New guy already getting into driveline vibration scene

Since everyone's hanging in for the next exciting detail of my saga...

Diagnosis: A bad U-joint. Will have part tomorrow and will replace then.
Don't think he (Asst Mgr) said which one (and what do I know--my only image of d-shaft/u-joint is from long ago: one-piece, with I thought ONE u-joint). He did confirm my truck has 2-piece drive shaft.
Work is under warranty.

He said first we need to take care of this and see what truck is like with new u-joint. I buy that, and said so. Still, I inserted question: did guy check shaft angle? No.
But I think that was likely pointless since he'll be disconnecting it... Insofar as I understand these things.

Sorry I ramble. First visit to ANY dealership since 7/2015, when this one became dead to me. Still recovering from this AM.

>>Not that I'm cynical... but might any of you advise that i take pics of joint/s now... to be sure that one actually gets changed?
I've seen pics of modern u-joints, but not entirely sure of what I'm looking for under this (2wd) animal.

(This would make sense if you really knew me: I've seen a fair amount of the underbelly when changing rear wheels twice a year. Never noticed much more than the axle and wheels.
That's like going to college and graduating with the ability to pronounce my name correctly.)

>>And after changing a u-joint, wouldn't the tech check shaft to make sure it's level?

Going back early AM (EST)
Would hugely appreciate it if any of you has a minute to set me straight on those >>2 questions.

Thank you!
 
4wd said:
And you know,,, some of my statements/observations really sound like 'taco bashing , but it's not, at the end of the day we as 'yota owners realize tho' trucks not perfect, can't really see driving anything else, unless pulling a huge trailer, I pull a 3300lb trailer with a 3400 lb truck (nothing I'd advise) But I've rebuilt my leafs to a strong 3/4 ton & although that trailer can slap me around like a pinata (because of weight) the trucks never felt unsafe/unstable in corners /dips/off camber corners ,etc while towing..
Click to expand...

Thank you, 4wd. Do not know about axle wrap?
Also, will get back to you about my trailer adventures in some detail after further dealer syndrome recovery.
 
4wd said:
No worries , I'm here to help /share knowledge, & to learn & absorb what I don't know from you guys so it's a win-win in my book.. Ok NOW we're getting somewhere (maybe) I'd be reluctant to tow anything with stock Tacoma rear suspension , because IMO ( nothing more) & because of the too soft susp. I've found it down right dangerous in far too many conditions that for other comparable trucks would be no issue, & I forgot to mention the famous 'Taco axlewrap, are you familiar with this condition ?
Click to expand...

sorry 4wd
no question mark
meant I do not know of or about axle wrap
 
whippersnapper02 said:
Since you are 4wd you will need to make sure the U joints are greased or grease them yourself. There are 5 in total...3 on the rear shaft and 2 up front.
Click to expand...
It's 2wd ;)


If you don't trust them take pictures or mark the parts with a sharpie. This is what you'd be looking for.
IMG_2851.JPG
kell2012 said:
I've seen pics of modern u-joints, but not entirely sure of what I'm looking for under this (2wd) animal. !
Click to expand...
 
Man... it’s insane the ordeal someone has to go through at a dealership.
I’m thankful I have a little bit of basic knowledge from taking a two year automotive technology program years ago. Someone that has no idea is completely at the mercy of whatever the shop tells them.
Forums like this are great for reasons like that.
 
IMG_5836.JPG

Thanks all.
I'm understanding this is the u-joint and only one.

Funny, that's the point i use to lift her with the floor jack.
NOOOOO. I'm not quite that stupid.

I don't trust them and ssso, would trust them to apply the necessary to remove sharpie. Is a little knife scratch here or there okay?

Just came off IV fluids. Gotta use remaining daylight for 35 mm shots

Thank you!
 

Attachments

  • IMG_5836.JPG
    IMG_5836.JPG
    671.8 KB · Views: 7
OR17TRD said:
It's 2wd ;)


If you don't trust them take pictures or mark the parts with a sharpie. This is what you'd be looking for.
View attachment 12586
Click to expand...

Looks, if they mean anything, and my gut tell me the rear diff joint is likely bad one...

If anyone is interested in fact/stupid/joint number checking me:
Thanks!
Have a great night, guys!

- Here's shot I got of transmission end u-joint:

IMG_8781 copy.JPG


Mid-point, connecting 2 shaft pieces:
Two pics

IMG_8780 copy.JPG

IMG_8787 copy.JPG


IMG_8788 copy.JPG
 
I'm wondering how ( & why) a "2 piece" drive shaft with a carrier bearing does it without DBL cardan

img_8787-copy-jpg.12592
 
Thanks 4wd. I had to look up cardan to make sure it was a new stretch sedan i hadn't heard of. Lolololololhahaha
Based on me immense knowledge the WHY is first 98% money. Could offer general corp calculus but you already know and I babble enough.

Confirmed rear joint. "It's called a u joint spider kit."
Ugly like photo means as much as Look lady at rust on your rotors. Need to replace them.

But along with design--thank you 4wd--and manuf failures i know number and pressure of my tows etc

Aaaand so it's back to the trailer stuff, 4wd---
 
4wd said:
And you know,,, some of my statements/observations really sound like 'taco bashing , but it's not, at the end of the day we as 'yota owners realize tho' trucks not perfect, can't really see driving anything else, unless pulling a huge trailer, I pull a 3300lb trailer with a 3400 lb truck (nothing I'd advise) But I've rebuilt my leafs to a strong 3/4 ton & although that trailer can slap me around like a pinata (because of weight) the trucks never felt unsafe/unstable in corners /dips/off camber corners ,etc while towing..
Click to expand...


No I don't read you as Taco bashing. Guys don't kill me but i see it a LITTLE like the jeepers. Jeepers drown in problems. But this is what they like to drive. It's all it may have lot of crap happen, but it's my JEEP. Lousy analogy. I believe we all love the Tacoma in its essence. But wish Toyota would do some better design things, quality control, owning up to problems.

Soooo. This was 5th year that included one 900 mile round trip pulling popup. Just did in August--Taco symptoms presented 5-6 days before departure.

Taco regular package. Rear shocks replaced 2015 as said--reg no time for heavy D ones to arrive. SWAY of course the enemy.

Got popper 2012 first pull with pilot. Jayco J series medium. One axle. No thinking required.
Pause for pilot tears

Taco low height: turned tow thingy upside down switched ball direction.
First 3 yrs. basically knew what sway was but just packed jayco n Taco as made sense to me. No prob.

No way with cargo that trailer exceeds 2000 pounds. Still lots of killing AC and having to drop into 2d on some hills in traffic.

Last yr: subtract wife. I'm solo in Taco n she takes added bikes n dog factor w/her Shhhentra.
I hadn't liked camper pulling ball down plus elec cable close to road. So i messed with a passable thing.

Raised rear tires to 38 psi. Moved more load weight toward front of truck. Have no recall of consciously pushing weight behind camper axle.

A mile onto highway i saw the sway start. Didn't see what I could effectively do to weight distrib in camper at that pt. Just kept speed down, goosed gas lightly cresting hills and down, used stick n feathered brakes. Prevented threat of sway knowing results of actual full sway. 460 m later my eyes were bleeding. Return trip was good with reshuffling weight, tweaking down psi in rear and camper.

So then I had to go physicist. Also returning to basic psi. And STILL this year she was prone to some wobble on way out. Crammed myself into camper and messed around. Good but not perfect.
Way back i got it right. But the paranoia always makes me think I see a little possible sway here and there.

Long tale.
Axle wrap. I didn't peek but can only imagine sway tornado resulting in axle wrapped around some innocents...
 
I'm luck to have a good dealership that I can trust if I need their assistance. Most things I can handle myself or with help from the great people here on Tacoma forum..
 
Yes, you are right on. I knew worse dealers than this one--but may yet find good one in area.

And all the expertise and sharing of info and experience. We do get that in spades in a forum like this one.

GIGANTIC THANK YOU to all of you for the IMMENSE help and your toleration of my long screeds.

U- joint and all installed. Early not busy so three guys on it. Out in 1.5 hours. The throaty deep sound and mild vibe are gone. And yeah new joint looks very different from old. Hopefully all good from here. Something could end up happening with shaft angle but not worrying now.

Particular major Thank You to person/s who recommended riding with tech--he had me drive--and making sure I got problem logged w/Toyota at minimum. Sorry I don't remember your handles.

I really really appreciate all of your feedback and advice. THANK YOU
 
Diagram of axle wrap (or rather what spring is going thru during this condition... Under acceleration, condition replicates itself on deceleration to a full stop. It feels like a "thump" when coming to a complete stop...This is a huge problem that's going to continue until a new spring design is in place..

upload_2017-9-15_11-23-32.jpeg
 
4wd said:
Diagram of axle wrap (or rather what spring is going thru during this condition... Under acceleration, condition replicates itself on deceleration to a full stop. It feels like a "thump" when coming to a complete stop...This is a huge problem that's going to continue until a new spring design is in place..

View attachment 12601
Click to expand...
I get this in my 2017. First time it happens I almost lost it on the lady behind me because I thought she hit my brand new Tacoma. :mad:
 
OR17TRD said:
I get this in my 2017. First time it happens I almost lost it on the lady behind me because I thought she hit my brand new Tacoma. :mad:
Click to expand...
I always leave my reciever hitch in for that reason. If someone rear ends me it will take some of the damage [emoji4]
 
OR17TRD said:
I get this in my 2017. First time it happens I almost lost it on the lady behind me because I thought she hit my brand new Tacoma. :mad:
Click to expand...

Yep, too soft spring & not enough support for the shackle(rear) or hanger(front) ends , great for a cushy "car like" ride , but horrible once any mild demands are made, I hated that ****, felt like the 3rd./pinion was getting pushed & pulled where it connects to the diff, always felt like the truck stopped twice when coming to a stop.. haha this has been going on since mid 1995 (first gen begins)


Correction, up to1997 the tacomas leafspring was about 2" shorter i believe,which of course would give a firmer ride
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top