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3rd Gen Tundra: Vibration or clunk from the rear, gear oil on a rear wheel, or a loose rear axle (2022 recall)

Safety: A separating rear axle can cause a loss of control. A new rear vibration or a wet hub on a 2022 is a stop-and-check item.

Checks, in order

  1. VIN check
    Confirm 22V445 was completed. Even if it was, a rear vibration that starts suddenly deserves a look at the flange nuts and hub.
    easy $ · under about $50
  2. Look for leaks
    Gear oil on the inside of a rear wheel is an axle seal; oil on the differential nose and driveshaft is the pinion seal. Both are warranty items on a truck this new.
    easy $ · under about $50
  3. Rule out tires and the driveshaft
    A vibration that scales with speed and not engine load is tires or the driveshaft. 2024 trucks had recall 24V767 for tire sidewall damage; check the inner sidewalls.
    easy $ · under about $50

Applies to: 3rd generation Tundra, 2022 on, with the 3.4L twin-turbo V35A-FTS V6 and the 10-speed automatic, including the i-FORCE MAX hybrid. Most items are covered by Toyota's 3 year/36,000 mile basic and 5 year/60,000 mile powertrain warranties or by an open recall, so the first check on this truck is usually a VIN lookup.

Tools and parts for these checks

Links below are Amazon affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate, toyotadata earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm fitment for your exact truck before you order.

ITEMUSED FORBUY
Driveshaft U-jointReplacing a worn U-jointShop on Amazon
Driveshaft center support bearingReplacing a worn carrier bearing (two-piece shafts)Shop on Amazon
Lever grease gunGreasing U-joints and the slip yokeShop on Amazon
Pry bar setChecking ball joints, bushings and tie rod ends for playShop on Amazon

More 3rd Gen Tundra problems

All 8 3rd Gen Tundra symptoms in the interactive troubleshooter →

General guidance from owner experience. Confirm torque specs, fluid capacities and procedures in the factory service manual. Brakes, steering and anything structural: if in doubt, have a qualified shop inspect it before driving.