2nd Gen Tacoma (vs 5th Gen 4Runner): Doors Squeaking

[Plannerman]

My Tacoma is coming up on 100k miles and the doors seem to make a lot of noise whenever I drive over rough surfaces. I've gotten used to this enough that it doesn't make me nutty anymore. On some level, I attribute this to using the truck offroad and figure I just live with the consequences. Occasionally, I wipe the seals down with silicone lube or the like and the sound goes away. Also, on hot days, the sound generally goes away. But...

This weekend, while in Death Valley, I hopped in my buddies 5th Gen 4Runner to move it down the trail and make room for some of our group's trucks. His truck is set up very similar to mine, similar age, similar suspension, similar mileage, offroading, etc., and not a peep. No door noise, no squeaking, rattling, are anything.

So, what's up here? Is something wrong with my truck? Doors? Door seals? Or is the 5th Gen just so much better built?

Thanks

 

[Hoot23]

The Tacoma's are built in the US. My understanding is that the 4Runner is one of the last Toyota's that is still fully imported. I've always noticed the 4Runners feel a little "tighter" and not quite as "loose" compared to my buddies Tacoma's of similar years and mileage, my buddies with the Tacoma's have noticed the same thing. And that was with the 4th gens also, so its not just yours compared to a 5th gen. Tacoma's are awesome rigs and I would never have an ounce of problem driving/owning one though. You may have an issue with the door seals depending on how bad it is but I wouldn't think so.

 

[Plannerman]

I've been wondering whether the door seals have just started to wear out and maybe need to be replaced.

 

[Hoot23]

Thats definitely a possibility. And with you saying that it stops making those noises when you lube them or on hot days I would say thats not a bad idea. I would guess it would be a fairly inexpensive effort and could be a cheap fix.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Cue reference to C-channel frame vs. fully boxed.

Is yours a Double Cab or Access Cab?

I dunno if the frame has anything to do with it. Maybe, shrug. But the Tacoma frame does flex more, no one disputes this and Toyota even admits it (it's called a 'compliant' frame). The 4Runner has pretty rigid frame and unless you have a regular cab the wheel base is going to be a shorter in the 4Runner. It's I think about 110" compared to 127" or 138" for the longer cab trucks. So I have no doubt the Tacoma is going to seem less rigid.

I notice that our new-to-us Access Cab definitely squeaks more than my old XtraCab (which has very worn out seals but doesn't really squeak much), but I attribute that to the huge opening to make the rear door and elimination of the B-pillar. It's not offensive and the access to the back in the Access Cab is well worth it.

 

[Plannerman]

I have also wondered about the frame flexibility. It flexes a lot. Maybe it is better / more accurate to say that it twists a lot. Enough that a shell I had on the truck would contact the rear window seal when he truck was fully cross-axle and articulated

 

[p nut]

Cue reference to C-channel frame vs. fully boxed.

Ai, staying out of this one.....

 

[RINZLER]

Been looking for a solution as well. Large over on TW sent me this

I went to a hardware store and bought 30' of 1/4" ID thick wall plastic tubing, I think the OD was maybe 7/16" .. it might have been 3/8" but I don't recall exactly. Anyway I cut 2 slits in to each door seal, one horizontal and 1 vertical and cut the tubing to length. I crammed the tubing in to the door seal until it wouldn't go anymore and cut it off, repeat for all 4 doors. I may have to remove this tubing though and go with even thicker wall tubing as the front right door seal is making a very slight peep, but barely noticeable.

 

[TwoTrack]

I notice that my AC Tundra makes a lot more noise than my dads old DC. I was recently out with a few guys and one of them had a Titan AC and complained that his squeaks a lot too. I think there is more give in the AC trucks due to the suicide doors.

 

[Plannerman]

I notice that my AC Tundra makes a lot more noise than my dads old DC. I was recently out with a few guys and one of them had a Titan AC and complained that his squeaks a lot too. I think there is more give in the AC trucks due to the suicide doors.

Makes sense

 

[Plannerman]

New seals ordered. Stay tuned

 

[brianjwilson]

Makes sense

This was a similar complaint in the ford Rangers for years. Initially the extended cabs didn't have rear doors. As soon as they started having opening rear doors the trucks started squeaking more due to the extra flexing. I sold fords and distinctly remember hearing the difference between the two body designs. I had a 98 without the rear doors and it was more solid than newer trucks WITH the doors. I had a sport trac later (4 full doors on the same frame) and it was sturdy and quiet.

Hopefully the new seals help quiet it down some, it couldn't hurt. But I wouldn't be surprised if some of the noise is inherent due to the design. And of course that damn C channel frame.... =P

 

[rickashay]

I notice that my AC Tundra makes a lot more noise than my dads old DC. I was recently out with a few guys and one of them had a Titan AC and complained that his squeaks a lot too. I think there is more give in the AC trucks due to the suicide doors.

Same with my Tundra AC. Was thinking about adding a simple "roll bar" behind the front seats and tieing into the roof at some point to try and stiffen it up. Slippery slope... lol

 

[Plannerman]

Update: I replaced the rubber seals on the front doors and the difference is amazing. The squeaks are gone and the doors shut very snugly. It's like having a brand new truck again! So happy with the results!

 

[RINZLER]

That's good to know man! how much were the seals if you don't mind me asking?