Shutter/Vibration around 1500 RPM accelerating to 30MPH

Hey everyone, stuck with an issue that won’t go away. Need some advice. My 2009 Toyota Tacoma V6 2WD approx. 189k miles is having a vibration in low RPM (at 1500rmp accelerating from 25-30 mph). I have tried numerous things I have read on the forum but nothing seems to fix it. Here is the latest work I have done:

• Replaced all ignition coils
• Replaced front wheel bearings
• Replaced front rotors & brake pads
• Replaced Back brake shoes
• Replaced spark plugs
• Replaced transmission filter
• Replaced transmission fluid

At this point I am unsure what can still be giving me this vibration. It is especially noticeable when driving up-hill within the range I mentioned above. Vibration/Shutter disappears above 2000 rpm all together. No vibration at any other speeds higher than 35 mph either. Any advice to a fix? I have taken it to the dealership & a personal mechanic who state that the transmission is fine. No codes are registering an issue so I am at a loss for what it could be. Please help! TY.

 

Make sure the truck is cold.

Get under the truck and look at your catalytic converter on the driver side. See if there is a clamshell shield on there. Most likely there isn't....and most likely you have a rusted out clamp hanging on for dear life making that intermittent vibration noise. That's what happened to my 2014 Tacoma with 106K on the clock. It will be stuck between the catalytic converter and a "Y" shaped exhaust hanger on the driver side.

The bolt holding the clamp was completely rusted as was the nut. And there are 2 bolts for the front of the protector/heat shield that must have completely rusted out.

I ordered a whole new set (2 clamshell havles, 3 bolts, 2 nuts, and a clamp) for $105 to my door.

Look at my thread for pics.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/exhaust-clamp-identification-please.800912/

 

Never heard of a converter shield cause a vibration or shudder.
It usually cause a rattle.

I’d put the truck in 4th gear and drive it. See if the shudder gets better?
Then maybe try 3rd gear.

We need to isolate the problem.
It could be the torque converter or driveshaft. Fining to need to change driving style to help figure this one out.

 

I’ll definitely look today. After endlessly looking through the forums my only guess’s could be:

-solenoid in transmission
-u-joints
-driveshaft

I’m in the process of elimination now. hopefully someone else has had this fix. I am also thinking another transmission fluid change as a few forums said they did it repeatedly over a few weeks and it seemed to help.

 

If it is the converter, LubeGuard has helped. (Sometimes). Do the 4th gear test and let us know what you find.

Obviously, the shudder isn’t there in Park/Neutral when reving the engine? Correct?
And it’s not there on deceleration?

 

When was the last time the U joints were greased?

 

Correct! The car is fine in other gears and idle. It only happens when accelerating in drive at 1500 but low Mph between 25-30 mph. Feels like the truck is trying to accelerate then a thud thud thud feeling shaking the truck. It’s not a light shake either. After getting new ignition coils the truck ran smooth for for the 10 miles then once taking it uphill was rough.

No issues decelerating.

& I don’t believe I have had the u-joints greased in sometime. After reading some of the posts that could for sure be the culprit.

 

I hear people whine about the 5K services but if done right every thing gets checked, replaced greased etc. and takes less than an hour.

 

This

 

Sweet, I’ll try to have them greased ASAP (possibly replaced too if needed). & I’ll try 4th gear test just to be sure. For transparency I drive A lot for work anywhere between 35k-40k miles a year since I’m in sales.

 

Definitely sounds like TC shudder. I had it and went away with Dr. Tranny Fix but came back. I replaced the TC and havent had issues since.

 

Ok so maybe torque converter needs replacement?

 

Most likely, if it doesn't shudder in the 4th gear test TnShooter mentioned then yes. I got mine from these guys https://floridatorqueconverters.com/Toyota-Torque-Converters-89-90.html

 

Looks like it does not shudder or have any issues in 4th gear. Torque converter seems to be the culprit here.

 

Sorry man.
You might try adding some LubeGuard.
Some guys have had luck with it.

If you want to learn about this transmission, see the link below.
It’s GREAT.

LubeGuard is in post 3
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...th-pics-for-second-gen-4-liter-trucks.289913/

 

I appreciate your help! I’ll definitely update once I get it handled with some results.

 

Check your drive shaft carrier bearing and transmission mount

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwVVX3QLlkM

 

Update, turns put it was my solenoid. Got that replaced & fluid flush in the transmission. Glad I’m I got to the botto. Of it!

 

Did you do it yourself or went to a shop?
I'm having the exact same issue.
Would you mind sharing where you got the solenoid from? Thanks