What has made my 5th gen gear shifter super squeaky?

That'd be one of my first big strikes for Toyota, if I need replacement. 2016 ain't that old, counting on them quality Japanese parts. Is what it is tho, I'm nearing 90,000 kms, more bills are coming

 

I can't comment from first hand knowledge, but it does sound like it's coming from the console just listening to the video....that being said if it is coming from below at the transmission it should be much louder if listening to it from under the vehicle, if coming from the console it would be less noticeable from underneath, if you had someone shift while you listen from under there it should be obvious as to where the noise is coming from.

 

Thanks again for the replies, everything is super helpful.
@AuSeeker I'll rope my wife in for this one, she can handle the shifting part haha

 

@djwantke
Good luck on your quest.
If it does lead you to the NSS, it can be had for about $100. It's easy to access and easy to swap (2 bolts and a plug)...if it isn't corroded to the shaft.
My last 5th gen was a 2015, NSS swap in 2021.

 

@EC15 great advice appreciate that

 

Popping console open, little gnarlier than initially expected

 

Anyone point me where to attack here

 

1. Salvage the quarter.
2. Shop vac all the loose debris.
3. Spray bottle with soapy water and agitate with disposable brush to loosen and remove remaining debris and any sticky stuff.
4. Now that it’s as clean as possible, have someone drive you around while you operate the shifter with your ear close to the shifter as possible to see if you can pinpoint the squeak.

 

https://youtu.be/wK82Pp5KW0E

 

So finally able to view and listen to your video. That’s what my squeak sounds like, just not as loud. I was able to get under the vehicle today and do some spraying. I’ll give it a day and report back if it made a Difference. Also, just to note nothing has ever spilled on my console and I’m getting the squeak.

 

This is exactly what I did today. There is also a linkage on the drivers side for the transmission, that is what I sprayed when I was getting the hard shift. If you haven’t done so already, give that a spray also.

 

@NOS4A2-1 have someone move shifter while spraying drivers side linkage, or not necessary? THANKS

 

You can try this...
Have the NSS rotate WITH the shaft by unplugging it and remove the 12mm bolt before moving the shifter.
If it no longer squeaks, its the NSS.
Hope that makes sense.

 

Hit all the spots now, vac'd debris, wife removed and cleaned plastic console parts
I'll try NSS removal test
I'll repeat lubing for couple days

 

Your wife cleaned that filthy mess!? She’s a keeper.

 

I don’t think it’s necessary.

Edit: Sorry for late response.

 

Nice! that’s the spot I was talking about on the drives side.

 

My wife surprised me today too lol

 

So far, its perhaps even squeakier

https://youtu.be/CmSaTDuh6r8

 

It’s hard to pinpoint the location of the sound from the video. Maybe a dab of grease at these points?

 

After lubricating the linkage and NSS yesterday, I still have the squeak. I’m pretty certain now it’s coming from the console area. As soon as I have some time I’ll get into the console as suggested @CaptainSpalding

 

What would you suggest, white lithium, silicone, or something else?

 

It doesn’t really matter. For any applications where a particular specification of grease is not called for I use Super Lube. It’s a clear synthetic food grade all purpose grease. I’ve used it for years on everything from household hardware to firearms. I wouldn’t use it on the drive shafts, but it’s a no brainer for something like this. But like I said, it doesn’t matter. You just want something thick enough that it will stay where you put it.

 

Okay, got you. Thanks! I used Super Lube on my firearms years ago, I didn’t know it was still around.

 

I like to apply it with a hobby syringe. I buy it in a tube because it’s easier to transfer into the syringe than scooping the goop out of a can.

I follow the adage “If it slides, grease it. If it pivots, oil it.”

 

I also need to try what I believe EC15 said, disconnect NSS out of the mix and check for squeak

 

My 16 does the same. Sounds like it's coming from the console. Have used penetrating lube to some reduction.

 

I will remember that one!

 

have you Lubed inside the console at all yet?

 

well, that’s a little encouraging, thanks.