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2012 4x4 Tundra noise and vibration below 41F only.

Discussion in '2nd Gen Tundras (2007-2013)' started by lifeisfun, Apr 19, 2024.

  1. Apr 19, 2024 at 6:44 AM
    #1
    lifeisfun

    lifeisfun [OP] New Member

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    Love my truck, first and only owner/driver 70k km only, but more and more disturbed by this problem (admittedly I have this issue for about 4 years now)
    Winter/summer tires no difference.

    I've noticed a humming noise that starts around 40km/h (25MPH). It's not constant. It comes in and out about every 2 seconds and it speeds up with increasing speed.
    Something like: hmmmmmm........hmmmmmm.....hmmmmmm. Same mild rhythmic vibration is felt in the steering wheel.
    This happens only when the truck is cold in temperatures below 5C.
    Stops completely if the weather is above about 5C (41F) or in any temperature if the truck completely warmed up.

    I know this is somewhat vague. Any help I can have to diagnose the problem would be helpful.

    Thank you!
     
  2. Apr 19, 2024 at 7:02 AM
    #2
    frichco228

    frichco228 Valued Member

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    Since you feel it in steering I would check wheel bearings, brakes up font. Look for any issues or leaks with CVs and steering components while under there.

    Lube all the zerks in the front/rear driveshafts while you are at it. When they get dry they can induce vibration, clunks and other weird feels.
     
    lifeisfun[OP] likes this.
  3. Apr 19, 2024 at 7:56 AM
    #3
    lifeisfun

    lifeisfun [OP] New Member

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    Thank you for the reply!
    I had for the first time complete brake job (callipers/rotors ...) done last year. No change.
    Will look in to the other stuff you suggested.
    What I find strange is that it's temperature (and yes speed) dependant.
    The truck doesn't have to be driven to warm up, if I let it completely defrost in the driveway, it will not do this no matter how cold is outside.
    I have also drained and refilled the transmission and changed both diffs and transfer box fluids. No change.
     
    Last edited: Apr 19, 2024
  4. Apr 28, 2024 at 7:16 AM
    #4
    lifeisfun

    lifeisfun [OP] New Member

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    Well, checked everything, shafts lubricated but no difference, that stupid humming was there again before it got warm :(
    Any additional ideas?

    Thanks
     
  5. Apr 28, 2024 at 8:46 AM
    #5
    COTundie

    COTundie Whoa Black Betty

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    Maybe the needle bearing for your front differential?

    Grab the front half shafts and see how much play there is. Mine definitely has some play (few mm), but does not make noise.

    ...Does the sound go away when in 4wd? I believe that is one of the tests for confirming a diff bearing failure
     
  6. Apr 28, 2024 at 8:56 AM
    #6
    lifeisfun

    lifeisfun [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for reply!
    No, no difference if the 4x4 is on or off.
    I use it very little only couple times in the winter, but I do run it on straight road about once a month so it gets some workout.
    I will try what you suggested and report back.

    Thanks
     
  7. May 6, 2024 at 5:37 AM
    #7
    lifeisfun

    lifeisfun [OP] New Member

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    Well, I didn't feel any play in the half shafts, and now with the spring here problem is completely gone.
    Pretty sure I'll be back in november when temperatures drop again :(

    Thanks for your time folks!
     

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