PreRunner driveline vibration between 35-45mph

Hi all,

Looking for some advice. My 2004 PreRunner double cab has vibration between 35-45mph. The truck is not lifted, and has 225,000 on it. U-joints are greased, and wheels/tires were recently replaced and balanced.

The vibration is faint, but annoying. It seems to be more relevant while I am accelerating, and less as I let off the gas. I dealt with this in my 3rd gen after I lifted it, and eventually replaced the transfer case DS bearing with the ECGS bearing. However, my first gen truck is a 2x4.

I think it's either a wheel bearing or driveshaft. It does feel more like a driveline/driveshaft imbalance than a wheel bearing.

I'm looking for advice from you all and if you have experienced this before. I could not find a similar instance using the search feature.

Thanks- Grant

 

Any clunking going into or out of gears (reverse, park)?

I'm going to say carrier bearing.

If you've recently changed it or have had the DS off the truck, might have to adjust it's alignment.

If not and it's original, replace it. It's most likely shot to hell, my 02 was at 160k - and it had been that way for some time.

Be sure to mark it when removing.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-replacing-carrier-bearing.260283/

 

No clunking going into or out of gears. Did you have vibrations before you replaced your carrier bearing and if so, did it fix the issue?

Thanks- Grant

 

No vibrations but I recall some reporting it. I would still check it for excessive play and at the least, put it on the list to replace it.

 

I just went under the truck and checked it. There's not much play- I would say 1/8-1/4 inch of total play. I went ahead and ordered an OEM replacement and will go ahead and replace.

Is there anything else that could cause the vibration?

Thanks for the help on this- Grant

 

This is the one that most of us use, much cheaper than toyota OEM. Don't take that the wrong way though, I'm all for OEM and there are very few if any exceptions I make. This is one of them.

$92 Spicer 211750-1X Center Bearing

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GAPFD2E/

Other possible causes to consider -

 

I replaced the bearing yesterday. The vibration seems to be gone. I couldn't tell how bad the old bearing was until I took it apart. Glad I did this. Thanks for the advice.

Super easy job. Took me about 90min.

Thanks- Grant