New Solution to the Clunking problem?

[mtufenk]

I took my 07 in for the 15k maintenance. I told the mechanic about the clunking noise I hear when I start from a dead stop (which progressively gets worse the closer I get to the next service interval). I have read on this forum that its a design flaw that is normal and requires packing of grease somewhere toward the read of the drivetrain.

The mechanic told me of a new TSB that came out about 2 weeks ago that addresses this problem. The TSB claims its due to the "joint between the rear transmission mount and the frame crossmember" and provides instructions in the TSB on how to replace these parts.

The dealer has ordered the parts and will be free of cost since the car is still within the powertrain warranty.

I always thought the noise was an internal problem but the fix is external.

Has anybody had this fix completed on their Sequoia and did it solve the problem?

[mustang67408]

It's worked on the last 2 Tundras we did

[brentdom]

Is this TSB for the Tundra also and is it for both 2WD and 4WD? When I bring the truck in to the dealer will they know about the TSB or should I bring a copy of one printed out and from where?

[mustang67408]

YEAR(S) MODEL(S) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
2005 – 2007 Sequoia Drive Type(s): 2WD
Transmission(s): 5AT
VDS(s): ZT34A, ZT38A


2005 – 2006 Tundra Drive Type(s): 2WD
Transmission(s): 5AT
VDS(s): ET341, ET381, JT321, JU321, RT341,
RT381, RU341

[sequoiasoon]

Originally Posted by mustang67408

YEAR(S) MODEL(S) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
2005 – 2007 Sequoia Drive Type(s): 2WD
Transmission(s): 5AT
VDS(s): ZT34A, ZT38A


2005 – 2006 Tundra Drive Type(s): 2WD
Transmission(s): 5AT
VDS(s): ET341, ET381, JT321, JU321, RT341,
RT381, RU341

Mustang,
What parts are changed/fixed and would it do anything for prior years (03)?

[mustang67408]

Nothing in print from Toyota. We have found that if the driveshaft has a slip yoke, all the grease needs to be cleaned out and then we lightly clean all the debris, dirt, caked on grease,rust,ect... from the slipnes and then polish them with some very fine sandpaper, then re-assemble as it was taked apart and lubed with a teflon paste grease. We have some from Ford that we use. We also have found that some of them that do the "BUMP" thing from behind have "U" joints that have 1 small spot (notchy) in them that are binding. It is not enough to call bad by most people, but if your very delicate upon inspection you can feel it in your hands when you move the joint back and forth. It's so very slight of a NOTCH feeling most people would miss it and call it normal. Like I said I have no official proof, this is just what we have found. This applies to Tundras,Sequoias,Tacomas of all years 2wd & 4wd. The 2wd's do not usually have a slip yoke to take apart and clean, so thats USUALLY a notchy "U" joint.

[brentdom]

I have the "bump from behind" problem. If that is a "U" joint problem, is that something Toyota will fix if its within the warranty for the drivetrain. I have been telling the dealership to grease the zerks when I bring it in for an oil change, but if they are willing to fix the problem instead of the symptom, it would be better.

[mustang67408]

A driveshaft issue , should be 5/60 if it is a "U" joint issue, the cleaning/rust/dirty usually is not.

[mtufenk]

Originally Posted by mustang67408

Nothing in print from Toyota. We have found that if the driveshaft has a slip yoke, all the grease needs to be cleaned out and then we lightly clean all the debris, dirt, caked on grease,rust,ect... from the slipnes and then polish them with some very fine sandpaper, then re-assemble as it was taked apart and lubed with a teflon paste grease. We have some from Ford that we use. We also have found that some of them that do the "BUMP" thing from behind have "U" joints that have 1 small spot (notchy) in them that are binding. It is not enough to call bad by most people, but if your very delicate upon inspection you can feel it in your hands when you move the joint back and forth. It's so very slight of a NOTCH feeling most people would miss it and call it normal. Like I said I have no official proof, this is just what we have found. This applies to Tundras,Sequoias,Tacomas of all years 2wd & 4wd. The 2wd's do not usually have a slip yoke to take apart and clean, so thats USUALLY a notchy "U" joint.

Mustang67408,

Based on what you have said, I am a little confused with this new TSB repair. What you explained above is what I have read on this forum as the fix. However, the TSB (which is titled "Clunk Noise at Low Speeds when Stopping or Turning") talks about replacing the rear transmission mount, frame crossmember, and 4 bolts retaining the transmission mount to the frame crossmember. It also says this noise may be commonly heard when accelerating from a stop (which is what mine does).

How would this address the problem you just described?

The TSB also says the 'warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based on a customer's specific complaint.' I take that to mean they wont fix it unless you say something.

[mustang67408]

We would do like the TSB said

A mechanic’s stethoscope or similar tool may be used in place of ChassisEAR™.

to locate the noise. While performing the TSB I personally would clean and lube the driveshaft and check the "U" joints. TSB's are always recommended as a first repair, but this TSB did not come out until FEB 19/09, so we have had to improvise until now.
07 Tundras also have a TSB

Some owners of 4WD equipped 2007 – 2008 model year Tundra vehicles may experience a
clunk/thunk noise from the rear of the vehicle or a “bump-from-behind” sensation just before or
when accelerating from a stop. Improvements have been implemented on the rear propeller shaft
(driveshaft) to reduce this condition. Utilize the following repair procedure to address customer
complaint vehicles

for replacing the driveshaft for the "BUMP" feeling. So there is no 1 fix, it is a case by case and vehicle by vehicle diagnosis and repair.

[mtufenk]

Thanks. I am taking mine in next week for the repair. I will post my experience.

[foak]

Here is the TSB that refers to the:

T-SB-0067-09 dated 2/19/09

Clunk Noise at Low Speeds When Stopping or Turning

Hope this helps.........

Jeff

[06TundraofGold]

Had my 06 DC in for service last Friday 3-6. Told the Service Writer about a Clunk/thud. Never heard it when accelerating from a standing stop only when backing up then applying the brake to stop. ( I park in a parking garage where I work and I back into my parking space each morning)

Anyway, long story short, I left my truck at the dealer for service they called me about 3 hrs later and said the the clunk/thud noise had to do with the Tranny mount/cross member. A TSB came out from Toyota about 2 weeks ago for this exact problem. The dealer has to order the parts so I will need to bring my truck back in for repair once they receive the parts.

[Babeo74]

I'm having those same symtoms. I have a 07 sequoia 4x4 and my dealership here in hawaii state that there is no TSB for this problem. Did this fix your problem?

[mustang67408]

Originally Posted by Babeo74

I'm having those same symtoms. I have a 07 sequoia 4x4 and my dealership here in hawaii state that there is no TSB for this problem. Did this fix your problem?

There is a TSB for the 07 Sequoia.

T-SB-0067-09 February 19, 2009

Clunk Noise at Low Speeds when Stopping or Turning

Service
Category

Drivetrain

Section

Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Market USA

Applicability

YEAR(S) MODEL(S) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

2005 – 2007 Sequoia Drive Type(s): 2WD
Transmission(s): 5AT
VDS(s): ZT34A, ZT38A
2005 – 2006 Tundra Drive Type(s): 2WD
Transmission(s): 5AT
VDS(s): ET341, ET381, JT321, JU321, RT341,

RT381, RU341