Knock coming from rear of tacoma

Hi all...you have all been so helpful...the knowledge that this forum offers from its members is admirable.

Here is my dilemma: I have a 2017 tacoma trd off road 4x4. After I start the vehicle in the AM and then start to drive, when I come to a stop sign and start to slow down to stop, right before I stop and have the brakes applied, I hear a knock or thump coming from the rear of my tacoma. It seems to happen when the transmission is downshifting. But interestingly enough, is that as I continue to drive, the knock seems to eventually come and go and sometimes not heard at all as I drive.

I kinda know that the transmission on the 3rd generations have their issues. But I am asking for your thoughts on this matter and if you think I have a transmission or other type problem or if this issue I mentioned is the nature of these transmission issues and it is something I just have to live with and that this is no problem and just keep driving.

Anyway, I took the truck to the dealer and they said they would have to diagnose the issue and that it could possibly cost me $120.00 plus the parts to fix if necessary...the drive train is still in warranty.

So kind ladies and gentlemen, do I have a problem and if so your thoughts on the matter, should I take my tacoma to the dealer, or if this issue is the nature of the beast(transmission).

Thanks for your feedback in advance.

Zenny

 

I'd say it's Olympia trying to get through to Seattle, but that's just geography. Otherwise, I haven't a clue as I have a Gen 2.

 

Doesn’t sound tranny related. More likely drive shaft related. It won’t heal itself. Get it fixed or it will cost more later.

 

Find a different dealer. Also, is your spare tire nice and tight against the frame?

 

Definitely get a new dealer and, as suggested check the spare tire. Assuming it's secure, get the rear end up on jack stands, and get underneath and start pulling, pushing and wiggling every damn thing under there. Driveline, spring hangers, shocks, gas tank.... I suspect something's lose and it shouldn't be too hard to find.

 

First of all did you ask who's there?

 

Always going to cost a diagnostic fee that will be waived if the repair falls under warranty. I don’t understand how people still do not understand this..
Btw sounds like axle wrap.

 

Probably the slip joint in the driveshaft. Lack of lube on the splines or too much play.

FJ's did this A LOT. There was even an updated driveshaft for them.

 

For those of you who have been following this slip yolk thread having to do with my 2017 Tacoma TRD Off Road 4x4, well I thought you might be interested in the following: I was having a knock/thump/klunk when I went to stop at a stop sign. Research and Tacoma forums showed that more than likely it is from the slip yoke needing grease. As you all know the 3rd gen Tacoma do not have a zerk for greasing the slip yoke...you have to take the rear drive shaft off to gain access to the slip yoke and remove the clamps.


Finally I was able to speak to my dealer and the master mechanic there. He told me that the reason the 3rd Gens do not have a zerk for the slip yoke is because too many people were putting to much grease in the slip yoke and causing additional problems. So Toyota decided to seal the yoke at the factory with a rubber boot and sealed clamps. In a sense, the klunk will be there when you come to a stop and be more noticeable in “D” then in “S6” because of the way the transmission and drive line functions. I have also noticed that the noise goes away the longer I drive the truck on any given day...for what that is worth. But it will not be a problem or cause damage down the road to the rear differential or transmission according to my meeting at the dealer.


He said that if you want us to grease the slip yoke we will do it but why take my money when there is not a clear or on-going danger and that I will probably come back and say that the klunk has returned. He said that he has many miles on his 4runner and has never greased the slip yoke and that he has the klunk and has for many years with no problem associated with a lack of grease in the slip yoke.


As you all know, the described slip yoke klunk is common on the Toyotos but to drive on and not to worry. But yes, it you want to gain access to the slip yoke and grease it on the 3rd Gen’s then do what is necessary and onward and upward.


That is my two cents. But again thanks to all for you thoughts and input. You have all been so kind to assist me.