Hi all, newbie here....

I'm considering purchase of a new Limited 4wd, so just checking on this forum for warranty problems.

I recently rented a 2004 SR5 4wd for the weekend, 18K miles on the unit, drove it for 1000 miles.

I'm fairly impressed, which is saying something, cause I've owned one of everything in the past 40 years.

One of the most immediate concerns is this thread on steering wheel vibration. The rental unit exhibited a nibble, as did a new 2wd which I recently demoed.

What's the straight skinny on this problem?

With a 2003 Limited V8 and 18000 miles. Still have the problem. It exists at 22,32,43, 54,and 60 MPh. I'll admit that during the warmer months it's less severe. What I'm disturbed about is that Toyota told me 90 days ago that there was a TSB going to be issued by June 1st to cover the problem. The last time I talked to them, they said "We are aware of the problem, but, we haven't come up with a FIX yet" "Your dealer will notify you when a Fix is ready to install". After a year it's getting OLD! I Would like to know if the TSB issued for the Lexus (which had the same problem) has been fixed. Anybody hear? dick13

Hi All,
I too have the steering wheel resonence/vibration, dick13 you discribed my problem to the letter.
So I made a service appointment to document. Went on Tuesday morning, whats the deal? This was the nicest I have ever been treated in a dealer ship. Svc Mng went driving with me asked me questions about the problem , then he drove and said he felt the resonence. Then we drove a 2004 SR5 V8 new from the lot (he suggested this) it did the same thing. I asked now what do we do? He said he has had no TSBs for this problem so there was not a thing he could do, he did not know what the problem was. He would put me in his file to be contacted "if" a TSB came across his desk. He also suggested I contact toyota customer care to make them aware of another owner with this problem. The more complaints and maybe toyota will fix the promblem?
I am not happy about the last line in my service file:
Checked for service bulletins, none found, appears to be at this time a charactaristic of these vehicles.
What do you think?

I think its comes with the 4runner and GX470 at no additional charge. Not a problem. It's a truck. You should go drive a 2002 Dodge 3500 4x4

I haven't logged on in a while, because this issue wore me out. I lost arbitration and suspect Toyota will never fix the problem. I just live with it now, but every other aspect of the 4 runner I feel is great with the exception of that stupid plastic piece on the skid plate that covers the oil plug. I had to replace mine and couldn't believe it cost $17 at the dealership?!? I know that sounds petty, but duct tape would do a better job protecting that area. Does anyone know of a replacement alloy or steel cover? In addition, this VVTI thing on the 05s has got me a bit cranky as well. Also, I've been towing a lot and the 15 K maintenance list says I should replace transfer case and differential oil. What's everyone think?

Hey Pitbull,
Before the 4-runner, 93 Dodge Dually cummins, we still have it and it still shakes and shimmies. I drove it almost every day for 11 yrs. Just my luck I buy another truck with a anoying vibration and a stinky butt to boot. But I really wanted a 4-runner, go figure.

thanks for the imput, later, Pupwa

Pupwa, I loved my Cummins going to get another some day. I feel and Toyota/Lexus says that this feeling you get with the 4runner/GX470 is a harmonic, I've had mine for 6 months now and don't really notice it. Compared to driving my dually it is smooth as silk. Also since this is common with the 4runners and the GX470's it must be a design issue. Lexus has a tsb to try and fix this with the GX470, it has not been that successful. The fix has to due with bushing that isolate the steering so the harmonic is eliminated.

I would have the diff and transfer case fluid changed at 15K miles if you tow. I will have my diffs changed at 15K even though I don't tow. I will do the transfer case at 30K miles. But I don't tow.

I test drove a new 04 V8 Today. I noticed the vibration in the steering at about 60mph. It bothered me, I pointed it out to the salesman. He acted like he didn't hear me. Then I came home and noticed this forum. So I really like the 4 runner, should I keep looking until I find one that doesn't vibrate? The light in the dash was on that said my air pressure was low, could that of been the problem? I really, really like the 4 runner otherwise. I mean it wasn't that bad of a shake, but it was definetly something noticable.

i had a pretty bad vibration around 60mph as well. i had the tires rebalanced and it went away.

This is wierd but it's been cold here and my steering wheel doesn't vibrate anymore. I'm sure it will start again around 37k miles.

Could be that the cold weather is lowering your air pressure in your tires and changing your ride/handling.

By any chance could you guys post the brand/model of tire used when the vibration was experienced?

I think I have figured out where the vibration you feel in the steering
wheel comes from.

This is not a tire balance issue.

The way the exhaust system is designed there is a rather long pipe run
from the converters to the muffler. Under acceleration there is a resonance
in the exhaust system, since the motor and the front axle are tied to the
same cross member(where the steering box is mounted) the vibration
from this resonance is transmitted into the steering wheel.

I would just bet that if the position where the pipes join was moved the
vibration would disappear.

Cliff s

Maybe the guys with the aftermarket exhausts can chime in. Does anyone with an aftermarket exhaust have the dreaded "steering wheel vibration" problem?