If it was the exhaust, then wouldn't they all do it? I guess the question I am asking is that if I test drive an 05 V8 and it doesn't do it I should be ok? I have read the whole thread and I see that it also happens when people are going 20mph, 30mph, and so on. Is this true of everyone? The dealership that I will be going to isn't near a highway and I can't really go 60mph in a residential area. Is there any other way of finding out if a particular truck will have this problem?

Ack.....just got the steering vibration on my v8 4runner. Happens at around 70mph.

I see this forum just faded away. Anyone have an update on the issue?

I bought my '04 4Runner at the end of March 2004 and experienced vibration for a couple of months and then it went away until just recently it's started back up again in the morning's. I sure wished they would come up with a TSB on this.

I do not have this vibration (knock on wood), but I ran across this TSB and thought it may be an answer for some people.


ST001-05 Steering - 'Flutter' at Highway Speeds
It applies to 03-05 4Runners


The TSB is 25 pages long and deals with tire problems (Dunlops develop flat spots) and adjusting the steering gear box and adding a different steering wheel (perhaps heavier to lessen vibration?)

Thai posted this comment from another user:

The Issue on hand is some kind of rhythmic cycling sound .. as opposed to a constant drone when accelerating. I only hear it when accelerating slowly or applying gas between 70-80mph. It is not loud and it goes away when I lift my foot off the accelerator."

I am having this same rythmic cycling sound. It is always at 70mph or if I downshift in 4, it appears around 55. It goes away as soon as I lift the accelerator ever so slightly. This is not a vibration as I cannot feel it in the steering wheel. It is very annoying as I drive long distances with my job...the noise can almost hypnotise you.

I am taking my 2003 V8 Sport in tomorrow for an oil change. I will see what I can find out.

I have the same problem. Did you meet with any success at the dealer?
Thanks

I took it into the dealer to get my oil changed, and I mentioned the noise to the service manager. He said he hasn't heard that particular problem but he's heard the vibration problem before.

They were very busy that day and he told me that he would document this on my service log and I would have to schedule another time to come in and address the issue. The good news was the oil change took a lot longer because they were so busy, he didn't charge me for it.

2003 V8 Sport
Galatic Grey
72,000 miles
Revo Tires

I'm going to make an appointment next week sometime for an oil change and I'll bring it up then with the service manager. I have a feeling that this is going to end up like the seat rattle (driver's) I have. Nothing will be fixed, nor do I really want them to try for fear they may screw up and otherwise great vehicle. At the very least I'll get the issue documented in case this develops into something worse.

with my stock wrangler rt/s i experienced vibration at high speeds. I then purchased new tires (Revos) and made sure I went to a dealer with the correct balancing machine and the problem went away. I dont know if it was the new tires or the balancing that made the difference but I'm assuming its the balancing.

The thing is that if I take my foot off the gas at 75 or rolling (coasting) down hill at that speed, it feels perfectly fine with no vibration. I would think if it was tire, alignment, or balance related it would vibrate under any condition at a certain speed.

I have a 1999 4runner limited which exhibits the exact same problems as outlined in the TSB
ST001-05 Steering - 'Flutter' at Highway Speeds- read "Serious Vibration"
Although this is supposed to cover different year models, does anyone know of a similar TSB for '99 models ???
or anyone encounter similar problem with there 99???
Ive had numerous balances, tyre changes, steering gear bushing replacement, alignment with no luck.
Also has anyone changed the steering gear themselves? if so with oem or replacement?
thanks in advance

Just reporting in to keep this thread alive. I have had 3 Toyota 4Runners from the 4th generation. All V8s. First two did not have this harmonic issue but this last one I bought does. 2006 V8 Sport 4x4. It has only 400 miles currently and the issue is obvious. Got the local shop foreman to drive the vehicle with me and he definitely notices it. Even after mentioning the Lexus problems and the fix he acts as if it is an exhaust issue, which I do not believe. I am going to take in the Lexus TSB and part numbers and pressure them to fix this. We have bought close to 10 new vehicles from this dealer...maybe threatening to never return and spread the news locally will help my case. Maybe not, but I feel Toyota Corp does not care about this issue for us owners. Just wanted to chime in and let you guys know the issue is still here.

I'm so glad I passed on the Range Rover to avoid all these problems

I visited my dealer this week to have them look at my drivers seat(that's another thread) and to have them address the steering vibration. I mentioned reading here about a long TSB on the issue. The service writer told me later that they had found the TSB but the problem was only with Dunlop tires made in the U.S., not Japan. This sounded a little hokey to me.

Has anyone actually seen the TSB that is mentioned earlier. Does it specify a difference between Japanese made and U.S. made Dunlops???

Well, here's an '07 with the problem. Well, at least a similar one. I get a very SLIGHT vibration in the steering wheel at around 65-70. And I mean very slight - almost a slight "buzzing" in the wheel. I can also hear a low-pitched harmonic driveline "beat" at around that speed when under throttle (nothing while coasting). It doesn't exist below that speed range or above it.

You know, I have access to the parts for the Lexus TSB, and I might just go ahead and do that modification to see if it makes any difference...