New guy already getting into driveline vibration scene

kell2012

Active Member
Hello Everyone

I have a 2012 Tacoma: RWD, Access cab, MANUAL 5 spd, I4

I reviewed Driveline Vibration T-SB-0008-14 and 2012 one. They specify automatic transmissions. Anyone heard of Toyota covering repairs for a MANUAL?

My situation:
Still in drivetrain warranty (bought new Jan 2013)
At 54,400k: sudden change. Truck has a deeper, throaty sound and slight rumbling (for lack of a better word) coming from below and behind driver seat. Also the sound of bearings (hell, what do I know what it is) or glass marbles clacking. Coming from same direction.
I hear this exactly as described in the TSBs.
I get to 15 mph in 1st gear, put it in 2nd, push right through 25 mph—and it’s a different animal.
Handling is the same. Just sounds and feels like it hit puberty and voice changed—and it thinks it grew a couple more cylinders.

HOWEVER
Right NOW I get a very slight vibration in floorboard—BUT nowhere else.

Questions:
Will this get worse over time?
I ask because I’m at 55,900k/a few months of drivetrain warranty left.
It’s a short window.
I wonder whether Toyota would cover me before warranty expiration…

Keeping in mind that my expertise doesn’t extend much beyond changing oil:
The TSBs seem to be addressing symptoms, but not causes.
My mechanic says something about the leaf springs is causing drive shaft angle to change. Doesn’t sound great.

I’d appreciate any info you have.
THANK YOU
 
I'm pretty sure it's a new leaf pack that changes the angle for that TSB. @whippersnapper02 was just trying to get his done. He might know more about this situation.
Do you have any aftermarket mods, lift wheels tires etc.?
The TSB should be different than a warranty covered issue. Covered differently.
 
I'm pretty sure it's a new leaf pack that changes the angle for that TSB. @whippersnapper02 was just trying to get his done. He might know more about this situation.
Do you have any aftermarket mods, lift wheels tires etc.?
The TSB should be different than a warranty covered issue. Covered differently.

The TSB is just for payload handling. There is a recall but that's for possible leaf spring separation. Toyota will more than likely not do anything about vibrations. Mine has done it since new and Toyota just blamed my Banks exhaust.
 
The TSB is just for payload handling. There is a recall but that's for possible leaf spring separation. Toyota will more than likely not do anything about vibrations. Mine has done it since new and Toyota just blamed my Banks exhaust.
Rumble rumble rumble...
 
I'm pretty sure it's a new leaf pack that changes the angle for that TSB. @whippersnapper02 was just trying to get his done. He might know more about this situation.
Do you have any aftermarket mods, lift wheels tires etc.?
The TSB should be different than a warranty covered issue. Covered differently.

Thanks OR17
It appears... Toyota will cover this stuff under original warranties. Attached image is from 2014 TSB. Bugs me that leaf replacement would only be basic warranty. Sure, not part of d-train, but apparently the CAUSE of a d-train problem.
No mods other than tonneau cover and hitch. Tire changes but same specs, including snows that i switch in every winter. However they are on steel rims, if that makes a diff. 2014 tsb excerpt.jpg
Have pulled pop-up camper for one long trip per year, after verifying w/Toyota that it's valid/certified.

Thanks whippersnapper
Has Toyota stated it's only about payload?
 
OR17, now I see your earlier point--that if this is about payload or something it could be straight warranty coverage, under applicabale warranty terms, not any included in a TSB.
 
OR17, now I see your earlier point--that if this is about payload or something it could be straight warranty coverage, under applicabale warranty terms, not any included in a TSB.

It was also for 6 lug trucks. I don't think there was anything for the 5 luggers.
 
A lot being said about Leaf Spring Separation...

If anyone cares to comment: do my springs seem to have problems? I see what I'd call separation, but we already know my level of expertise.
Three shots: one from back of left, and both sides of right wheel.
Thanks!
IMG_5823.jpg



IMG_5819.jpg


IMG_5821.jpg
 
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