Updated 7/13: Droning or Howling Noise (Drivetrain? Rear End?) Video

I don't know if I can read your posts anymore. It's going to give me an aneurysm trying to comprehend Toyota's actions. Live with it on the creaking, not going to fix or replace it? I would be furious. If that happened to me it would be game over for the tacoma. That is absolutely unacceptable.

 

The entire differential assembly was replaced. P/N: 41110-0k630

Google search the part number and you will see it's the entire assembly of guts of the rear diff.

 

Wow, those leaf springs are horrendous. You must be getting some looks going down the road in a new rig making that kind of old beater sound. I feel for you man. I'd be feeling pretty ripped off having paid that much for a new truck only to have these hassles/issues. The 2016 model year has really put me off Tacomas for perhaps a good long while if not for good. I'll be keeping my, so far trouble free 4runner till the wheels fall off. Was actually considering trading it for a new Tacoma, but not anymore now or ever.

 

My 2006 had the leaf spring issue. Toyota finally replaced them and the shocks when i loaded my truck up with mulch and drove through the new truck lot making all sorts of racket. They sent a service advisor to wave into the service bay.

On the trans issue, I just got off the phone with Durant Toyota. The SA told me that they've had countless complaints and Toyota knows about the issue. He did say that he initially had a lot of folks complaining, but it has calmed down. Makes me think the newer ones may have a fix. That's just a guess though.

Anyway, he admitted that it is s/w that's causing this and it'll have to be corrected by a new release. I told him I won't waste their time troubleshooting this anymore.

 

Corporate rep handling my case is a nice lady. I pleaded to her to watch my video on youtube to see just how bad it is. She said "sure contact us through the main toyota website, put my name and your case number in the subject line with a link to the video and I'll add it to your case file." So I asked her if she will be able to view the video from her office and she admitted she wouldn't be able to access the video.

 

I'm not confident that it's software because the software baseline for these trucks should be similar if not the same across the board. There is far too much inconsistency in reporting from Tacoma owners for it to be software related, I think. Also my sister just bought a brand new SR5 4x4 DCSB with same transmission and rear end as my TRD OR, I drove her truck and it drives (trans performs) much smoother and stronger than mine.

 

I also had mine replaced with the same issue (mine was at about 3000 miles). The whine/howl went away for a while, but here I am at 4000 miles and it is back. Doesn't sound as loud, but it is there. Debating whether I want to bring it up at the 5k service or not. I also have already been given the 7 year 100k warranty.

 

@MasterPenguins Did you settle for the 7 year 100k because that was all they offered? I mean did you try to ask for something better and that's all they gave you?

 

Had mine replaced at 451 miles and it's back at 3500.

 

At least they got one of your problems "fixed". I guess a little progress is better than none! It's crazy that the service techs will admit something isn't right, and corporate still responds in that manner.

Let us know your thoughts on the rear diff when you pick it up, I'm interested to see if that actually did fix it.

Per corporate, I took mine back to the 1st dealer today and took a ride with one of their seasoned techs., who finally admitted that the noise was not normal. Now they're opening a case with corporate about how to proceed with a fix. Put me in a 2016 4Runner for a few days, which I'm actually very impressed with!

 

And this is a perfect example of WHY NOT to "throw parts at problems"... there needs to be a root cause analysis performed because obviously there is some root cause here that has not been identified. I am suspecting a driveline angle could be the culprit but I'm no Auto-engineer.

 

Yeah, I'll wait for the fix for a year or so then convince my wife she needs a newer vehicle so I can have her 2013 limited 4runner. Now, that is indeed a sweet ride.

 

I have the rumble too. Both are caused by the driveline angles. That has to be why mine is back, but I also had super low fluid in mine which is why it failed so quick and was so loud. This whine is not the same as I had, but it is what everyone else is describing.

 

That was just what I asked for when the issue first appeared. I thought that was fair compensation for the issue.

 

I told corporate I want the leaf springs replaced/repaired --even if that only gets me another 10k and I would also take the 8 year / 125k warranty with it. I'm guessing that warranty is transferable, so if I decide to private sell the truck that should help me out on resale down the road. I could be wrong on transfer however maybe they alter the rules since it's a "compensation" warranty given as a freebie.

 

My 7 year 100k I got as compensation IS transferable. So I assume yours would be too.

 

When they call me to pick it up, I will push back.

 

My is transferable as well.

 

Got the call this evening, dealership has ordered parts to replace the rear differential. Apparently this isn't that uncommon of an issue for corporate, as it only took them a few hours to authorize the repair. Looks like I'm keeping the 4Runner for a few more days!