When it comes to the small pickup lineup, the Toyota Tacoma is in a class all its own. Tacomas are stylish, long-lasting, and practical trucks for a vast number of people who want a truck but don’t want to deal with the size and expense of a full size pickup.
Tacomas are reliable vehicles and it’s not uncommon to see older or high mileage models still running strong. While these trucks perform well, they can still have issues, especially at high mileage.
One fairly common Tacoma issue involves the rear differential, and noises coming from under the truck could be a sign of a problem. In this article, our team of South Bay Area auto experts discusses the symptoms and repair options for Tacomas with rear differential problems.
Differential Noise Causes
If you’re hearing a noise from your Tacoma’s rear end, it’s a fairly common occurrence but it should be evaluated by a trained professional. This noise is often described as a whine, and in most cases it occurs when driving around 55-75 mph. Depending on the year model of your truck, this noise might happen at low mileage or over time, and some people report a very faint whining sound while others say the noise is very noticeable. A small whining sound like this is normal in many Tacoma models, and Toyota has even issued statements about the presence of this noise. This noise might seem minor, but in some Tacomas a noise can be indicative of a major issue.
Diagnosing Differential Issues
Tacomas of the third and fourth generation are likely to experience differential issues, and many people we work with have had to have the differential replaced. When we see a truck with a rear end noise, we perform an inspection of the gear oil which lubricates the differential. For new vehicles, it’s not uncommon to see small metal flakes in the oil as the differential breaks in. However, sometimes when we examine a Tacoma’s differential oil, we see larger pieces of metal, and the oil might have changed color or consistency. When these warning signs are present, it’s a sign of a larger issue. Typically, major differential issues show up early and can be addressed under warranty by a Toyota dealer. However, if the truck is out of warranty, replacing or repairing a differential is a major undertaking.
Expert Local Assistance Available
If you’re hearing an abnormal noise from your Tacoma, it’s best to have it checked out early. By correcting the issue from the onset, you have a better chance at repair than replacement. Our team of local experts is standing by and ready to help diagnose the issue for you, and we can provide quality service if your truck is out of warranty. To learn more about our service for differential issues or any other Tacoma needs, give us a call today.
