Disappointed with vibration on a 2003!

[v8Toilet]

Originally posted by bri
V8Toilet, your truck is 2wd, you shouldn't get any front drive shaft vibration . In fact my old 2wd 91 was a much smoother running truck than my Tundra is. Much harsher in terms of ride quailty, but light years ahead in terms of vibrations. My truck has had the vibration almost since new (now at 48K). I just ignore it, it dies down when the truck warms up. The topic came up with the regional service rep when I was riding with him complaining about an unrealied issue. Toyota knows about it, he said they get a lot of complaints. As to why they don't fix it?????? There are a lot of little issues with the Tundra that Toyota doesn't seem to interested in fixing. -Bri

O-SORRY!

[Offroad]

I too have the vibration, just as described here. Brought my Tundra in today for its first check-up. I explained the vibration to them. When they were through and came back to me I thought for sure they would say that they didn't hear/feel anything. To my surprise they did acknowledge that there was a vibration, but they "could not find anything that looks to be causing the vibration at this time". They suggested I make an appointment so they can "get further into the problem".
Since this "seems" to be a rather common problem with yet no fix, do you all think I would just be wasting my time to schedule this appointment?

[bri]

Offroad, at least your dealer is willing to work on it. I might take them up on it, if anything just to create a paper trail so if it gets worse you have a record that they know about. However, I wouldn't expect that they'll be able to do much about it. I'm planning on switching the front differential over to synthetic gear oil as soon as the weather out here warms up enough to work in the driveway (supposed to be 0 for the high Monday:cry: ). Hopefully that will help a little. The hubs on the Tundra are set up to spin the axel shafts all the time. Hence, thick/cold gear oil in the differential could cause the front driveshaft to spin, at least that's the theory. -Bri

[Offroad]

bri, I was thinking of having them work on it, but not sure if I want them "messing" around with it, if I know there is no real fix yet. As you suggest, I may try switching out the gear oil too.
So, its going to be 0 out there Monday? Though not as bad, we're supposed to get back to the deep freeze as well next week with yet another snowstorm on Monday. Been one heck of a Winter so far and that darn groundhog saw his shadow so still have 6 weeks to go (Can't wait to be able to have a clean truck for more than a day or two)

Take care and good luck!

[Herb]

Guys:

I have an 02 4x4 that has no vibration at all, even at -10F. I changed the front differential oil to Mobil 1 75W90 synthetic at 600 miles before the cold weather hit us. I did the same for the transfer case.

I suspect that some of you may have dry (underlubricated) U-joints on the front propeller shaft because mine appear to be a bit dry. This may not be the source of the vibration, but dry joints can easily become loose joints when running in 4wd. If that happens you will most definitely have a vibration up front.

I downloaded a pdf file from www.spicerdriveshaft.com that pertains to U-joint lubrication. It seems that the U-joints in new Spicer shafts (we all have those up front) are only lubed with just enough grease to prevent corrosion. I see no evidence that the joints on my truck were lubed at the assembly plant or by the dealer. Spicer recommends the use of Chevron Ultra-Duty EP 2 grease which may be what comes in the joints. I looked that up and found that it will only lubricate at temperatures above 23F. It is really stiff stuff even at that temperature.

When we had a day in the 40s, I tried to lube the front U-joints using grease that had been warmed up in the house. One joint wouldn't take grease at all while the other bleached oil out of one seal before it stopped taking grease. That suggests oil separation from the grease, which is not surprising since the truck was assembled in March of 02 sat around until I bought it in October. It also suggests that the grease, what little there is in place, is really stiff stuff.

A couple of things you might try is replacing the front differential and transfer case oil with a synthetic. It might also be a good idea to have a lube shop or the dealer grease the front U-joints after the shaft has been allowed to warm up a bit, if that hasn't already been done. I still have that to do.

A brief word about greases: Spicer recommends a No. 2 Lithium complex extreme pressure grease having an operating temperature range of -10F to 325F and a Timken OK load limit of at least 50 pounds. I also like to see a grease with a base oil that exhibits a kinematic viscosity of at least 20 at 212F or an SUS viscosity of 100 -- same thing. SUS divided by 5 = kinematic viscosity. Most of the No. 2 lithium complex greases available at the average auto parts store or WalMart can't meet the Spicer spec. or provide so little data that compliance cannot be determined.

I've look high and low and have found only one grease that may meet the spec: Amsoil No. 2 GL series lithium complex-extreme pressure synthetic grease. What I don't know and can't find out is the minimum operating temperature. Amsoil tech support doesn't know and went on to say that they can't imagine why that would be an important consideration. Lacking any intelligent feedback from them, I suspect that if a grease cooled to 0F will pump through a needle adapter at that temperature it will also lubricate...so I guess I'll use it because it's all I've been able to find so far.

None of the foregoing can be guaranteed to solve the vibration problem you've been experiencing, but it might be a good place to start.

Herb

[Buzzard]

Originally posted by Offroad
bri, I was thinking of having them work on it, but not sure if I want them "messing" around with it, if I know there is no real fix yet.

Good luck on the fix. "Fido" growles from 48 to 52. They told me at the first part of 01 there was a fix coming. All the did was add some insulation to the floor. Fido still growls they say its all they can do. Looks like they would have figured it out in 3 years. Good luck on waiting for the fix. --Buzz

[v8Toilet]

Originally posted by Offroad
I too have the vibration, just as described here. Brought my Tundra in today for its first check-up. I explained the vibration to them. When they were through and came back to me I thought for sure they would say that they didn't hear/feel anything. To my surprise they did acknowledge that there was a vibration, but they "could not find anything that looks to be causing the vibration at this time". They suggested I make an appointment so they can "get further into the problem".
Since this "seems" to be a rather common problem with yet no fix, do you all think I would just be wasting my time to schedule this appointment?

Are you taking your truck to Herb Chambers in Auburn? My lives there!

[Offroad]

Originally posted by v8Toilet
Are you taking your truck to Herb Chambers in Auburn? My lives there!

No, I purchased my truck at Bernardi Toyota in Framingham and have been taking it there.

[v8Toilet]

Originally posted by Offroad
No, I purchased my truck at Bernardi Toyota in Framingham and have been taking it there.

I meant to say mine lives there not "my"! Bernardi Toyota is where I bought mine also.

[mp3553]

Have a 2000 4x4 TRD SR5...
This truck has had vibrations since day one. Been through the following: balance, alignment, bench seat modification, service manager and now the district rep. For 2 years, I have been telling them that there is a problem and they really won't listen.
Told them of all known possible solutions (from this board) and still have vibrations. These vibrations are @ all speeds. These vibs are not from the front end and are felt in the floor board and seat.
The entire 2 years, I have tried to find the cause of these vibrations and fell onto a possible cause. While sitting in park or neutral, if I increase the rpm's gradually the truck will vibrate @ approx 1800-1900 rpm and then again @ 2100-2200 rpm. Once the rpm's are out of those ranges the truck doesn't vibrate! When my truck is crusing down the interstate 60 mph fall into the lower rpm range and 75mph fall into the upper range. If you are cruising around town you will notice that the truck spends a large amount of time in those two rpm ranges. Now, the question is what is causing vibs under those conditions.
FINALLY raised some eyebrows when the district rep and service manager went for a "test" drive. Drove around town, on interstate and @ different speeds. Was told it was a 4X4 and would be a rough ride. Told them that there is a difference of up/down movement vs side/side vibrations. Once we got back to the dealer... still wasn't getting anyplace and put into park/neutral and for once I feel Toyota realizes it does vibrate and not from the road/suspension.
Problem as to date isn't solved, district rep suggested the bench seat modification, knowing it was preformed in 2000 I agreed.
Dealer ordered parts, took truck in and was called stating that it was already installed! No joke....
Well, after speaking to service manager, he states he will contact district rep to see what other steps are next.
The saga continues....

[Herb]

MP:

The vibration is most likely engine related. It could be caused by a metal brake, fuel, or air conditioner line vibrating against the frame. It could also be exhaust system / heat shield related.

I would think it would be relatively easy to find if you were to have someone run the engine at the speed that produces the vibration and then start looking around underneath for the cause.

Take at look at http://www.salemboysauto.com/faqs/faq-48.htm regarding vibration analysis.

You might try taking your truck to a good transmission shop. People in the transmission business are usually experts at determining the source of vibrations.

Herb

[mp3553]

Well the dealer finally told me that there is nothing they can do for the vibration issue. Won't even admit that there is a probem much less "attempt" to fix something that isn't there.
Really frustrated that Toyota WILL NOT address the problem.
Wonder how many people have to bring up this issue before corporate will fix/solve the problem?? It is ashame Toyota just turns there back on this issue considering all the people on this board that have vibration issues.
Couldn't even get the dealer to check drive shaft alignment, motor mounts, exhaust system, rear axle etc. I offerd to pay for such service but if they were able to correct the vibration issue, the bill was on Toyota. That was not even a possibility. Was told that since my truck was over 2 years old and the 04 was just around the corner, I was basically out of luck.
Guess the next step is to Corporate.... or
live with the vibrations or get a different truck!

[jlarnold]

well, conveniently enough, my neighbor happens to be a mechanic, so after the toyota dealership first said that there were no vibrations "outside of acceptable limits" I took it to him. We put the truck on the lift and accelerated to 30-40 mph where the vibration occurs. Nothing. Smooth as silk. Even in 4wd. Drove down the road and he immediately noticed the vibration and said it was likely the front diff and that i should return to the dealership. So I did and insisted that someone ride with me and incidentally it was the same technician who said there was no problem the first time. We werent even a 1/8 mile from the dealership and I pointed it out to him and he acknowledged it
So the dealer has ordered me a new front diff and it will be installed once it comes in. I will let ya'll know if this is a fix or not.

[Jlalib]

Could you describe the vibration in more detail. I sometimes feel a vibration at the same speeds, typically when accelerating. I feel a slight vibration in at my feet. Thanks.

[jlarnold]

I described the problem in a previous post as well, but I can again real quick. The vibration is most noticeable between 30-40 mph and is noticed most with an easy acceleration between those speeds. It can be felt in both the accelerator and brake pedals as well as both driver and passenger floorboards. It is felt more than it is heard, although something is mentioned on page 204 (I think thats the right page) of the owners manual about hearing a noise in the front diff before it gets warm. either way it is abnormal and shouldnt be there especially in a $30k truck. The vibration stops completely when 4wd is engaged and also doesnt occur when the vehicle is on the rack and accelerated to 30-40 mph and the front wheels are not turning.

hope that helps