Replacing Transmission - 2017 off-road

I’ve got a 2017 TRD off-road dclb with 129k miles that developed a bad vibration when accelerating between 20-30mph. Took it to a local dealer to get it checked out (thinking cv, u joint, possibly even wheel weights) and to my surprise they said the transmission is bad. Quoted me $4500 to replace.

Has anyone had a transmission go bad that early? Both guys I spoke to at the dealership said it’s the lowest mileage Tacoma they’ve seen one go out

 

I'd certainly want to know a lot more about what's going on AND get a second opinion from a quality independent shop.

Side bar. 4,500 seems cheap to me for one of those transmissns + labor.

@Bishop84 ?

 

100%. I’m about the least mechanically inclined person I know when it comes to that, but I’ve got the diagnostic report at home with the codes. I’ve got an appointment with a well-recommended shop later in the week to get it checked out

 

I've seen rebuilds with upgraded parts going for around 2400. I agree with Clearewater Bill, check out an independent with a good rep, and check out what's available for rebuilds.

 

Shot in the dark, but is it lifted? If so did you replace the needle bearing? That can cause a shudder right in the range that you're describing when it starts to fail.

 

Not lifted, completely stock aside from 265 tires I’ve had for a few months. Had an appointment for lift next week

 

Did they actually explain what the transmission issue allegedly is?

 

Bad TC and some other things, like I said I don’t know much about them but everything is on the diagnostic report I can check when I get home. They said it threw 3 different codes. Charged me $450 for diagnostic, trans fluid flush and replace, and some sort of additive they said could help the shudder.

 

Smells fishy. If it's bad an additive isn't going to do anything. Definitely get a second opinion. I'd also get all the stuff they say is wrong in writing, and if the second opinion shows it to be BS I'd be for making more noise. Bad shops stay in business because people don't know they are bad.

 

I guess it didn’t have the codes unless I’m just not seeing them

 

I've seen a lot of torque converter issues on Camry and Corolla. So I wouldn't be surprised to see it on a Taco. Usually the clutch material in the converter goes through everything. At that point its cheaper to replace the trans. Looks like the labor guide calls for 9 hrs to replace transmission. At $150/hr labor rate, which is what we charge, would be $1350 labor. So $4200 sounds about right.

 

You might need to drive it for the week or two before bringing it to that other shop. Just to see if that magical "Shudder Fixx" stuff might fix the problem for you...

 

Bad Transfer case, or bad Torque converter? Either way, thats not the transmission.

 

Torque converter

 

I'd do a 3 quart drain & fill every month, and see if that helps.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=7668692&cc=3437069&pt=11387&jsn=386

 

I’ve never seen fluid fix a torque converter shudder. I had to ban one of our advisors from selling the flushes because it never solved it.

I’ve never seen a Tacoma tc shudder in my career though, I’ve changed probably 300-400 converters in other models.

Unless it’s so bad it shakes the dash the converter alone usually fixes the problem.

But 4000$ sounds amazing, I think that’s a stellar price.

 

The shudder started last week. Was very minimal, just annoying. Seemed like it only happened when slowing down if a stoplight was about to catch me, and then speeding back up between 20-30. Last few days it’s got much worse, and anytime I’m between 20-30 the entire truck shakes

 

$4000 to replace the torque converter sounds good? I had a full transmission rebuild at a very reputable shop for less than $2k for another vehicle

 

Transmission, not just the converter is what I gathered.

Toyota transmissions are crazy expensive.

 

which adds to the might not be a complete replacement cost.