We have heard many truck owners complain about Toyota Tacoma vibration when accelerating. It’s a concerning issue, and you’re probably wondering why it actually happens.
Perhaps it is more of an annoyance for some. However, there could be a serious issue behind it, which is a huge concern.
So, if you want to solve this issue on a Tacoma vibration when accelerating, let’s go right into it. Here are the different reasons behind this occurrence and what you can do about it.
Toyota Tacoma Vibration When Accelerating
A Tacoma shudder on acceleration can be quite an annoying thing to deal with. But one thing is for sure – you should never ignore it when it happens.
In some cases, the issue can be something insignificant such as your speed. After all, if you’re going too fast, it is normal that your tacoma shakes when accelerating. The same holds true when you suddenly hit the brakes, which causes such vibration.
However, there are a few other reasons behind this scenario. The following are the most common culprits:
1. Poor Motor Mount
When the motor mount is not done right, it is possible to notice that your Toyota Tacoma shudders when accelerating.
Immediately upon accelerating, you should be able to observe this vibration. While it may not be intense, it is still noticeable. The reason behind this is that the motor of your Toyota Tacoma is connected to the chassis through the motor mount. It is also responsible for absorbing much of the vibration.
Hence, if you have an issue with the motor mount, it is not surprising to notice such vibration. Over time, this issue can get worse, which is why it is best to solve this at the onset of the problem. Otherwise, you may eventually hear a more intense clunking sound that can be bothersome and may lead to further issues.
It is also worth noting that your vehicle has more than a single motor mount. As soon as one goes bad, a vibration occurs. It can also lead to stress and potential damage to the other mounts. Thus, it is best not to delay resolving this problem before things get worse.
2. Brake Caliper Is Stuck
Another reason behind a Tacoma vibration on acceleration is when the brake caliper is stuck or has issues. As you keep on accelerating, you will notice that your Toyota Tacoma will shake progressively. The steering wheel will also shake, and you may find your vehicle being pulled to the right or left, depending on the direction the caliper sticks it on.
While it is an issue that can arise in any vehicle, you will have to get a replacement for the caliper when this happens. If you notice that the steering wheel is shaking, your vehicle is being pulled to one direction, the brake pad is glazed, or you observe a strong, burning-like smell in one of tires, then it’s possible that the caliper has issues.
3. Misfiring Engine
Some people who experience a 2013 Toyota Tacoma vibration when accelerating link this issue with a misfiring engine.
This is a concern that can be observed at various speeds, although it is more obvious when your RPM is low.
If one of your ignition system components fails to send out enough spark whether it is your plug wires, coil packs, or spark plugs, a misfire can arise. When this happens, you will immediately notice your check engine light switches on. Thus, you need to conduct a diagnosis on your spark plugs, to begin with. If that is the issue, then a replacement is mandatory.
4. A Problematic Driveshaft
When there is a problem with the driveshaft, it is expected that a shaking will arise. The worse it gets as you continue to accelerate. The driveshaft is responsible for transferring power to your rear wheels from the engine. This also connects the rear axle and the transmission.
In the event that your driveshaft is bent, then the common culprit is a damaged universal joint. Hence, a worn out universal joint will cause the shaking as you accelerate. It might get worse while in some cases, the shaking becomes consistent depending on your speed.
5. Inner CV Joint Issue
If you notice a constant shaking at various speeds, your CV joint may be damaged. It gets worse as you accelerate hard or when you turn, which can be hard to ignore.
What your CV joint does is send power to your vehicle’s front wheels. When the entire CV shaft is worn out, then it is likely that the inner CV joint is bad, as well.
Additionally, a torn boot is also to blame. This boot keeps the debris and oil out of the CV joint. If this is the issue, you will notice grease spilling out of the undercarriage right around the boot. In this case, a replacement is necessary to resolve this issue.
6. Incorrect Wheel Balance
You should notice some kind of shaking or vibration when the wheels are poorly aligned. However, this is only more obvious when you accelerate. If you are going under 30 mph, then it is barely recognizable.
The tires of your vehicle use weights to maintain balance. If the weights have fallen off over time, then this results in poor alignment, which ends up in a vibration issue.
Most common culprits behind improper wheel alignment are going too fast when you hit a speed bump, driving on a large pothole, and running up a curb.
Check your wheels and look for the wheel weight, which should be right where it should be. If it has gone missing, then you need to get it aligned by a professional. A mechanic should easily correct this problem.
7. Lug Nuts Are Loose
A Toyota Tacoma vibration when accelerating could also be due to loose lug nuts. No matter what the speed, some vibration should be observed, yet it gets worse at specific speeds.
When you notice such shaking while speeding up, it is best to pull over and check the lug nuts. They are most likely loose, so a quick tightening should solve the issue. This loosening may occur when you have recently changed your tire or when some work on the vehicle has been done involving a wheel removal.
A torque wrench should be able to tighten the loose lug nuts. However, be sure that you torque them according to factory recommendations.
Other Reasons Behind Toyota Tacoma Vibration When Accelerating
There are a few other reasons why a vibration occurs as you accelerate on your Toyota Tacoma.
For instance, the engine could have some problems. Common ones include fuel delivery issues, air fuel mixture, bad MAF sensor, a vacuum leak, poor adjustment on your valves, and a clogged fuel injector.
These all contribute to a vibration problem, which is why it is best to get your mechanic to check your vehicle for proper diagnosis and have the issue resolved sooner than later.
Bottom Line
A Toyota Tacoma vibration when accelerating is a serious issue not to be ignored. There are many reasons why this happens, so it is important to have the issue checked immediately to prevent further issues.
Whether it is only a mild vibration or something that comes and goes, make it a point to have a professional inspect your vehicle as soon as possible to eliminate the issue and spare you from an even bigger – and more expensive – repair work.