Although it’s one of the most popular compact pickup trucks ever made, it’s still not unusual to experience Toyota Tacoma vibration when accelerating. This is a very unnerving problem to have with the A750F transmission, but there is a reason for it. So let’s dive into one of the most common Toyota Tacoma transmission problems, and see if we can figure out why it is happening.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Toyota Tacoma transmission shudder
Okay so, the Toyota Tacoma shudder on takeoff that we are talking about here, occurs between 32 – 42 mph. Usually between the 2-3 shift. If you accelerate hard, or move the shifter into the ‘S’ or ‘4’ position, the shuddering/shaking sensation may disappear.
This A750F transmission shudder is likely coming from the torque converter, and is being caused by one of two reasons. The first is actually pretty straightforward; the Toyota WS transmission fluid in the gearbox is either too old or too thin/dirty to do its job. This causes problems with torque converter clutch engagement during ‘Flex Lockup’. If your transmission fluid obviously needs to be changed (to learn more about automatic transmission fluid, click here) and you don’t service the transmission immediately upon noticing the shudder on takeoff, this issue could lead to premature torque converter clutch failure and valve body damage.
Reason number two: The A750F torque converter clutch has already failed and needs to be replaced. If this is the case, it’s very possible that the TCC control valve sleeve and secondary regulator valve bores inside of the valve body have been damaged. They may be able to be repaired, but it will be a very expensive job.
How much is it going to cost to fix my Toyota Tacoma transmission?
Unfortunately, the problem described here will require the removal and disassembly/partial disassembly of your transmission. Given the labor time involved to remove the transmission from the vehicle (this is not a simple task), most repair shops will recommend that you go ahead and rebuild the entire transmission while it’s out. Since they already have to tear it down to replace the torque converter clutch and valve body, it sort of makes sense to spend the extra money to do that. After all, you should get a lot more mileage out of your transmission once it’s rebuilt. And since they’ve already got the transmission apart, might as well, right?
Things to consider with a transmission rebuild
You’re the test driver – Most transmission repair shops and mechanics will only put a few miles on your vehicle to make sure the transmission works. But it’s not uncommon to experience transmission problems during the break-in period.
Everything might not be fixed – Most mechanics and transmission repair centers don’t have the equipment necessary to perform a thorough inspection on hard parts like gear sets, clutch drums and valve bodies. This means that your rebuilt transmission could actually have small cracks in key parts that aren’t visible to the naked eye. As time and mileage progress, these cracks can grow and create an even larger problem. Similarly, a slight warp in the valve body can seriously impact shifting performance over time.
Warranty – Although most mechanic shops and transmission repair shops will warranty their work. That coverage is usually only good at the shop or franchise that did the work. If you travel out of town and suddenly experience transmission problems, you’ll be on the hook for any transmission repairs unless you pay to have your vehicle towed back to the shop that did the work.
Quality – Nearly every time you get a transmission rebuild, all of the work is performed by a single technician. This may or may not be a good thing, depending on your point of view. But the end result is dependent on that technician’s level of experience working with your specific type of transmission. In addition, there is usually no standardized quality control checks at a mechanic shop. So an improperly torqued bolt or gasket that isn’t fully seated, might be overlooked and cause you major problems in the future.
Is a transmission rebuild worth it?
If you plan to keep your vehicle for as long as possible, then getting a transmission rebuild is certainly a viable option. However, a remanufactured transmission is a much better alternative. You’re getting as close to a brand-new transmission as it is possible. Companies like Street Smart Transmission also modify the transmission to correct all of the factory design flaws, allowing you to get a much longer service life from the transmission. You also get a 3-year/unlimited mile nationwide warranty, which allows you to get necessary repairs performed at any licensed repair shop of the country. So in terms of value for the money, a reman transmission might be the better way to go.
What Transmission Do I Have?
