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

I just purchased a used 2017, TRD offload with 18,000, after being without a Tacoma for 2 years or so (previous was a 2005, but went to a 4Runner). I didn't know about the issue during the test drive, but it is howling from 25mph-?? currently. I bought the truck with a bed rack/RTT, so I figured by removing it, it would be better...it wasn't. I'll be taking it to the dealer this week. It is obnoxious!

Does anyone see any issues with this being taken care of for a second owner, even though the truck is still under warranty?

Thanks for all of the great info here!

 

Just saw this thread come back up. I had the TSB done and the howl is significantly less, but still present somewhere between 50-60mph under light throttle. The TSB didn't completely eliminate it for me either.

 

I would think they will perform the TSB for you without any issue.

 

Do you think that the speed he is experiencing the howl at could also be the LCA howl since this is a 17? If it’s an early 17 that could contribute to a howl at lower speeds if the LCAs are not plugged.

 

That is a possibility, after rereading his post it sounds as if he is having low speed noise versus the common 50 - 60 MPH Howling.

 

That was my first thought. The lower speed howl would seem to indicate unplugged lower control arms. It may be worth him checking out and that’s an easy fix.

 

All, thanks for the replies....what is an unplugged LCA? I tried searching for it. Many thanks.

 

Lower control arms. Below is a list of TSBs that you can search. It should be in there.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/list-of-t-sbs-etc.562671/

 

I’m assuming there’s a TSB for this?

Edit: didn’t see the above post

 

Yes.

 

https://m.imgur.com/a/qPGYESA

 

Perfect. I can test and verify before I take this shit to the dealer

 

Depending on when your truck was built they may be plugged from the factory. Just crawl up under it and check. Mine were plugged but even the build date theory is hit and miss as some are plugged and some are not. We had a thread on this somewhere but I can’t seem to find it. Best of luck to you.

 

If unplugged tape them shut with duct tape temporarily to test the theory. Mine is an early 2017 build, was not plugged. Also had the howl tsb done. Did not stop the howl. Somewhat quieter, but still there, can still hear it over the radio.

 

My truck was also plugged from the Factory.

 

I have a 2017 long bed and have had the service bulletin done. I don't think it changed the whine much at all, maybe 10% less whine. Is there any fix out there yet? I am seriously considering getting rid of the truck because of this. Not that the noise is that horrible, but it is annoying, and things make noise when they aren't working righ. To me it seems this will be a point of failure at some point.

Anyone tried the lemon law approach?

 

A new rear differential may make your truck quiet. Some have had theirs replaced and it was worse though. I’d open a case with corporate and let them know the TSB did not help much.

 

How do you open a case with corporate?

 

Should be able to find the phone number on here via search. I would look but I’m on my cell. I’m in the same boat as you except I had to pay for the TSB since I have an SR5. Sucks lol

 

Here is the number to corporate: ‭
(800) 331-4331‬.

I have a current case open. Had the TSB done and it very slightly lessened the howl but clearly didn’t remove it. Corporate had me take the truck back to the dealer for them to verify the noise was still present. The service manager and master tech both rode in the truck and said everything was normal. They are either clueless or are in on a cover up. Everyone that rides in my truck clearly hears the abnormal howl noise. I am going talk to corporate again tomorrow and see what the next step is. The noise is not “normal” so I’m not giving up.