Drivetrain Vibration

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M

Matsui

10 Year
Joined
Mar 18, 2016
Threads
14
Messages
66
Location
MD
I have a 2009 with around 250k+ miles and recently been noticing that between 45-50 mph as I slightly have my foot on the accelerator I feel some vibration effect from the drivetrain once in a while, but when I let go of the pedal it goes away and usually doesn't come back if I press the pedal back again. Most of the time it happens right around 45 MPH. What do you think could be causing this? Could it be from the transmission? I haven't felt anything between transmission shifts and I had the transmission flushed at 150k miles at a Toyota dealer with no issues so far. I'm not even sure if this is transmission related so wanted to get your thoughts. The GX is great shape overall and well maintained with the only mod being a 1.5" lift few years ago and bigger tires. But if I feel anything out of the norm, I want to address it before it turns into something bigger.

Another unrelated issue that I've noticed is that when I'm taking an exit in the curved ramp or making a sharper turn usually at higher than normal speed the front wheel seems to be loosing grip and I hear some sort of warning beeps from the dash. This happens only once in a while but thought I ask what could be causing it?
 
Driveline vibration is usually wheel or tire related. I'd suggest getting your tires balanced and seeing if it goes away. If not, you can start investigating further.

Regarding the beeping, the VSC is kicking in as the computer thinks you are about to go into a skidding situation. Usually that will be cleared up with a zero point calibration (ZPC), which will re-orient the "zero" or "flat" reading for all of the VSC-related sensors. You can do it with a paperclip and there are a number of YouTube videos and threads on here that show the process. I had the same problem and the ZPC totally cleared it up. A tire shop might also be able to do a ZPC for you.
 
Check your u-joints in both drive shafts as well. Tire vibrations usually don't change with throttle input.
 
I'm quite sure that the vibration is not from the wheel or suspension as I got it checked out recently by my mechanic during the last service. I also got the wheels balanced and alignment checked prior to this happening. The vibration feels/sounds exactly like when you drive over the rumble strip on the road and happening close to 45-50 mph mark. As soon as I let go of the pedal it goes away and when I press on it to resume around 45 it doesn't happen again. Any thoughts? Could this be related to transmission in any way? If so I'd rather get a transmission fluid/filter changed as a preventive measure.
 
aztoytec said:
Sounds like you may just need new tires…
Click to expand...
Tires are fairly new. Pic for interest :)

IMG_4405.webp
 
Rednexus said:
Driveline vibration is usually wheel or tire related. I'd suggest getting your tires balanced and seeing if it goes away. If not, you can start investigating further.

Regarding the beeping, the VSC is kicking in as the computer thinks you are about to go into a skidding situation. Usually that will be cleared up with a zero point calibration (ZPC), which will re-orient the "zero" or "flat" reading for all of the VSC-related sensors. You can do it with a paperclip and there are a number of YouTube videos and threads on here that show the process. I had the same problem and the ZPC totally cleared it up. A tire shop might also be able to do a ZPC for you.
Click to expand...
I've never heard of of ZPC so will definitely look up to see what's that all about and watch some videos. Hopefully an easy solution. Thanks.
 
There was a TSB put out for the GX470 for drivesline vibration similar to what you are describing. I would make sure both your driveshafts are greased and tourqued to spec and see if that makes any improvement. I would also look at TSB DL001-08 and see if your vehicle came from the factory with the updated driveshafts since you have an 09 model year. It's possible your vehicle has an 08 build date before the updates. I would flush your transmission and change the filter too because it's that time after 100k, not necessarily because I think it's the culprit.
 
I had something similar not too long ago but when away after I refreshed my shocks (6112s) and wheel bearings. Drives like brand new now.
 
I would strongly advise you to remove front driveshaft and check the condition of the ujoint. This is very common to let go earlier than rear because it is a lot harder to grease. The skid plate is in the way and people take short cut not to grease the front driveshaft.

Mine was doing this exact thing and I have to remove it to realize the joint are binding. Replaced with low mileage GX460 for about $100 from Ebay.
 
Jstawgn said:
I would strongly advise you to remove front driveshaft and check the condition of the ujoint. This is very common to let go earlier than rear because it is a lot harder to grease. The skid plate is in the way and people take short cut not to grease the front driveshaft.

Mine was doing this exact thing and I have to remove it to realize the joint are binding. Replaced with low mileage GX460 for about $100 from Ebay.
Click to expand...
I've seen them let go and luckily not take out the transmission. Can get a new complete shaft from Toyota for reasonable cost or if you catch it in time just replace the u-joints. This is not something to be ignored and gives the exact symptoms of the OP
 
Your symptoms immediately brought to mind two likely causes: 1) bad u-joints in the rear driveline (most likely) or, 2) bad pinion bearing or loose pinion nut on the rear differential.

I have had both of these cause what you describe, not on my GX, but on other vehicles.
 
I have a 2004 and mine did exactly the same as what you describe after I took ownership at around 235k miles - seller didn't disclose this and when we drove it, it didn't happen. Then on the way home on the highway coasting to an exit the entire truck started to shake, so bad even the sun roof started rattling. Initially thinking it must be tire balance, tie rods, wheel bearing, etc related but what it actually was is the torque converter starting to oscillate at no to very low throttle and it only happened in the 45 - 50mph range, likely do to being in a specific gear at that point.

The fix was two partial transmission fluid changes. I drained out about 1/2 of the original fluid and replace it with new OEM oil going through the transmission cooler as my in and outlet. Then I ran the truck for about 500miles before I repeated the process again. Since then the vibrations are all gone. For my truck it was clear that a transmission flush had never been done before and I know doing this can be risky, but this took care of my issue. I am at 285k now and the issue has not come back.

Since yours has not seen a flush since 150k miles it is possible this is the same issue.

Please proceed at your own risk...
Word of caution: Don't do a complete flush, there is many reports out there stating that this can actually cause clogging of the valve body as all new oil might dislodge sludge. That is why I did a partial flush, so that the viscosity of the oil would only slightly change with the new oil but still offer the benefit of cleaning up some of the gunk but at a slower rate.
 
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