Toyota Tundra Bed Bounce Issue: Our Position

Toyota Tundra Bed Bounce Issue: Our PositionPosted by admin on August 30th, 2007 filed in Tundra News, Tundra Recalls

One of our readers recently requested we spend some time talking about the "bed bounce" issue and what it means to owners or anyone considering purchasing a new Tundra.
First, for anyone who doesn't know about the bed bounce issue, take a look at our post about All Known 2007 Tundra Problems.
To understand what's going on with the Tundra's bed, you need to know a little bit of physics (not much, but a little). Basically, all objects have an inherent natural frequency of vibration. When an object is subjected to an outside force whose frequency matches the object's natural frequency, dramatic vibrations can occur. Perhaps the best explanation of natural frequency and mechanical resonance is a child swinging on a swingset. Even if you only push the child slightly, if you push them at the right time, they will go much higher. That's because you're matching the natural frequency of the swing.
Another great example of mechanical resonance is the collapse of the old Tacoma Narrows bridge in 1940.

Amazingly, the length, width, and thickness of the bridge created a natural frequency that corresponded exactly with winds of about 40mph. One windy day, the bridge fell down. Mechanical resonance in action.
But what does this have to do with the new Tundra?
Based on posts we've read on TundraSolutions, the situation seems to be most evident when driving on concrete highways between 55-65 mph. Evidently running over concrete expansion joints at those speeds matches the mechanical resonance of the Tundra and causes a nasty vibration. Additionally, we've see the Ford generated video of the Tundra's bed vibration. Clearly, the Tundra has an issue here.
Here's what we think:
1. The Ford produced bed bounce video is worthless. In the video, you'll see that the Tundra has dramatic bed vibration. You'll also see that the entry speed was 28mph. Why 28? Our guess is that 28mph was the speed that the Ford performed best at. Had the test been conducted at even 30mph, the results could have been dramatically different. Mechanical resonance is tricky — even small changes in speed can dramatically effect the results. Besides, is anyone really going to drive on that surface that fast? What real-world situation would require you to drive almost 30mph on a surface that unforgiving? Because the situation in the Ford video is so unique, we really don't think you should put much stock in it.
2. The Tundra's bed bounce on concrete highways is a big deal for some. Toyota screwed up here — the new truck shouldn't have this problem. While nearly all trucks exhibit some form of bed bounce on concrete highways, the Tundra's bed bounce is outside the norm. We think it may have something to do with Toyota's decision to angle the rear leaf springs rather than orient them straight front to back, but that's nothing more than a guess. But of all the items on the new truck, this unconventional suspension arrangement seems to be the most radical (and therefore the most suspicious, at least to us). However, based on the volume of complaints we've seen on forums, etc., we're willing to bet most Tundra owners haven't experienced this problem.
3. The bed bounce problem isn't necessarily an indicator of frame strength. While one possible explanation for the Tundra's bed bounce issue is that the frame isn't strong enough, it seems unlikely. If the frame were really so weak that it would allow the bed to bounce out of control, a few trucks probably would have fallen apart by now. We're 99% certain that the issue is suspension related, specifically that the suspension doesn't dampen the natural mechanical resonance of the truck. If bed bounce really was a result of poor frame strength, why does the it only happen at certain speeds? The answer — it's not about frame strength.
4. There are things you can do to mitigate the bounce. Some owners have reported that adding a few hundred pounds of cargo to the bed has reduced bed bounce. Others have added a new leaf spring, or an air suspension system. Perhaps the easiest fix is to avoid speeds that cause bed bounce — when traveling on concrete highways with big expansion joints, anything outside of the 55-65mph range will result in little or no bounce.
5. Toyota should fix this soon. When we first heard about this problem, we didn't believe it. However, over the last few months its become clear that something is wrong. Just like it took us a while to acknowledge, Toyota will need time as well. However, once it becomes clear to them, we can't imagine they won't fix it, especially considering the fix would be rather simple. Changing the rear leaf springs, while expensive, would undoubtedly cure the problem. In fact, the fix COULD be as easy as adding a new brace or redistributing some suspension weight. It's important to remember that minor changes to the suspension can result in a radically different natural frequency, and therefore no bed bounce (or very little).
6. Should this affect your decision to buy a new Tundra? Like all things, it depends. We tested the Tundra here in Denver a few months ago, and noticed no bed bounce. We drove it all over town, on highways, etc., with no problems to report. However, there aren't a lot of concrete highways around here. Our advice to anyone considering buying the truck is to take the time and test-drive the vehicle on your normal commute route. Based on the number of complaints we've seen online, and the relative lack of publicity, this problem likely affects less than 5% of Tundra owners. For 95% of the people considering purchasing the new Tundra, this probably isn't a big deal.
So there you have it. Our opinion of the Toyota Tundra pickup bed bounce issue and how it should impact your decision to buy a new Tundra. Any comments?
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All Known 2007 Toyota Tundra ProblemsToyota Customer Service: Tips for Getting Your Problem SolvedTundra Fuel Economy: 7 Ways To Improve your Tundra MPG


Source: http://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2007/08/30/toyota-tundra-bed-bounce-issue-our-position/

Villeneuve to test NASCAR Toyota Tundra today

Once a racer, always a racer. It seems that nobody knows that better than Jacques Villeneuve. Despite having a healthy dose of negative public opinion, the guy just wants to race. It's not that he needs a job, he just needs the competition. To that end, he's been hard at work trying to join the NASCAR ranks, but hasn't had too much luck getting his chance. Today though, things might change as he spends his first day in a Toyota Tundra at Chicagoland Speedway today courtesy of Bill Davis Racing.
I'm a firm believer that a true champion can win in any series given the opportunity with the right equipment. Let's hope that the Canadian ex-pat can prove my theory right.
Press release after the break

HIGH POINT, N.C. (August 23, 2007) – Following an invitation from Toyota NASCAR team Bill Davis Racing, former F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve will make his NASCAR debut behind the wheel of a Toyota Tundra truck on Monday, August 27 at Chicagoland Speedway in Illinois.
Having won both the IndyCar series and the legendary Indy 500 event, Villeneuve is no stranger to oval racing, although he last did so in 1995. For a driver with an almost unequalled resumé, the 36-year-old father of one is fully accepting of his 'rookie' status, and is focused on learning as much as he can, as quickly as he can.
Speaking from Bill Davis Racing's High Point, N.C. HQ, Jacques Villeneuve commented, "We have spent the last few months considering a number of NASCAR options and were in agreement that the truck offers the closest reference point to the Car of Tomorrow. Bill Davis Racing was aware of my interest in NASCAR and approached my management team with a view to allowing me to test within its truck program. I'm glad we were able to work that out, and having spent the day with the team for my seat fitting, I am really looking forward to working with Bill and his staff."
Villeneuve's long-term manager, Craig Pollock, added to the picture, stating, "There's been a lot of speculation about when Jacques would arrive in NASCAR. Bill Davis' kind invitation coincided with our decision to start within Craftsman Truck, so the fit was both timely and natural."

Source: http://thegarageblog.com/garage/villeneuve-to-test-nascar-toyota-tundra-today/

Jacques Villeneuve completes first NASCAR Truck Series test. Will

HIGH POINT, N.C. (Aug. 28, 2007) – Former Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve made his debut behind the wheel of a Bill Davis Racing Toyota Tundra machine Monday and Tuesday at Chicagoland Speedway.

Villeneuve, who has not raced on an oval track since 1995, when he won both the Indianapolis 500 and the CART Indy Car Championship, spent Monday acclimating himself to the No. 27 truck. After watching teammate Mike Skinner run a few laps, Villeneuve hit the track in his Tundra. By his 12th lap, Villeneuve's lap time was 31.67 seconds around the 1.5-mile tri-oval and within six tenths of a second of Skinner's times. Villeneuve finished the day only two tenths of a second slower than the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship leader.

The team made a number of changes to the truck throughout the two-day test session, but Villeneuve never slowed. His lap of 31.00 seconds Tuesday proved to the other Craftsman Truck Series teams attending the test just how talented he really is.

"It was a great test," Villeneuve said. "I missed racing on ovals, so it has been a lot of fun the last few days. I definitely learned a lot. The truck has a lot more grip then I thought it was going to have. It turns very well. It took a little getting used to at first, but I am very comfortable in it now."

"Jacques did very well," said BDR Truck Team Manager Mark Chambers. "He gives incredible feedback and adapted to the truck extremely well. Overall, I would have to say that he was very impressive on and off the track. He will be a great asset to BDR."

Villeneuve will make his first career NASCAR start in the Craftsman Truck Series event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Sept. 22. He will then compete in the remainder of the NCTS events for Bill Davis Racing. The 36-year old champion could possibly make his NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series debut before the end of the 2007 season.

From: Amanda Smith Mathis // Bill Davis Racing Public Relations - NCTS


Source: http://insidetracknews.blogspot.com/2007/08/jacques-villeneuve-completes-first.html