2004 4Runner Steering Shudder

[new4runnerowner]

Hello all,

I'm a new owner of a 2004 4Runner SR5, with 100,000 miles. I'm trying to solve a problem without going back to the dealer, who insists this problem doesn't exist. When I bought it at the dealer it had a bad shake at 60+ mph which was solved with balancing the tires but a shudder still remains in the steering wheel when driving at almost any speed and hitting bumps in the road. The car remains stable and in control, but the steering wheel shudders/shakes back and forth with each bump.

I figure something must be worn out, and am wondering if anyone else has had a problem similar to this. Any advice before I start swapping out parts would be much appreciated.

 

[zopperman]

Hello all,

I'm a new owner of a 2004 4Runner SR5, with 100,000 miles. I'm trying to solve a problem without going back to the dealer, who insists this problem doesn't exist. When I bought it at the dealer it had a bad shake at 60+ mph which was solved with balancing the tires but a shudder still remains in the steering wheel when driving at almost any speed and hitting bumps in the road. The car remains stable and in control, but the steering wheel shudders/shakes back and forth with each bump.

I figure something must be worn out, and am wondering if anyone else has had a problem similar to this. Any advice before I start swapping out parts would be much appreciated.

tie rod ends? jack up truck, shake wheel at 9&3 o'clock see if there is play

 

[rfuree11]

Have the shocks been changed? With that kind of mileage, I wouldn't rule out bad shocks or possibly sway bar links/bushings.

 

[Greydog]

Sounds like shocks are worn out based on symptoms. Mileage would also indicate they are likely worn out and won't hold the tires down.

 

[superman3043]

Try this fix:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/124180-steering-column-clack-resolved.html

quick and easy. Hope it helps. Good luck.

 

[HokieRunner]

If it doesn't turn out to be the shocks or tierods, might want to check the LCA bushings.

That was the main culprit for me.

 

[Gatafly]

Had the same thing. Got new tires and an alignment and it was gone.

 

[new4runnerowner]

New shocks- slightly improved

Thanks for the ideas everyone, I ended up starting with replacing the front shocks since they looked like they were originals. The shudder is now less noticeable on the freeway and smooth roads but still persists on bumpy roads. Should I tackle the LCA bushings next? I also tried the quick fix for a steering clack noise but that didn't solve my problem either. There is no play on the tie rods when jacked up so I don't think that's the problem either.

 

[HokieRunner]

Thanks for the ideas everyone, I ended up starting with replacing the front shocks since they looked like they were originals. The shudder is now less noticeable on the freeway and smooth roads but still persists on bumpy roads. Should I tackle the LCA bushings next? I also tried the quick fix for a steering clack noise but that didn't solve my problem either. There is no play on the tie rods when jacked up so I don't think that's the problem either.

Glad to hear a little bit of the shudder has gone away. Here's the test some folks have used to diagnose a failing LCA bushing:

Failing LCA bushings