2006 4Runner Suspension Problems - Please Help

[Knollie81]

:sobbing:Hello all. Getting desperate to get this issue fixed at this point as I have been unable to resolve it after almost 2 years. Anyway, please read my sob story below...

Approximately 2 years ago, I began experiencing alot of play in the steering and suspension of the vehicle. At first, I did not think much of it but it got much worse with time and I began to feel very unsafe so I took it in to have it looked at. The vehicle was taken to a AAA Service Center where I was told the cause of the problem was worn out shocks and struts which was causing the extensive cupping/scalloping on the inside tread of the tires. Though I was not exactly excited to pay the cost required to fix the problem, I felt relieved that the vehicle would, at least, be safe and the comfort of the ride would improve. Anyway, I went ahead and had them replaced done (OEM Monroe shocks/struts) and soon after had all 4 Michelin tires replaced with Michelin X-Terrains as well.

After spending all the money, the same symptoms have begun to reappear and the vehicle seems very unsafe. Going into turns, I experience "oversteer" and the tires are becoming very cupped/scalloped once again. I feel especially unsafe at higher speeds on the highway as I experience some wandering in the steering and feel a loss of traction from the warped tread that is reappearing on the new tires. I have returned to the AAA Service Center on numerous occasions and they cannot seem to locate what is causing the problem though they have admitted there is a problem with it because of the premature tire wear. They are stumped and so am I. I am very uneasy about relying on the vehicle to operate in a safe manner and have paid quite a bit of money to correct the problem. I am losing my patience and hope that someone here can help me get some answers to address this problem! After the first major repair, I did have some brake issues from a stuck front brake piston in the caliper that had warped the rotors. I am not sure that would have caused cupping/scalloping on the tires however but just a thought.

PLEASE HELP! Appreciate any thoughts and/or suggestions as this forum has always been good at helping me resolve my vehicle problems. Thanks!

 

[Bossman]

The excessive tire wear on the inside edge of your tires would seem to confirm either loose or damaged steering components. Your 4Runner could also be in desperate need of a front end alignment (toe-out).

Some things I would have looked at (based on your current description of steering symptoms) would include ... (1) worn or damaged upper and lower link or tension rod bushings; (2) worn or damaged steering linkage; (3) loose wheel bearings; (4) worn tie-rod ends.

 

[Knollie81]

Thanks for your quick reply! Believe it or not, the shop has actually done between 4-5 front end alignments on their computer alignment machine. From what they have told me, they made some very slight adjustments but found nothing that would cause that degree of premature tire wear. Thankfully they only charged me for the first one and the others have been 'on the house' since they cannot seem to diagnose the problem(s).

I actually did request that they inspect all the steering & suspension components - ball joints, tie rod ends, steering gear box and linkages - and they have assured me that they have double checked everything and are still stumped. I had read posts from some others on bushings being the possible cause so may get them to recheck this.

While AAA's customer service is great, I am becoming a little frustrated with their inability to diagnose the problems. I know suspension & steering problems can be tough to diagnose but I have paid quite a bit of money and am wondering if the problem will ever be resolved.

Perhaps, I will take it elsewhere and will certainly have them look into the things you have mentioned in your response. Thanks so much Bossman! Still hoping to get some more input if others have any additional suggestions.

 

[Bossman]

I'd be just as (or even more) frustrated by this shop's inability to diagnosis this problem. I'd be very tempted to get a "second opinion" as it were from another shop that specializes in steering/alignments.

I wonder if their "inspection" was a visual one, or did they actually put hands to parts so to speak. Even having them go for a test drive might help their diagnosis.

Having two sets of Michelin tires worn prematurely due to this issue is hard on the wallet. As an aside, my 4Runner had the Michelin Cross Terrains (which I loved!), and just last fall got the LTX M/S2s.

Finding a trusted mechanic is the way to go. I had one at my Toyota dealership (master tech), but he left to open up his own shop out of town. Luckily I've found another mechanic with his own independent shop. Ask around with your neighbors and co-workers to see who they recommend.

 

[Knollie81]

Yes, it has been quite frustrating haha. I had a trusted mechanic until I relocated 2 years ago.

I am pretty sure they did a little of both. They were looking at the car for another 2 hours after they redid the alignment.

Luckily, they added the tire protection insurance when I bought them and said they would work with me on replacing the tires since it was sort of there screw up.