Skid Plate Noise for Toyota
Some 2014-2020 Toyota Tundra trucks with a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) skid plate may exhibit a creaking or cracking noise coming from the lower front end. The source of this noise has been pinpointed to the TRD skid plate contacting the frame cross member.
Contact between the skid plate and frame cross member is by design. Do not modify skid plate hardware or add shims, washers, insulating material, etc. Skid plate fastener torques are critical to prevent abnormal noise and ensure safe usage of the skid plate’s integrated jack point.
See in the photograph: Bolts A shown here require a 5mm hex bit and must be torqued to 18 ft-lb. Bolts B requires a 12mm socket and must be torqued to 21 ft-lb. Bolt C requires a 5mm hex bit and must be torqued to 21 ft-lb. Bolts D requires a 15mm socket and wrench and must be torqued to 38 ft-lb. Bolts E requires a 17mm socket and must be torqued to 43 ft-lb. Note that the rear lock nuts are not reusable and must be replaced with new lock nuts, if serviced.
About the Author
Information courtesy of Mitchell 1
Information for Technical Service Bulletins comes from ProDemand, Mitchell 1's auto repair information software for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in San Diego, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry since 1918.
Mike Mavrigian
Motor Age Editor
Mike Mavrigian has written thousands of automotive technical magazine articles involving a variety of specialties, from engine building to wheel alignment, and has authored more than a dozen books that crisscross the automotive spectrum. Mike operates Birchwood Automotive, an Ohio shop that builds custom engines and performs vintage vehicle restorations. The shop also features a professional photo studio to document projects and to create images for articles and books.