Advice please? 45K Automatic transmission lurch and shutter in slow traffic - 2014 TRD OR DCSB

Looking for some directional advice please.

When I'm 2WD driving in traffic around 15-30 MPH (usually in slow and go highway scenarios) after I decelerate to a coast and then accelerate with the flow of traffic, i will occasionally feel a slight shutter or lurch as the truck appears to be finding or going into gear. I have had the truck for a couple years now and this seems to be somewhat new or maybe I just didn't notice it before.

I have greased all my U-joints and changed the differential gear oil and the problem persists. It doesn't not happen when at higher speeds, or in stop and go, or accelerating from a complete stop.

I drive pretty chill and keep a safe distance in traffic, so I am not pushing the tranny very hard.

Thanks for any tips.

 

Are you driving with it in D or putting it in 4th? Anytime I'm driving in stop and go traffic I just leave mine in 4th to keep it from going in and out of 5th gear constantly.

My Tundra got to where it was stumbling when shifting through the gears, kind of a misfiring feeling. I did a few drain and fills and it went away. I wouldn't think your fluid would be worn out with only 45k miles though.

 

I usually stay in "D" but I will try staying in 4th and see what happens.

Yeah I've read threads saying that the ATF drain/fill is not necessary until 100K or 60K as some have posted. Confusing info on the correct interval.

 

Check your trans fluid, could have been under filled from the factory. Also check carrier bearing.

 

That right there. ^

These trucks can drive fine while being a quart low from the factory or in general for a while then it will suddenly start exhibiting odd symptoms like what you described OP. Additionally, my carrier bearing went kaput around that time and was displaying odd driving symptoms like that for a while.

 

It might be the leaf-springs as there was a TSB for vibrations at 15-25mph. It changes the pinion angle, the new springs have a wedge, also a new transmission mount. There are a few different sets of springs depending on the angle needed. My tacoma came with 2 + 1 leafs and now it has 3 + 1.

 

Could also be a "tip-in" hesitation due to a dirty throttle body, not uncommon on the drive-by-wire systems.
Here's a blurb from the TSB information;
Some 2005 - 2014 model year Tacoma vehicles equipped with 1GR-FE engine (PreRunner and 4WD) and automatic or 6-speed manual transmission may exhibit a vibration felt in the seat floorboard and steering wheel between 15 - 25 mph caused by a second order drivetrain vibration under acceleration.

 

With that amount of miles it's also good to Re-Tourque the driveshaft mounting bolts at the Rear Diff. I takes a special adapter wrench that connects to the Torque Wrench.

 

Are you not just feeling slack in the drivetrain as you re-accelerate after coasting?

On Ford trucks, they ended up recommending a Teflon based lubricant on the driveshaft yoke to pad against the 'thud'.

 

Here is a photo of my carrier bearing. Not sure if I see an issue other than it sags about 1/2 inch low from center comparing the rubber at the top and bottom. You guys see anything wrong with it?

 

I tested slow n go traffic driving in 4th all week and the same problem persists. I soon as I let off the accelerator the truck slightly shakes and after coasting for a bit when I press the accelerator I feel a thud as the tranny engages again. Any comments on my carrier bearing photo?