5th gen driveline clunk?

[Okki]

I've done a little searching and it looks like previous generations had a similar issue, but aside from "grease the zerk fittings, but don't over-grease them" there doesn't seem to be a fix that actually works long term.

THE PROBLEM:
When I first start driving (from a full stop, or very slow rolling stop) I get a clunk from what sounds like the rear of the truck.

I've not been able to determine if it's weather related, because it's been frigging freezing here for a while now.

I did fairly recently grease all 6 zerk fittings, but I still have the clunk.

Does anyone else have experienced this issue? Did you get it resolved? if so, how? Does anyone know if there is a TSB for this?

Thanks!

Okki

 

[1engineer]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...s-fix-axle-wrap-driveshaft-clunky-thumpy.html this one? H/T to [MENTION=51186]philsey[/MENTION] as I had this problem with my 2011 SR5 but not the '12 TE.

 

[Okki]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...s-fix-axle-wrap-driveshaft-clunky-thumpy.html this one? H/T to [MENTION=51186]philsey[/MENTION] as I had this problem with my 2011 SR5 but not the '12 TE.

Printing it out and swinging by the dealer... Thanks Greg! (I knew I should have searched for the technical term "clunky" instead of "clunk" LMAO).

Okki

 

[desertred]

I have this issue on occasion as well. I haven't done anything as of yet due to the infrequency of experience and the (un)likelihood of dealer reproducibility. However, as I've only got a year of powertrain warranty remaining, I may need to follow though with the TSB.

 

[philsey]

.... I did fairly recently grease all 6 zerk fittings, but I still have the clunk.

Does anyone else have experienced this issue? Did you get it resolved? if so, how? Does anyone know if there is a TSB for this?

Thanks!

Okki

I had mine done as in the linky Greg posted, and the problem has never returned. Prior to the propshaft replacement, greasing only helped briefly.

I do make very sure it is lubed at OCIs tho.

 

[philsey]

I have this issue on occasion as well. I haven't done anything as of yet due to the infrequency of experience and the (un)likelihood of dealer reproducibility. However, as I've only got a year of powertrain warranty remaining, I may need to follow though with the TSB.

Avoid the blank stare at the dealership, and take a copy of the TSB with you.

 

[tamerunner]

Mine only happens on occasion as well. I have printed this out as well and will keep it in the runner for awhile. I'm concerned that if I take it to have them look at it now that I will be wasting my time. I have about 2.5 years and 30k miles before this runs out so I'll hold on to it for a little while.

 

[Whiplash Willy]

Here is a detailed post on a method the Tundra guys have used to fix this problem without replacing the driveshaft.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/63518-lubricating-propeller-shafts.html#post536649

For those who are out of warranty, and are being driven nuts by the clunk, and don't want to try the above method, the revised driveshaft in the TSB is only about $350.

 

[hec983]

Thanks I'll have the same issue. I'll be calling my dealer

 

[hec983]

I have this issue on occasion as well. I haven't done anything as of yet due to the infrequency of experience and the (un)likelihood of dealer reproducibility. However, as I've only got a year of powertrain warranty remaining, I may need to follow though with the TSB.

I have the same problem, I saw tsb and I called my local dealer. No questions asked they took my info and order the parts they would call me when the part arrives so that I can take my 4runner and get it installed. Sweet!!!!!!! They didn't even have to see or test drive my vehicle.

 

[FrontRange4Runner]

I have this on my 2012. I've noticed it only occurs after I break harder than normal and come to a stop. Sometimes it's pretty bad and it actually feels like the vehicle has been bumped from the rear. Going to bring the TSB in with me next time I go in.

 

[Kraeken]

I had the clunk, brought the truck and the TSB to the dealer, they fixed it no problem.

 

[Okki]

Interesting thing, on the way home on Friday I did a hard brake. I heard and felt the "kick from the rear". After that, no more clunk upon initial acceleration.

I jumped on the back. I left it parked on my steep driveway and jumped on the rear. Still nothing.

Will still swing by the dealer on Monday, if they don't take my word for it, I may need to make another trip when it starts doing it again.

Okki

 

[PGRunner]

Had same issue and brought it in to dealership. I was explaining it to the service advisor and she gave me a blank stare. Luckily for me, a mechanic was standing behind her and overheard the conversation and immediately knew what I was talking about. They fixed it under the TSB. Haven't had any issues so far.

 

[Jeremy556]

...a mechanic was standing behind her and overheard the conversation and immediately knew what I was talking about.

Wow, that is like finding a unicorn. They generally only have part changers nowadays.

 

[Hadelson]

On my 05, had to check the propeller shafts about every two months and grease to keep the dreaded clunk at Bay

For my 2014, 2 weeks old and 800 miles and yup, you guessed it, it clunked starting from a normal stop. It will go on very small list of follow-up items with the dealer and will note TSB on the subject

Thanks

Hugo

 

[Okki]

Swung by my local dealer (Butler Toyota) on my way home yesterday. it was 2 hours before they closed and they had no tech on the premises that could go for a test drive to witness the issue and diagnose it.

Manager came out and started saying that my Icon suspension may be the issue and that he wasn't sure if Toyota would warrant the issue as a result. there would be a $68 diagnostic charge (unless Toyota approves the warranty work) if they can't replicate the issue. Because you know... I bring my truck in for FUN for unneeded work!

Anyway.. have a Tuesday morning appointment now to have it diagnosed, so they can hopefully get it approved and then determine what parts need to be ordered (because reading the TSB that has the parts listed is complicated I guess).

Going to call a dealer in Anderson, IN and see if they need to do the diagnosis or if they will simply take my word for it.

Does anyone know if a non-dealer can do the Toyota warranty work?

Okki

PS [MENTION=99235]Scott@Hightech[/MENTION], any basic reasoning I should bring to the conversation next time about why my Icon stage 6 should not be a factor in this TSB? the managers reasoning was the angle change and extension due to the different angle.

 

[TonyJ124]

I'm pretty sure toyota will only warranty through a toyota dealer.

That said, I have the clunk and during my last oil change "the dealer could not replicate clunk." Eventhough I can get it 4/5 stops. So either 1) the tech didn't want the job because it was Saturday, or 2) they don't know about the TSB. Regardless, I'm headed to a different dealer next service to have them read the TSB and investigate...

 

[JayceeP]

[MENTION=55815]Okki[/MENTION] and others, is this a different sensation than transmission/driveline slip? I wouldn't describe it as a thud or clunk, but more of a slight jerk. Usually happens in 5th gear. For example, will be doing 100-110kph/60-65mph on the highway and let off the gas and coast. When re-applying the gas, I will get a slight slip/jerk in the transmission. I always thought this was normal, but thought I should clarify!

 

[eddiebx]

[MENTION=55815]Okki[/MENTION] and others, is this a different sensation than transmission/driveline slip? I wouldn't describe it as a thud or clunk, but more of a slight jerk. Usually happens in 5th gear. For example, will be doing 100-110kph/60-65mph on the highway and let off the gas and coast. When re-applying the gas, I will get a slight slip/jerk in the transmission. I always thought this was normal, but thought I should clarify!

I don't think you'll notice it if you're moving...it's more like a sudden jolt. The way I've found to replicate it is accelerating and then slowing down very suddenly (enough to nose dive and lift the tail up). After coming to a complete stop, hit the gas lightly and you should feel a jolt in the driveline.

From what I understand the reason that this happens is because the driveshaft binds up when the tail rises while the driveshaft is under load; and then when you start going again it jolts when it unbinds.