'Clunk' when coming to complete stop

I just recently bought my first Tacoma, an '03 4x4 V6 TRD. It's making a fairly loud clunk when coming a complete stop. It happens at the moment it comes to a complete stop. It doesn't happen every time, and it may be happening in other situations as well, like accelerating. I think it's coming from the rear, but I'm not positive.

What could it be?

- loose U-bolts?
- axle wrap?
- transmission mount?
- driveshaft?

What is the best way to troubleshoot this?

 

It's your carrier bearing... it's probably worn to shit causing slop and okay in your driveshaft ( went through the same thing you are describing) all was because my carrier bearing was due to be replaced I would check it out just slide under your car and push up on your driveshaft that connects to your rear axle. If there's any significant play it's probably time to replace. There is a specific number of play allowable but I forget what it is

 

Ok, great. I'll check that. That doesn't sound too bad. By the way, I just went for a drive to verify my description (I haven't had the truck too long). The clunk isn't "loud". It's not really audible at all. I can feel the clunk though.

It happens when coming to a stop, not every time, and only after getting up to speed. For example if I stop, then creep forward 5 feet and stop again, then no clunk.

It's also doing this thing where if I accelerate to 30mph, then coast down to 20, then go to accelerate again, it feels like something takes a split second to 'catch', like there's play in something. It makes me hesitant to accelerate after coasting, so I really only do so gingerly.

Also the transfer case is freshly rebuilt, in case that matters. Does this all jive with the carrier bearing diagnosis?

Thank you

Edit- I found an excellent how-to video on changing the carrier bearing and transmission mount. They both look like fairly easy jobs. I'm going to check the play in both of these tomorrow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ghyoacp7E1E

 

If you get a cheap go pro knock off, you can mount it under the truck and make the sound a few times and see if it looks / sounds like it's your problem. The carrier bearing bushing will usually get play in it and that allows the ds to move around. Does yours have play in it? It's always a good idea to confirm 100% what your problem is before making any purchases even if it's just for safety's sake of not driving around with a mystery sound. Not saying it isn't the carrier bearing, but it's good to have a complete diagnosis when fixing stuff if possible.

 

I used my gopro knockoff, a Yi Action Cam, and it looks like mostly the transmission mount is bouncing around. I think I'm going to replace that mount and the carrier bearing.

Anyone have any experience with these carrier bearings?
SKF
Beck/Arnley
DEA/MRC

 

while you are under there grease all of the u-joints and the driveshaft slider/extender "IF" equiped.

 

See what @gunny1005 can get you for an oem one from Camelback Toyota. I've heard bad things about all aftermarket cb's.

 

Don't overthink this just grab the grease gun and grease your driveshaft and universals

 

X3

 

It's axle wrap. Rear springs are weak, my truck used to do the same thing.

 

If your rear springs haven't been changed then it could be axle wrap, but lube the driveshaft first (it's cheap). Don't just throw parts at it unless you are a lot wealthier than most of us.

 

Sounds very familiar to mine. Doesn't happen all the time, but I have took note. I will have to check for loose motion at the carrier bearing soon. Keep us posted on what you figured out. 2006 2nd gen...

 

I have a 2003 Tacoma 4X4 V6 TRD 5 Speed Manual Transmission, Extended Cab Long Bed. I had same issue. I found that I had one dry universal joint on the rear drive shaft next to the transmission. This is a double universal with three grease fittings. I noticed it had not been greased at the dealership where I had them lube in the past. I lubricated the universal with my grease gun by pushing out all the old dark grease until new grease came out. I wiped it off and drove it. It made a slight clunk as I began driving then stopped, never heard it again. I located all the grease fittings and lubed them all three on the front drive shaft six on the rear drive shaft nine total. Be sure to use grease made for a Tacoma.

 

Did you ever figure out what was making the clunking noise?
I have the same issue.

 

more than likely axle wrap.

 

I would suggest greasing all of the driveshaft fittings and changing gear oils. Then change transmission fluid and filter. Mine went away after doing that.

 

Check out Timmahs! Videos on the slip yoke also.

 

90% of the time the “clunk from a stop”
On these trucks is the telescoping section of the rear driveshaft, AKA slip yoke clunk. Locate the grease fitting about 2 feet forward of the rearmost u-joint and pump more grease than you think it needs into it, more than likely the clunk is gone..

 

I also agree it's probably the carrier bearing/transmission mount, but dropping in to share my experience:

I also had this issue, but I also 'felt' (and not heard) a tiny clunking when I shifted from Park to D or R or any gear (I have an auto). The clunking was definitely worse when coming to a stop, and intermittent. My solution ended up being replacing engine mounts and transmission mount, which sounded scary but ended up being a reasonable cost. My driveshaft and rear axle were okay. So maybe also check out those two engine mounts?

 

Hi All.
I have a Tacoma 03 SR5 V6 4WD 4 Door. I only use the 4WD in snow here and there and in the Outer Banks a few times on the beach. I also feel the clunk intermittently when i come to a complete stop when the truck settles back or when i start to move forward again. I had the carrier bearing replaced although the old one didn't look to bad , just in case that helped.It did not. It had some grease on the Spline. The transmission motor mount was tightened up a little, seems OK. I haven't had the rear springs checked out yet. Axel wrap ? Motor mounts split in the hard Rubber ?
I just had a mechanic at a garage that I've been going to for years take a look. Very reputable always satisfied. He took it for a test drive and says its most likely a problem with my transmission ? So I'll go to the transmission shop they recommended (a 5 star shop) to have them check it out. I would imagine they will also check mounts and the drive shaft as a whole.
Before I do that has anyone else found it to be a transmission problem ? No other noises besides the thunk at full stop or when I start back up. on occasion. Nothing other than that.
Just made an appointment with the transmission shop . In a week or so. will see what they have to say. Will follow up on the forum with results from first visit.