My 2006 4Runner V-8 2WD Limited with 160,000 miles, will not hold a straight line going down even a very smooth, flat road. It wanders left and right constantly requiring continuous corrections on the steering wheel. Crosswinds or asphalt roads with ruts caused by many trucks, are a real challenge. The front end alignment has been checked and said to be OK. The upper and lower ball joints have also been checked, OK. The steering gearbox does not show any looseness. I run only Michelin Latitude Tour tires. No off road, only in-town and highway driving. The current tires only have about 5,000 miles on them. The local dealership is stumped. What are we missing?
2006 4Runner wanders down the road
- Thread starter rlarue
- Start date
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wnelax04sr5
New member
sounds possessed....
but in all seriousness, are they (the tires) balanced properly? what about the bushings on the control arms?
but in all seriousness, are they (the tires) balanced properly? what about the bushings on the control arms?
Greydog
Member
At 160k miles, there is a lot that could be worn and adding to the wandering.
Have any of the BJ, Control arms, inner and outer tie rods been replaced?
Wandering is frequently toe setting on the alignment, if you have the last specs it was set to, list them so we can comment.
Tire pressure too as commented, what is it set at currently?
Have any of the BJ, Control arms, inner and outer tie rods been replaced?
Wandering is frequently toe setting on the alignment, if you have the last specs it was set to, list them so we can comment.
Tire pressure too as commented, what is it set at currently?
[MENTION=81237]rlarue[/MENTION], does it drift/pull one way or another while braking? For example, when you brake, does it veer left, right, or straight?
I have a similar issue with a 3rd gen right now, but I just swapped to coilovers, so that's a moot point on my end--alignment shtuff.
I have a similar issue with a 3rd gen right now, but I just swapped to coilovers, so that's a moot point on my end--alignment shtuff.
Thank all for your valued comments... The tires are pretty well balanced. The control arm bushings look good with no obvious motion when pushed on with a pry bar and wheels jacked up. Other than normal alighnment, there have been no mods on the suspension. It is the original factory setup. Tire pressure was higher than I thought it would be, but is now at 34 lbs. (The last service checking the tires must have had a poor gauge). Some improvement... None of the control rods have been replaced. I do not know the specs for the last alignment, only that it was "in spec". When I apply brakes it does not veer.
Thanks for your question. The left front shock is original. The Right front was replaced in warranty at about 50,000 miles. The rear shocks were replaced with Bilsteins at about 75,000 miles. I had the dealership check the shocks last week. They said they were OK. There is no obvious shock weakness when driving.
Parker1938
Member
I've got the exact same issues as the OP. I have a 2007 V-8 2wd limited with 170,000 miles. Shocks are original and no lift or suspension work has been done. I checked front steering components while on jacks stands and all seems to be good. There is a slight looseness in the rack when pushing and pulling on the tires at 9 and 3 o'clock but both tires move at the same time. Not sure if that is normal or not. I have narrowed it down to shocks or rack but I am not in a position to do anything about it now. OP, please keep us posted on your fix.
pc1p
New member
I had the same problem recently, though not as bad...
For me, it was the inner tie rod ends. I knew they were going bad and worn, but was waiting until I installed my lift to replace. I installed my new OME lift a few weeks back and had the local shop install a set of MOOG's before aligning.
No more wandering for me
For me, it was the inner tie rod ends. I knew they were going bad and worn, but was waiting until I installed my lift to replace. I installed my new OME lift a few weeks back and had the local shop install a set of MOOG's before aligning.
No more wandering for me
Parker1938
Member
Still having issues with wandering on highway
I know this thread is old but I though I would follow up with my situation. I had an alignment done and asked them to max out the caster within specs to see if this would help. It didn't. So the next cheapest fix that I could do was to replace the inner tie rods which did not help. Now I am thinking either steering rack is sort of worn out and needs replacing or I should replace the lower control arm with new ones to get new bushings and ball joints. Both of these options are pricey, even doing it myself. I suppose I just need bight the bullet and start saving some cash.
I know this thread is old but I though I would follow up with my situation. I had an alignment done and asked them to max out the caster within specs to see if this would help. It didn't. So the next cheapest fix that I could do was to replace the inner tie rods which did not help. Now I am thinking either steering rack is sort of worn out and needs replacing or I should replace the lower control arm with new ones to get new bushings and ball joints. Both of these options are pricey, even doing it myself. I suppose I just need bight the bullet and start saving some cash.
Did they give you a printout of the alignment? There is no need to replace anything unless it is showing visible signs that it is worn. When they do an alignment, they should check all your front end parts. Anything worn and it is impossible to align. Well, they can align it, but as soon as you hit the first bump, your alignment it off. We used to call those wrenchless alignments where you just push on a wheel to get the numbers to change.
My 2003 was wandering terribly, and it was the rack. I took it into the dealership for an alignment initially and they diagnosed that the rack was shot. They replaced it and its been great since. It could be that yours only has 'play' when its under load?
Edit - Mine has 95k miles on the clock. 2wd Limited. Daily Driver, no off road.
Edit - Mine has 95k miles on the clock. 2wd Limited. Daily Driver, no off road.
2006 4Runner wandering down the road
Thank you for sharing your experience. I'll have the local Toyota dealer take a look at it. But please pardon my ignorance, what is the "rack"? I assume it is part of the steering linkage, but I'm not sure. A mechanic probably knows, but I don't think I do.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I'll have the local Toyota dealer take a look at it. But please pardon my ignorance, what is the "rack"? I assume it is part of the steering linkage, but I'm not sure. A mechanic probably knows, but I don't think I do.
Parker1938
Member
I did not get a printout of the alignment. I would expect that they would tell me if parts were worn as they stand a good chance of doing the extra work, not that I can't do it myself. I now have 185,000 on my 2007 4Runner and will need new tires soon. When I do get them I'll have the suspension and steering components inspected along with a new alignment.
Rack as in steering rack, most likely what you were describing as your steering gearbox. Pretty much every vehicle on the road these days have switched to a rack and pinion steering system from the older recirculating ball. Here is a good explanation of the difference: Rack & Pinion VS. Recirculating Ball
They should give you a print out regardless of the work done, and they should also alert you of any suspension issues. It is a revenue opportunity for them so they have every incentive to call parts. You shouldn't have to ask them to check suspension parts when you get an alignment. That should be the first thing they do once they get it on the rack.
verman84
New member
I'm having the same issues and it's noticeable most at highway speed. I have a feeling that it's suspension related in my case. I just reached 130k and that's all on stock suspension which has become noticeably worse lately. Everything hits hard and feels bouncy at times. I've also got a driver side pull that's probably from offroading.
