Help!! Sick Tacoma!

Hi y'all.

I have an 06 Tacoma Access Cab RWD 2.7L, about 89,000 miles

It's vibrating from 35-50mph, and it's worst and constant between 60-70mph. Also, there is a rapid chirping sound if I take the slightest pressure off the gas, and it's constant at 60-70mph. The vibrating and noise goes away if I'm coasting and let my foot off the gas completely.

I had the truck serviced by Toyota 3 months ago. They put on all new tires, align/balance, fluids, new serpentine belt, and new spark plugs. Since then, I've noticed a slight smoking from the exhaust manifold on startup that bleeds into the a/c but goes away after a few minutes. I suspect the old valve stem gasket needs replacing.

I just got a call from Toyota saying they want to replace all 3 u-joints, the alternator, and the valve stem gasket for $1630. I'm not sure what the issue is so I'd like to get your opinions and see if anyone experienced anything similar.

 

That vibration sounds like its the U-joints. Have they been replaced before?

 

No they haven't. I was quoted $300 for the valve stem gasket, $660 for all 3 u-joints, and $555 for an alternator (they told me because of the chirping). Also I had them check the u-joints literally 3 months ago (because i felt the ever slightest vibration) and was told they were fine.

 

I have an 05 and i've gone through 3 sets of you joints to date (i do drive my truck pretty hard too). I'm not sure if the 2.7L has carrier bearing as well but would replace that as well if your doing the U-Joints.

 

Wow, 3 sets. And yes, it has a carrier. I'm wondering whether to have the dealer or my trusted mechanic do it. $660 seems like a lot for 3 u joints. If you don't mind my asking, how much did yours cost you?

 

My thoughts exactly. I had the same sounds and vibrations, and what really gets me is the feeling that the vibes go away off the gas. I'd say u-joints first and the carrier bearing while it's all apart. That should solve the problem. At least it sounds similar to what I was experiencing and that solved my problem.

 

Do you have a table vice? Very easy to change u-joints on your own. There are plenty of videos showing how. I have done this on the trail with nothing but sockets and a BFH...

 

Just the cost of the U-joints (I have the greasable Moogs now) I replaced everything myself.

 

Are they sure the alternator is the problem? Sounds like they are trying to do 3 things to fix 1 prob. They should be checking 1 thing at a time . U joints are like 20-30 bucks id do it at home if able.

 

If you can't do you it yourself i would have your trusted mechanic do it. $660 does sound like a lot for U-joints. The alternator price as well, i still have the original alternator on my truck not sure it needs replacing unless your having issues with it.

 

I would go with Dana Spicer u-joints with zerk fittings if you can.

 

I think I paid ~$200-250 for u joints and carrier bearing to be installed. I brought them the parts.