Shudder
 

Hey everyone, I've searched through some older posts about this issue, and was just wondering what has come of some Runners with this issue. My truck (2019 TRD Pro), just after the 20k service, developed a "shudder" around the 700-<1000 RPM range when driving in stop and go traffic. Kinda feels like you're on a rumble strip. I thought it might have been a fuel issue, so I've run 2 tanks of non-ethanol fuel through the system, and still no resolution. I took it back to Toyota, and they said there were no codes popping up on the computer. They did an alignment since it was out a bit, and tried to tell me it was just uneven wear on the treads. The truck drives great otherwise, but I just feel it in the seat at slow speeds and in reverse. Just wanted to pick your guys' brains and see what your opinions were. Thanks in advance!

Does it happen in the 35-45mph range while in 5th gear? If so Google "rumble strip transmission" particularly in the 4th gen section. See if that describes your issue.

Does it go away in 4WD?

It seems to be lower speeds... like under 25 and down when coming to a stop.

I'll go out and check.... good question. I haven't been offroad in few weeks now. I'll see how it feels in a straight line on the road.

If it does, it might be the front diff clamshell bearing.

Had to replace it in my 4th gen after having a similar rumbling sound at lower speeds/rpms. That was after 120K miles though...wouldn't think a 2019 would need it replaced so soon.

You should ask your dealer when the Toyota Factory Service Rep will be coming in, and have them book you for that date. In the past that has always gotten me better results.

Shudder is around 25 mph during stop and go traffic so likely a relatively flat road. Are you accelerating, coasting or braking when shudder starts?

At a very low speed <15-20mph when breaking and then through the very beginning of the acceleration. I've been looking this up like crazy for the last couple of weeks. I'm hoping its a fluid issue, so I scheduled a transmission drain and flush for Wednesday. Supposedly from what I have read (and through intense interrogations of the other drivers in my family) my transmission was probably overheated by my wife or son out driving on the beach (majority of my off-roading here) and my fluid got cooked. They refuse to lower the air pressure when they go out basically out of sheer laziness. If the shudder goes away after the flush, I should be good seeing the relatively low mileage, or if it doesn't, then I may be looking at a mechanical issues (torque converter maybe?) but I'm praying that isn't it.

I have a 2011 SR5 its done this since it was new. I have 50k and no issues. It has not gone away but it has not gotten worse.

This is a typical with our 5 speed automatic by Toyota, this problem is with the Tocoma, FJ, Tundra and 4runners. Prior to owning my 4runner I had a FJ cruiser for 11 years and almost 200k miles before I sold it. My FJ shuddered one time and I resolved it quickly and then never happen. Forget what the dealer tells you and this is what I did with my FJ. Do a transmission drain and fill and follow the procedure on how to check the transmission fluid level. Now I do my transmission drain and fill every 15k to 20k miles. BTW the shudder is from the torque converter, as a check that it's the converter just shift your transmission to 4th gear and I would bet the shudder goes away.

Appreciate the advice... I had an FJ for 6 years before this 4Runner and never had a single problem. I did notice my wife's '19 Tacoma has a really rough sounding idle, only to find out that's just that 3.4's personality. I'm going in tomorrow first thing in the AM for a drain and flush, I'll post on here if there is a noticeable difference with new fluid. Hoping this isn't something that I'll have to accept as a "quirk" since now I just cannot ignore it everytime I drive lol.

Please let us know if it helps with the shudder!

You definitely do not have to live with this if you choose not to. Are you still under warranty? If so, reach out to Toyota USA with documentation. They are good about giving you an email "receipt" for contacting them. Then do the same with your local dealership. Request the Factory Tech's next open date. It will get resolved if they see you are documenting and taking the right approach. Do all of that, and if you need it, shoot me a message and I'll draft a letter for you.

So I had the transmission flushed this morning, and its still got the shudder. I am stil under warranty (up until 60k on drivetrain... I'll double check mileage) but I'm sitting under 21k right now. Theres nothing "good" feeling about the shudder, and I can only guess that it will only get worse as time goes on. Then with my luck, the transmission will shit itself at 60,001 miles and I'll be completely screwed. May need to take you up on that offer for the draft. You rock.