How to Inspect the Drivetrain in a Toyota Tacoma

Only about 100 trucks were affected by the defect recall on the 2007 Toyota Tacoma drivetrain. You can discover this flaw during your annual routine drivetrain inspection or take the truck into a dealership to have it checked. A section of the rear shaft that connects to the wheels wasn't welded correctly and could fall off, hitting the pavement while you drive, so inspect this area thoroughly.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Creeper
• Old rags

1. • 1

     Inspect your Toyota Tacoma drivetrain every 12 months or 15,000 miles to take advantage of the 5-year/60,000 miles drivetrain warranty and to make sure you stay safe on the road.

   • 2

     Look at the components of the truck's drivetrain. Slide under the Toyota Tacoma on a creeper and look for any signs of breakage or wear on the front and rear axles that connect the driveshaft to the wheels. Be sure to check the transfer case, if yours is a 4-wheel drive truck.

   • 3

     Search for seepage of fluids from the joints and seals. At the outer end of the driveshaft check the support brackets for the drivetrain to make sure they're tight. Check the CV-joints and most importantly, the boots that cover and protect these joints. Inspect the boots for cracks or tears.

   • 4

     Test drive your Toyota Tacoma. Listen closely for any odd noises, such as a clicking or clunking when you're cruising at a low speed, a clicking noise when you turn or clunks when you round a corner. Any of these noises could indicate trouble with the drivetrain.

   • 5

     Raise the hood on the SUV and check the oil and transmission fluid levels. Both have metal sticks that you pull out. Find the oil dipstick on the Tacoma on the driver's side of the engine block and the transmission dipstick on the passenger side. Check the transmission with the engine running and then turn it off to check the oil.

   • 6

     Wipe each of the dipsticks with an old rag and reinsert them into their respective holes. Gauge the levels of fluid in the containers as well as the color. Oil should be nearly clear and transmission fluid should be a light reddish color. Add more fluid, if they're low, and change the fluid if they're discolored.

   • 7

     Check all the hoses and clamps attached to the air and oil filters and from the engine, because the warranty doesn't cover them and it could create bigger problems if they're allowed to break.

Tips & Warnings

• Dealers will replace the rear prop shaft on faulty vehicles. If you have any questions, call Toyota at (800) 331-4331.