If your truck is still there, I'd ask them to put it on the lift and use a stethoscope to listen to the rear diff.... this is how they were able to isolate mine, supposedly.