strange vibration problem with Tacoma

[ldivinag]

could be a driveshaft phase issue:

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Driveline-101.shtml

 

[valkyrie]

could be a driveshaft phase issue:

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Driveline-101.shtml

Unlikely if the d/s ha never been removed. My guess is tailshaft to yoke... either a u-joint or the CSB.

Second guess is CV's.

I think the front pinion bearing is a looong shot and doesn't necessarily require a new diff, usually just a bearing.

Post up when you get it figured out...

 

[ywen]

I really think it's the front diff bearing. Given that the noise goes away when 4x4 is engaged. Toyota dealership has been replaceing the entire front diff for Tundra and Tacoms under warranty since many of them develop this issue... I haven't heard too much being reported on 1st gen ones.

How much of a job would it be to replace the front diff bearing?

 

[ywen]

not to be too alarmist, but this sounds an awful lot like a bad bearing in your front differential, where the c.v. goes in. if you search on ttora or tundra solutions, or even try googling, there are a lot of guys who describe this issue and the only cure unfortunately is a new diff. i hope it is not the case, but what makes me see the similarity is the noise going away when 4wd is engaged. i know your truck's height is stock, so it is not as common, this is symptomatic of add trucks with c.v. angles altered from coilover lifts, the angle causes wear on the bearings, whereas a manual hub truck doesn't have to worry.

Hmm rather than replacing the front diff with a new one ($1400 for parts alone), I'm thinking why not just convert to manual hubs? Will get rid of the issue in 2WD and I don't seem to have any issues so far in 4WD.. Anyone else feel this could be a reasonable fix of the issue without replacing the front diff input bearing?

 

[CJCA]

Process of elimination. Pull the front driveshaft and try it out. If the problem persists, reinstall the front shaft, pull the rear shaft, lock it in 4wd and try it out. Let us know the results.

 

[sargeek]

Sounds very familiar!

This sounds very familiar to the problem I was experiencing and started this thread: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43467

I have not experienced it for a long time. I recently had the truck serviced and the front brakes were replaced, along with an oil change at a Toyota only shop and the mechanics found nothing wrong.

Weird! Let me know what you find out.

 

[ywen]

check out this thread.. not very promising..

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=220615&highlight=5100+noise+vibration

 

[laxtoy]

Hmm rather than replacing the front diff with a new one ($1400 for parts alone), I'm thinking why not just convert to manual hubs? Will get rid of the issue in 2WD and I don't seem to have any issues so far in 4WD.. Anyone else feel this could be a reasonable fix of the issue without replacing the front diff input bearing?

if you are a ttora member, there are guys selling used diffs all the time, often for around $100 or a little higher, all you have to do is make sure to get one with the correct gear ratio and with an add diff ttube (if you keep your automatic hubs), i would not buy a new one from toyota. if you really wanted you could likely find a differential shop who could just replace the bearing itself (i do think this is an option). you want to be absolutely sure this is the problem though, replacing the front diff is a major sob from my understanding. the noise would likely go away if going to manual hubs, but the bearing would still be bad, not sure how it would affect you in the long run. i would say your best bet at this point is to take it to a good shop, one that may be specific to what you think it is (differential shop, driveline shop, idk) and get a professional opinion. hope this helps, good luck