Driveline vibration/Drone V8 4WD

CardsFan

CardsFan

New member
FYI- It doesn't appear that Toyota can fix the annoying driveline vibration and drone and for one reason or another they refuse to apply the "fix" that was developed for the Lexus version. I have elevated the issue through arbitration and I suspect Toyota USA will be "buying back" my 04 Sport V8 4WD before the end of the month. My suggestion to all with the same issue, accept nothing less than "fixed", or continue to spend hours of your valuable time and unecessary miles on your brand new ride. The problem has been apparently fixed on the production line and I'm going to turn right around and get the same model, color and aftermarket leather installed that I currently have.
 
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A few days ago, Dick13 posted the following message -

"TSB IN 60 DAYS! 2003 Limited V8 4 runner front end vibrations
Ref: Posted same subject 1-28-04 Front end vibrations
Just talked to Toyota Customer Relations regarding my case of Aug. 2003. I was informed that a TSB will be issued within 90 days (of Mar.1) for a fix for the front end vibrations. Been annoyed for 7 months with the problem and I hope it works!!
Just had my sunroof rattle fixed--no more rattles!! Otherwise, this has been the finest car I have ever driven!TSB IN 60 DAYS!"

Has Toyota corporate indicated that this will not be happening?
 
How did you get the arbitration started? I would love to join the party! Drone is driving me nuts...and no fix doesn't cut it.

Thanks in advance and good luck. Let me know how it goes. Are you avywhere near D.C by the way?
 
First start by contacting toyota to get a case number. Toyota will assign a Regional Service Rep and personally evaluate your vehicle at the servicing dealer. After the problem is identified and there is no fix, then you're good to go. Call Toyota back at 800.331.4331 and press 3 twice. Tell them you want to go to arbitration and they'll send you the form, which is the same form found in the blue book called Owner's warranty Rights Notification that you received with your owner's manual. The form is mailed to the National Center for Dispute Settlement in Dallas, TX. I'm told arbitration will take less than 45 days from initiation and it's FREE...........So what does anyone have to loose and often consumers prevail over large "for profit" corporations like Toyota.

I'm in St. Louis.....
 
Thank you for the process. I already have a case number, so I guess the call is next. Keep us informed as your arbitration comes to completion!
 
Arbitration Etc.

What are my options if I have the driveline vibration problem but it is over a year since I purchased the vehicle?

I'm in Colorado, where the lemon law only lasts a year.

I have pretty completely documented many attempts to get the problem addressed before the first year though. This includes getting the wheels balanced over and over and getting new tires. I also had a complaint number with Toyota before the year was up as well.

Any info appreciated.

Thanks
 
Arbitration

Call the National Center for Dispute Settlement in Dallas, TX. The number is 888-300-6237. I do not believe there is a statute of limitations.
 
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Talked to Toyota today, and they are sending out an arbitration form. I also have a case number from the Tech side at Toyota USA nad they are very frustrated that Japan won't commit to and OK a fix. Everyone I have dealt with has been very courteous and helpful. Hope it continues right till my new truck is delivered vibration free!

What's the latest on your situation. They said once the form is back to them, arbitration is settled in @ 10 business days. Gettin' close?
 
Talked to Toyota today, and they are sending out an arbitration form. I also have a case number from the Tech side at Toyota USA nad they are very frustrated that Japan won't commit to and OK a fix. Everyone I have dealt with has been very courteous and helpful. Hope it continues right till my new truck is delivered vibration free!

What's the latest on your situation. They said once the form is back to them, arbitration is settled in @ 10 business days. Gettin' close?
 
Arbitration

I just had Toyota send me the arbitration forms also.

I have been totally unsuccessful with even getting so much as a call from what Toyota Customer Care refers to as the "Denver regional office" people. These are the people they escalate to after the dealer is unable to fix a problem.

I'm guessing that they are same as who jtb71 refers to as "Tech side at Toyota USA".

I guess I'll see what happens, but I'm not getting my hopes up until I have a fully functional vehicle.

I really appreciate all the helpful and informative posts from everyone here!

It will really be interesting to hear the outcome of other people's arbitration process also.

Cheers,
ericr
 
ericr, you are correct regarding the regional rep. My service department was willing to do the job following the guidlines from the Lexus TSB, and the regional guys pulled the plug and told them not to touch the vehicle.
Virginia lemon law (and every state's law info) came with my Owners Manual, so in addition to the arbitration, make sure you have your ducks in a row in terms of your state's requirement in case Toyota won't step up and do the right thing! For me it's at least three trips with the same problem that's unfixed. Not a problem since I've been many times to deal with this stupid vibration...
 
Arbitration

What I want to know is, if the whole arbitration process is so easy, where are all the people that have goine through it and won?

Where do you go in order to understand exactly how the process works?

Do the car companies have a bunch of grey-ish caveats that they can hide behind?

I can't seem to find any main webpage for "National Center for Dispute Settlement", just dribs and drabs of informatin here and there. Oddly, its funded by the auto manufacturers. I'd like to learn more about it.

Does anyone have any information on it?

Cheers,
ericr
P.S. I'm getting tired of obsessing over this whole thing!
 
In what situation do you have this vibration/droning. My seems to happen right after I start the truck up and start driving at low speeds.. like in a parking lot.
 
The vibration is most niticable at speeds around 70 mph, however it is also noticable at much slower speeds while turning.

This is because you are taking the play out of the steering when you turn the steering wheel. It puts you more in-touch with the vibration.
 
Driveline vibration TSB

My service department was willing to do the job following the guidlines from the Lexus TSB, and the regional guys pulled the plug
Click to expand...
Anyone know what the Lexus TSB calls for to be done?
 
BattleWagon23:
The lower speed vibration that I refer to IS the same issue as the 70 mph issue.

dcampen:
From the thread "Steering Wheel Vibration at Highway Speed...revisited":

A STEERING VIBRATION & DRIVELINE VIBRATION/DRONE
CAUSE: INSTALL UPDATED PARTS FOR VIBRATION
ST3010 STEERING VIBRATION & DRIVELINE
VIBRATION/DRONE

1 41196-60010 DAMPER, DIFFERENTIAL
2 90080-10167 BOLT, WASHER BASED H
1 52380-60061 SUPPORT ASSY, DIFFER
1 51405-35101 COVER S/A, ENGINE UN
1 45219-60090 YOKE, STEERING SLIDI
1 45203-60120 SHAFT SUB-ASSY, STRG
FC: 44,99
PART#: 41196-60010
COUNT: 1
2727 DRONE NOISE, SERVICE BULLETIN ST3010

Note that after talking to Toyota Customer Care the real Lexus TSB is NOT ST3010 as stated above, but is really ST004-04.

-ericr
 
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