Toyota issues "fix" for axle wrap / driveshaft clunky-thumpy

[jamesq]

Have you guys tried lubing the driveshaft? I had this same problem around 10,000 miles and lubed the driveshaft really well (about 8-10 squeezes of my lube gun) and haven't experienced the issue in about 8000 miles (lubing just a few squeezes from the gun about every 3000-5000 miles now).

It seemed that after the initial lube, it took about 250-300 miles for the problem to go away totally.

Since you don't need to spend a penny, besides there is an official TSB and updated parts, why you deal with it yourself? Just let dealership do their work. Updated part must be made some changes to it, I think that's a more secure way to fix this problem.

 

[philsey]

Have you guys tried lubing the driveshaft? I had this same problem around 10,000 miles and lubed the driveshaft really well (about 8-10 squeezes of my lube gun) and haven't experienced the issue in about 8000 miles (lubing just a few squeezes from the gun about every 3000-5000 miles now).

It seemed that after the initial lube, it took about 250-300 miles for the problem to go away totally.

That's proven to be a temporary fix only. It will come back eventually. Up to you ... continue to grease it if'n you wish, or just get it fixed permanently.

 

[ATL4R]

Since you don't need to spend a penny, besides there is an official TSB and updated parts, why you deal with it yourself? Just let dealership do their work. Updated part must be made some changes to it, I think that's a more secure way to fix this problem.

I'd much rather work on my own vehicle than drop it at a dealership, maybe that's just me.

From my understanding this has been an ongoing problem for Tacomas/FJs/4Runners for many years. Toyota issues a TSB and it fixes the problem for a while and then returns (most likely because the driveshaft maintenance is neglected).

4WD Rear Propeller Shaft (Driveshaft) Clunk/Thunk Noise - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

Hopefully this is a new part that solves the problem entirely... but I doubt it considering the TSB from Toyota clearly states the new driveshaft does not FIX the problem entirely, it just reduces it --- "Improvements have been implemented on the rear propeller shaft (driveshaft) to reduce this condition."

 

[jamesq]

I'd much rather work on my own vehicle than drop it at a dealership, maybe that's just me.

From my understanding this has been an ongoing problem for Tacomas/FJs/4Runners for many years. Toyota issues a TSB and it fixes the problem for a while and then returns (most likely because the driveshaft maintenance is neglected).

4WD Rear Propeller Shaft (Driveshaft) Clunk/Thunk Noise - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

Hopefully this is a new part that solves the problem entirely... but I doubt it considering the TSB from Toyota clearly states the new driveshaft does not FIX the problem entirely, it just reduces it --- "Improvements have been implemented on the rear propeller shaft (driveshaft) to reduce this condition."

When you find out that this time Toyota really solve the problem after your warranty expires, you'll feel bad Just kidding. Have a try at no cost, why not? At least you won't lose anything.

 

[ATL4R]

When you find out that this time Toyota really solve the problem after your warranty expires, you'll feel bad Just kidding. Have a try at no cost, why not? At least you won't lose anything.

LOL - I hear you. Yeah, I hope it works - supposedly it's a Lexus driveshaft with finer splines. If I read good things over the next year, I will get one before 36k.

 

[Victor_inox]

LOL - I hear you. Yeah, I hope it works - supposedly it's a Lexus driveshaft with finer splines. If I read good things over the next year, I will get one before 36k.

Powertrain warranty is 60000 not 36000, you haven`t read tsb on first page?
where did you get info about Lexus driveshaft?
Mine does it once a day if that, dealer wanted me to leave my truck there so they can drive it, I said no thanks, drive it with me or forget about it.

 

[1000MPH]

I'm getting mine replaced as soon as the Service Writer calls me back this week. I've had some big issues with my dealer, and as a result, my latest service was, it appears, performed by a real wrench who finally must have lubed my shaft because the clunk went away for 1000 miles. Now it's back.
Word is the new shaft has teflon on the ends.

 

[harper7]

Took my "Lifted" 2011 SR5 (4x4) into the dealer today for the random clunk-thump coming from the rear... Told dealer about the TSB, they put it on the rack, looked at it, and brought me back into the bay to talk with the service manager.

The service manager asked me who did my lift and took me under the truck to show me what was causing the issue. He showed me the front portion of the driveshaft was protruding out of the main body of the driveshaft due to the lift and this is what is causing the random clunk/thump (see pictures).

He also said he gets this issue a lot with people bringing in their lifted Tacomas and FJs, if he were to change out the old driveshaft for a new one Toyota would not except it and the new one would also have the same issue as the old because of the lift. He then proceeded to tell me about a nearby shop that deals with driveshaft issues like this, even gave me their contact info.

Given that I have been driving with my lift for more than a year now and have had no issues other than the random “clunk/thump” concerning the driveshaft, I am apt to think the dealer is full “O”:toilet:

For those of you with lifted T4Rs that have taken them into the dealer for this issue and had the driveshaft replaced per the TSB, did your driveshaft look like mine in the pictures before you had it replaced and what does it look like now after replacement (pics please)?

Any input on this issue would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

Only bigger tires raises the rear diff,not a lift, and the front might extend the telescoping shaft a little bit but certainly not enough to cause the infamous driveshaft thump/clunk. Many ,many stock Toyota trucks have exhibited it over the last 10 years and has nothing to do with a lift.

Take a 6 inch rule or similar and measure your extension next to a brand new one at the dealership and show him. Maybe get somebody on the forum to measure their stock amount of extension to compare.I doubt it it would be more then 1/8" difference at the most.

IMO,the thump/clunk is caused by stiction from lack of lube or drying out of the lube on the splines of the telescoping shaft . Almost 8 yrs and 160k miles on my last 2 4Runners and I never had it.
I've always shot a couple squirts of grease in it and cleaned/wiped the exposed part down with a rag with grease on it along with lubing my universals every time I change my oil . Manual calls out for them to be lubed every 5k miles and I highly doubt the dealerships do it.

 

[4RBob]

@harper, OBW

a lift can cause driveline vibrations because of the increase in operating angles for the ujoints. it depends on the vehicle and amount of lift on whether or not you will experience the dreaded driveline vibes. adjustable control arms can be used to change the pinion angle and/or a dual cardan driveshaft can be used (Tom Wood's Custom Drive Shafts - Tom Woods Custom Drive Shafts Custom Driveshafts Specialist).

but, if you are just experiencing the clunk, then i would think that is just the same issue as others have here. it would be interesting to see how much more extended you shaft is (sounds dirty) vs stock.

i agree with harper on the lubing. i think it often gets "missed". i had the issue with our 4th Gen for a while and even brought it in for the issue. after i decided to fully lube it myself, haven't had a problem since (@ 204k miles now).

i think some dealerships don't want to get involved with working on lifted vehicles for fear of getting in trouble with Toyota (regional service mgrs checking on what is being warranteed).

in this instance, since a new part exists and there is a tsb for it, i think they should do it and just tell you that they won't do it again if the problem re-occurs (unless another new part/tsb comes out in the future).

 

[tpirman]

As an FYI, I experienced the "bumping" issue intermittently. It wasn't often, but when it happened it was obvious. I took my 4R in for a regular service and complained of the issue. They actually verified it and said they'd fix it but didn't have the part so they kept the 4R overnight. They had the part the next morning and called me by 8AM to tell me it was done. Amazing. A painless experience with the dealership which was surprising to say the least.

I haven't experienced the problem since and it actually even feels better in traffic. After the fix I realized the problem was happening more than I initially thought during stop and go traffic.

I heard the term propeller shaft get tossed around. I am not a complete moron when it comes to cars, but I am not sure what that is. That seems to have been the part they replaced.

 

[cbreze]

I'll be picking up my brand new '12 in a few days. the dealer is installing a lift and some other things. This is a great thread for info, but certainly disappointing in a way also to Toyota for not being able to fix this before now. I mean if it's a known issue why not retool at the factory?
In any case now I'm wondering how long it will be before I experience the infamous "thunk"? If it comes up sooner rather than later, actually prefer sooner to get it over and done, I'll maybe get it fixed at the first service. Doubting they'd do it as a pre-emtive strike while it's in the shop for the upgrades.

Also, wondering how widespread this issue is. Most people don't visit forums and just rely on the dealer or some shop. So, I guess I'm wondering how many never notice it or even have the issue.

 

[psiems]

Thanks! :bash:I am taking my truck in, as it has been doing a lot of clunking lately!

 

[bwirtz]

I just had my sr5 in to get this fixed. I drove around the lot with the tech but didn't get the clunk, which isn't a surprise because it doesn't happen too often for me. They're still going to order the part and swap it in just based off of my description and the TSB that I printed out from this thread and brought with me.

The tech said that this is basically some gears that slow down and stop with some tension, like they're binding a little, still in them. When you start/stop and the gears begin moving again, they slip into place and the effect is like how an earthquake works (his words) and you get the "bump" effect. He also said that this probably happens more often when the truck is cold or if you stop when there's some stress in the driveshaft. Seems to make sense from what I've noticed.

 

[1000MPH]

Got mine replaced today. Thanks to everyone that contributed to this thread.
I'm bored so I took some pics.

 

[psiems]

Dealership agreed to go ahead with the service. My truck is scheduled for the driveshaft fix on December 31. Hope this resolves the issue.

 

[psiems]

So, it looks like I will be receiving a new driveshaft, right? Did it help? My service will be completed on Monday, the 31st.

 

[philsey]

So, it looks like I will be receiving a new driveshaft, right? .

...Did it help? .

Um, did you not read the whole thread? ...... including the TSB?

 

[psiems]

Um, did you not read the whole thread? ...... including the TSB?

Um, I guess not.

 

[CraigRoberts]

Thanks for posting. I've gotten a clunk occasionally but not paid much attention. I'll have to see if that was this.

 

[psiems]

Well, it's done. In and out in 45 min., including the always-free car wash.

The part was ordered Wednesday, was in stock in KC, and at the dealership this morning.

I ran errands, aka lotsa stop-and-go for 2 hours afterwards, and the problem is gone.

Well done Toyota.

Should have kept reading....Thanks. I hope thatI will have a similar experience when I pick up my truck on Monday. Thanks!