Driving a 2010 TE for a rental:)

[bigbwb]

Just thought I would chime in saying my dealer sent me home with a black TE with NAv today while they look at my 2006 V8 4runner. I had a "droning" sound coming from the front end(as indicated with other GX470 owners with a service bulletin) and since my truck has the same drivetrain, they are looking into it.

Service manager initially said no rental, so I called up the sales manager we had been buying from for over 20 years and he handed me the keys and said enjoy I should have it for a day or so.

 

[eskimochaos]

Just thought I would chime in saying my dealer sent me home with a black TE with NAv today while they look at my 2006 V8 4runner. I had a "droning" sound coming from the front end(as indicated with other GX470 owners with a service bulletin) and since my truck has the same drivetrain, they are looking into it.

Service manager initially said no rental, so I called up the sales manager we had been buying from for over 20 years and he handed me the keys and said enjoy I should have it for a day or so.

Impressions.....what droning. I have a harmonic vibration which is characteristic of the V8 at exactly 75-80mph.

 

[M1911]

Just thought I would chime in saying my dealer sent me home with a black TE with NAv today while they look at my 2006 V8 4runner. I had a "droning" sound coming from the front end(as indicated with other GX470 owners with a service bulletin) and since my truck has the same drivetrain, they are looking into it.

I've had a droning as well. I only hear it starting around 60-65 mph to around 70 mph, with the cruise control on.

My dealer said they spoke with Toyota who said it was the air intake, normal, and not something that can be fixed. Which sounded like BS to me. It sounds more like driveline (bearings? differentials?).

What has your dealer said? What does the GX TSB say?

 

[eskimochaos]

I've had a droning as well. I only hear it starting around 60-65 mph to around 70 mph, with the cruise control on.

My dealer said they spoke with Toyota who said it was the air intake, normal, and not something that can be fixed. Which sounded like BS to me. It sounds more like driveline (bearings? differentials?).

What has your dealer said? What does the GX TSB say?

Since there is a GX tsb its safe to assume its a V8 thing.

The V8 doesnt have an EGR system and many believe this to be the main cause of the drone/vibration.

I can hear and feel it in the floorboards.

The amount of weights throughout the frame and exhaust system to minimize vibration is actually scary.

FWIW - I only notice the drown when its cold outside even after the engine as warmed up.

There was NO drone in the summer.

 

[bigbwb]

Impressions.....what droning. I have a harmonic vibration which is characteristic of the V8 at exactly 75-80mph.

I like the exterior of the 2010 and dont mind the black fender flares of the TE considering my 2003 4R had the grey cladding. As for the interior, its more functional, the gauges are nicer, the materials used are of similar quality to mine in terms of look and feel. I know many will disagree but most plastic surfaces in the 4th gen are hard and textured just like the 5th gens. Heck, aren't most non luxury vehicles using this? I sat in my father in laws nearly $60K(MSRP) loaded Tahoe and the materials were also hard and no different than the 4runners. I do not like the 4WD setup and would miss the Torsen center diff especially when the wife takes it(it loses its simplicity for those with no manual lever 4x4 experience). I had a 2000 4R and know how it works I also miss the electronic closing hatch, nice head & tail lights, and also I believe they removed the quick steering wheel tilt lever, IIRC.

I was tempted to take the TE off road in the snow covered fields we have near by here in WI but figured its a rental and I better not push my luck


As for the droning sound, it occurs at freeway speeds and is very audible and rumbles through the floorboards too. I doubt its normal being it had gotten worse in the last few months and based on the GX TSIB, it fits it perfectly. Plus, I road along with the mechanic who also had worked for lexus for years and he felt there was definitely an issue going on. He noticed the vibration through the floor right away.

I will keep everyone posted, so far I enjoy the 2010 and would have bought one but lease prices were outrageous, so I had to keep my 2006.

Brandon

 

[eskimochaos]

Third google result for gx470 drone is the TSB pdf.

 

[eskimochaos]

I like the exterior of the 2010 and dont mind the black fender flares of the TE considering my 2003 4R had the grey cladding. As for the interior, its more functional, the gauges are nicer, the materials used are of similar quality to mine in terms of look and feel. I know many will disagree but most plastic surfaces in the 4th gen are hard and textured just like the 5th gens. Heck, aren't most non luxury vehicles using this? I sat in my father in laws nearly $60K(MSRP) loaded Tahoe and the materials were also hard and no different than the 4runners. I do not like the 4WD setup and would miss the Torsen center diff especially when the wife takes it(it loses its simplicity for those with no manual lever 4x4 experience). I had a 2000 4R and know how it works I also miss the electronic closing hatch, nice head & tail lights, and also I believe they removed the quick steering wheel tilt lever, IIRC.

I was tempted to take the TE off road in the snow covered fields we have near by here in WI but figured its a rental and I better not push my luck


As for the droning sound, it occurs at freeway speeds and is very audible and rumbles through the floorboards too. I doubt its normal being it had gotten worse in the last few months and based on the GX TSIB, it fits it perfectly. Plus, I road along with the mechanic who also had worked for lexus for years and he felt there was definitely an issue going on. He noticed the vibration through the floor right away.

I will keep everyone posted, so far I enjoy the 2010 and would have bought one but lease prices were outrageous, so I had to keep my 2006.

Brandon

Please keep me posted - it seems we have the exact same thing. Again it worsened in the cold weather.

 

[bigbwb]

I've had a droning as well. I only hear it starting around 60-65 mph to around 70 mph, with the cruise control on.

My dealer said they spoke with Toyota who said it was the air intake, normal, and not something that can be fixed. Which sounded like BS to me. It sounds more like driveline (bearings? differentials?).

What has your dealer said? What does the GX TSB say?

My dealer says Toyota will not use the GX TSB even though the description fits perfectly. The GX TSB is posted some where, I have the pdf if anyone wants it. Since the 2006 was under warranty and the tech feels there's an issue, I say Toyota is responsible and needs to fix it, end of story.

 

[bigbwb]

Please keep me posted - it seems we have the exact same thing. Again it worsened in the cold weather.

eskimo,

I agree, the cold weather makes it more noticeable. I seem to get a lot of pull knowing the dealers GM(hence the 2010 4R rental) when the service manager initially denied me any rental. So this being the case, he has offered to help me get this resolved.

 

[eskimochaos]

eskimo,

I agree, the cold weather makes it more noticeable. I seem to get a lot of pull knowing the dealers GM(hence the 2010 4R rental) when the service manager initially denied me any rental. So this being the case, he has offered to help me get this resolved.

Im going to go ahead and say its nothing mechanically wrong with the car. If I were to walk into my dealer they'd tell me to scratch their ass. We both have it and at certain RPM's only. Its slightly noticeable when cruising on flat terrain at 75-80 but any incline where the torque converter remains constant is where its noticeable. It seems to be coming from directly below front seats (transfer case)

Enjoy the '10.

 

[bigbwb]

Im going to go ahead and say its nothing mechanically wrong with the car. If I were to walk into my dealer they'd tell me to scratch their ass. We both have it and at certain RPM's only. Its slightly noticeable when cruising on flat terrain at 75-80 but any incline where the torque converter remains constant is where its noticeable. It seems to be coming from directly below front seats (transfer case)

Enjoy the '10.

You are correct on the google search for the lexus TSB. However how do you explain my experience of the droning sound getting worse and the very noticeable vibration? I find it odd that this is "normal".

 

[eskimochaos]

You are correct on the google search for the lexus TSB. However how do you explain my experience of the droning sound getting worse and the very noticeable vibration? I find it odd that this is "normal".

The V8 is known to produce vibrations especially at highway speeds that tend to drone. Users of the mud land cruiser forum have reported the exact same finding and is related to the fact that the V8 doenst have an EGR (exhaust gas return system)

It appears to be more prevalent in V8's with VVT-i. Im not going to lose sleep over it until you report back. I turn up the radio, move my foot, or cruise at 80+ and cant feel it anymore.

Harmonic vibrations affect many cars - my uncle returned is C-class because of it.

 

[eskimochaos]

Some food for thought.

Cat shields loose - fixed 2 land cruiser owner's issue no problem with 70-75 droning and vibration. Used hose clamps from the depot to do it.

Cars.com noted this in the GX test drive on the highway - again this isnt an isolated incident.

 

[M1911]

Third google result for gx470 drone is the TSB pdf.

Thanks, I appreciate it. I get the drone from 55-65, so I'll see if the first part of the TSB can be applied to my 4Runner.

It appears to be more prevalent in V8's with VVT-i.

Did it also occur in the earlier V8? Mine's a 2003.

 

[M1911]

My dealer says Toyota will not use the GX TSB even though the description fits perfectly. The GX TSB is posted some where, I have the pdf if anyone wants it. Since the 2006 was under warranty and the tech feels there's an issue, I say Toyota is responsible and needs to fix it, end of story.

My 4Runner is out of warranty, so I'll see what my independent mechanic thinks.

 

[LyteFly]

Man, I sure am glad they dropped that V8 from the 2010. What a POS :jk:

 

[bigbwb]

update,

Dealer called today and told me the diagnostics are showing an issue with the rear diff assembly(I think thats what he called it). So they ordered a new one and will install it later this week. I am hoping to hang onto the 2010 for the time being.......he he

Some additional comments on the 2010 after driving it more....

Acceleration off the line is very close to my 2006 V8, not quite as torquey but better than expected. Once the RPM's get up around 4K, the truck moves very well. I would say overall it feels as peppy as my 2003 non VVTi V8 4R. After seeing the weight on the 5th gen for the first time I though I would hate the V6 in it, but I could now say I would live with it.

I will keep those interested posted on the fix too.

 

[MikesToy]

Go off-roading with that '10 TE.

 

[eskimochaos]

update,

Dealer called today and told me the diagnostics are showing an issue with the rear diff assembly(I think thats what he called it). So they ordered a new one and will install it later this week. I am hoping to hang onto the 2010 for the time being.......he he

Some additional comments on the 2010 after driving it more....

Acceleration off the line is very close to my 2006 V8, not quite as torquey but better than expected. Once the RPM's get up around 4K, the truck moves very well. I would say overall it feels as peppy as my 2003 non VVTi V8 4R. After seeing the weight on the 5th gen for the first time I though I would hate the V6 in it, but I could now say I would live with it.

I will keep those interested posted on the fix too.

Hey man thanks. My dealer said they cant take it above the legal limit. Its there in 4th just not as pronounced.

If you can, please find out exactly what failed so I can tell my dealer and perhaps ask what they did to find out.

Did it sound like it was coming from the rear of the truck?

Thanks man!

 

[bigbwb]

Hey man thanks. My dealer said they cant take it above the legal limit. Its there in 4th just not as pronounced.

If you can, please find out exactly what failed so I can tell my dealer and perhaps ask what they did to find out.

Did it sound like it was coming from the rear of the truck?

Thanks man!

They specifically mentioned the problem being more noticeable this time versus a month ago when I first brought it in and they said its obvious at speeds around 70mph. I will do my best to take down all the info and get back to you. I imagine all related repairs & parts will be noted on the service order(the copy I will eventually get).

I still thought the noise was more towards the front, but the vibration is definitely under the floor, so that could be stemming from the rear for all I know. If its not the rear diff, then they keep looking I guess.