99 Tacoma Vibration

Sep 25, 2004 2 Replies

Help! I have a 99 Tacoma 4x4 4.0L 5spd w/ 85K miles. I have had no previous problems. After my wife drove it for 3 days while I was away (not blaming her at all) I returned to find that it is making a very, very powerful rumbling noise that seems to be caused by a vibration in the drive train. It happens only when moving, and mostly while accelerating, but is also evident when coasting to a stop in neutral. At first, I thought the noise was coming from a semi truck next to me on the highway (it sounds a bit like a far-off prop plane). I can feel it through the steering wheel, but I really don't think it has anything to do with tires or suspension. Any help pointing me in the directions of things to check would be appreciated.


Block the wheels, e-brake off, tranny in neutral, climb under the truck and grab the various parts of the drive shaft and feel for play. Check the u-joints, center bearing, CV joint, slip yoke and the pinon and t-case flanges. If you feel any side-side or up-down play, that is likely the cause. Grease up the various joints and see if that helps.

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