diff howl = new turbo?

Not really big into starting threads when some already exist for my issue, but this diagnosis seemed extremely odd to me.

I dropped my truck (2023 SR with 8500 miles) off for 10k service and Trans recall, and for a few minor inconveniences to get looked at (some window trim coming out, my HU update not initializing, and finally the rear end howl that has been semi-frequently discussed on the forum). For me it was happening between 40-45 mph very faintly, and very noticeably at 76 mph and die off a bit once over 85.

I have seen a few trucks get new diffs or be told its normal and can't be fixed at the moment. Well, my dealer diagnosed it as being a faulty driver side turbo?!? which I just cannot see as I had no codes, no CEL, no drivability issues, no weird noises from the turbo other than completely normal turbo whistle.

Would you take it to another dealer for a second opinion? I just cannot fathom that being the issue. When i questioned the advisor on the diff he said "well that could be it, but the tech thinks its the turbo and i have to go off what the tech says, and it may end up needing to have a new diff put in too". Advisor also stated that it was this particular dealer's first turbo replacement on the tundra. Lucky me lol

it also seems odd that they would give me back the truck while we wait for a new turbo to arrive, if it was bad wouldn't that require them to keep the truck? all around odd situation.

 

2nd opinion is never a bad idea !

 

I would ask the dealer you took it too to have an actual Toyota Tech to look at it....They come usually once a quarter to every dealer to your region, and are obviously specialized to Toyota quirks/problems. I believe my dealer calls them a "FTS"....Factory Toyota Specialist?? Anyways, that's what it took for me to have my bad Transfer case noise/problem finally diagnosed.

 

Update here:

The 2nd dealer called me today their tech drove it 4 times and is diagnosing it as a bad rear differential. Due to my first diagnosis, they are getting toyota involved and they are sending some regional tech out to look at it. Im guessing thats liability related.

 

sounds like you're on your way to getting it worked out, even though sometimes its a PITA, toyota usually comes through, more than the others anyways

 

the first dealer already supposedly had the new turbo en route, which is kind of odd to me as i hadn't green lit them to do the work yet, even if it is free under warranty. sucks, someone's truck is probably in need of that turbo and could have used that one, which is likely to sit on a shelf for a bit.

 

You could ask to speak with the shop Forman so they can explain to you why they think it's a turbo and not rear diff.

Maybe it's a very good shop and they diagnosed it correctly unlike others who just swap rear diffs left and right. Mine was swapped and no change... So maybe my truck does have a turbo issue lol

 

maybe, if the advisor didnt say “well maybe its the diff, it could be both” thing that i mentioned lol. Plus the “first turbo they’ve had to replace” leads to me to believe otherwise, honestly. Now whether or not the fix actually gets rid of the howl, remains to be seen (im almost expecting it not too). Still, id rather a diff get replaced and still howl, than have a new turbo and it still howl.

 

Let us know if replacing the diff fixes it. So far the forum record is about total 5 replacements, 4 are not fixed and one is fixed

 

Will do. Im not too hopeful, lol but if its somewhat quieter at 76+ ill take it

 

Problem is that it could get louder for you, unfortunately. Mine was almost not noticeable at 40mph and now I can clearly hear it, and it's more loud at 76+mph and gets even louder at 80-85....

Does your truck have camper shell?

 

100% get a second opinion. Technicians can come up with some funky diagnoses when they're wanting to make more money. Not saying for sure that's what's happening here, but if the technician gets paid 40 hours to replace a turbo and 5 hours to replace a diff (random numbers for points sake) then they're going to try to convince you it's the turbo. "It's under warranty so who cares"

At the least, ask to speak with the tech and get more information from him/her on why they diagnosed it this way.

Diffs make noise pretty often. Turbos making a diff noise is possible, but it would be strange. Turbo failure usually has weird fluttering, smoking, CEL, A/F ratios messed up, etc.

 

no shell, but at 76+ it was almost “just shot a gun with no earpro” type howl/ringing. I honestly cannot see a plausible way for it to get louder. If it does somehow, i will be on the fast track to knobby MTs just for the hum lol

 

The second dealership conferring with corporate on this definitely makes me feel something was up at dealer #1. But im not here to throw around accusations or hell even that i know better than someone whos job it is to do it everyday. Just thought in this case it was worth the due diligence to get a second opinion.

 

You're right to get a second opinion on something so drastic. Keep us posted!