Vibration at 60 MPH???

Any updates on the truck ? i too have the very exact same vibration you are expiriencing .

 

I can't believe I haven't updated this thread. Back in June, the issue was FINALLY resolved, but appears to be coming back. What finally fixed it was a whole new rear end (which again, I had advised from the beginning that the issue was a pinion bearing).


All in all, here is what all Toyota had done:

1. Replaced 2 piece driveshaft, carrier bearing and u-joints (didn't fix)
2. Replaced full transmission (bought new tires from them too and still no fix)
3. Pulled the rear end off of an updated truck (new), removed the 4 leaf spring system and put the new leaf springs and rear end on (PROBLEM SOLVED).

However, it is starting to come back.

 

Guys, I came across this thread by accident but thought I would chime in. Mine does the same thing but I never thought anything of it because my 04 4runner did the same thing at a slightly higher speed. I think it is the engine....it reminds me of an "exhaust moan" I had on an 02 Silverado that GM had a tsb about. Note that my 4runner had the same engine as the Tacomas but a different trans as it was the 4 speed auto. I think it is related to the engine resonating at certain rpms because as the OP mentioned it subsides when coasting or lightening up on the skinny pedal. I should mention it was widely discussed on t4r.org.....I think these engines just have a lot of NVH....and the torque converters send some vibes as well.

 

Just to add to the thread - I have the same exact problem, and it's a new development. 2009 Sport DCab 4x4 auto w/ 75k miles. I have never had this before, but recently when going from about 60-72 there is the very noticable hum or groan from the truck. The best way I can describe it is that it "feels" like the truck is straining to accelerate (like it's going uphill without downshifting or accelerating into wind), but it's actually not. It is NOT tire related (I know what that feels like). There is no steering wheel vibration or anything of that nature, just feedback through the pedal. Doesn't matter if accelerating or not. I drive the truck 98% on the highway at 60+, so it's not like it's been abused. To add to what some others have said, it's recently gotten into the 30's here temeperature wise, and that's when I've noticed it starting.

Bottom line I've gathered from reading this whole thread is that the consensus is that it's driveline related (I agree) but there is no 100% concrete fix. Unfortunately, I'm not in a position to throw a bunch of money into a problem that doesn't APPEAR to be doing any actual harm and goes away once I get into my most common driving speed. Just a frustating problem indeed.

 

I personally don't think it is driveline related. It makes no difference whether mine is in 4wd or 2wd, just whether or not I am either accelerating gently or going up an incline in top gear. Have you recently done anything related to the engine? As I mentioned, I had the same sensation at different speeds in my 4Runner which had the same engine, but different trans, tcase, etc.

 

Ok guys, I've been reading about these vibration issues for a year now. That's how long I've had my truck and that's how long I've had the vibration. Unfortunately I test drove a different truck cuz they didn't have the color so I ordered mine new.
Anyway 60mph and over, it's been progressively worse. I have 14700 miles now and finally had time to take it in for my yearly inspection, oil change, new blower motor and the VIBRATION that actually shakes the passenger seat if nobody is in it. The dealer felt it and but couldn't find where it was coming from. They opened a Case # with Toyota and ended up doing what I suggested from all the reading: They rotated the carrier bearing housing 180 degrees where the drive shaft is held in place. They claim it's fixed but I won't get a chance to check their work until tomorrow morning. Wish me luck and I'll report back.

 

I have this same problem since mile 2. I have had the tires balanced on rotated at least 4 times in 5000 miles. My passenger seat also shakes at 65-70 mph and it comes and goes. I am ready to yank the Dunlops off and put something else on, but I do not feel like throwing money at the problem if it is not going to fix it. It is driving me crazy so I will be curious to see if rotating the bearing housing will solve it?

 

Well I got to try it today. By the way I looked underneath to see if anything was done. I'm not a mechanic so bare with me as my story is changing slightly. The carrier bearing that is question is actually at the joint sort of in the middle of the drive shaft (2 piece drive shaft) to keep everything in line. It's hard to tell if they rotated the housing but I could definitely tell the whole bracket that holds the housing to the frame was slid to the drivers side by about 1/2 inch. Whether they did it on purpose or not I don't know but my guess is yes. What it did was to change the resonating frequency. In other words, it now vibrates more between 40-55 and much less between 60-75 but it still does it. I'd say the hum that hurts my ear is around 62.
So-- I think since the housing is on slots, it is just two screws that you can loosen to move it around and change the angle enough where you may be able to find a happy medium?
Sorry I dot have the end-all answer but maybe some help.

 

BTW I forgot to mention... the dealer said he never saw this before. I call B.S.

 

I had the same problems you guys are describing and finally got the dealer to agree to look into this further. Unfortunately I started to mod the truck so I know they won't be able to diagnose these issues further. I installed OME 885 coils up front with 90000 struts to handle weight of ARB and winch. I also put OME shocks in the rear (I have rear spring TSB too). Oddly enough the vibrations have gotten better.

 

Can't seem to figure out whats the problem on mines also . while on the freeway i noticed it runs smooth till i hit 55mph , then i start to feel and hear a rum rum rum sound all the way up to 60mph, it drones out and go away after 60mph , im guessing it could be a torque converter related issue. my first oil change is due soon . I'll have them check it out and let you guys know the outcome!!!

 

This did not fix my stock truck.

-Jeff

 

Has anyone put washers on the carrier bearing to drop it slightly to see if it helps a stock truck?

 

I may be trying that, good idea

 

Well the vibration is getting REALLY bad after 60. Loud and almost undrivable. I called the dealer and said it's not fixed. He asked if I want an appointment. I said only if you give me a free loaner. He said only if he had it for more than 2 days. I said you had it for 2 days and said it was done. I said if I knew it wasn't finished, I would have made you keep it. He said he couldn't help. I told him nicely that I was going to call Toyota corporation and let them know what is going on. So I did. The Customer Relations Manager from the dealership called today and said that a corporate tech specialist comes once per month and got me an appointment for that day with a free loaner.
See what happens when you don't take no...
I hope to get to the bottom of this.

 

Did you ever try spacing the carrier bearing down? I might try it today because with the colder weather it seems to have gotten worse on my truck, the other thing I noticed is with a full tank almost no vibes but at 1/2 a tank it just keeps getting worse. Anybody else notice this?

 

I just added 3 3/8" fender washers with a slightly longer bolt to my carrier bearing, that got rid of 80% of my 69-74 MPH vibes. Glad I finally did it, give it a try it only cost me a few bucks and a trip to the hardware store, I sure hope it lasts.

 

mine starts vibrating a tiny bit when i hit 85. once i get up above 95 it goes away thoe

 

Subbed to this for my expected battle with the dealer next week

 

Drop it off tomorrow to be 'fixed' can't wait!