2008 sr5

D

Dannie

New member
I am having a major issue with my 4runner! I was in an accident last year resulting in my truck getting t-boned afer being fixed to spec my truck is very instable and sways slightly from side to side in heavy rain and snowy conditions. Ive brought it in to two dealerships and they cant seem to find anything wrong. Can anyone Help ME?
 
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Can you describe the "sway" a bit more? How does it sway? Front or back? Was the frame bent in this accident and was it replaced or straightened?
 
JeremyH said:
Can you describe the "sway" a bit more? How does it sway? Front or back? Was the frame bent in this accident and was it replaced or straightened?
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If feels like its the back axle, even when im at slow speeds driving in the snow it feel like is about to fish tale and then straightens out. The swaying is slight but happens very often. When i had brought it back to the body shop that had fixed it they said there was no frame damage at all.
 
You can search on here for instructions (MicaBlue03 did a write-up "One cause & fix for "VSC TRAC" & "VSC OFF" lights). Basically it resets the VSC computer to flat level ground. It may have been disrupted from the collision and might be activating the VSC at the wrong time. This is just a guess.It may have NOTHING to do with this. Do you hear / feel anything when it happens? Like some of the brakes pulsing?
 
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SSt4r said:
You can search on here for instructions (MicaBlue03 did a write-up "One cause & fix for "VSC TRAC" & "VSC OFF" lights). Basically it resets the VSC computer to flat level ground. It may have been disrupted from the collision and might be activating the VSC at the wrong time. This is just a guess.It may have NOTHING to do with this. Do you hear / feel anything when it happens? Like some of the brakes pulsing?
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No, i never hear anything... thats what makes it scary theres no warning. it almost feels as if my car is floating and is about to sping out but corrects itself. Im almost at my wits end with this issue but thanks for your advice and ill look into it.
 
This sounds like more of a mechanical issue than an electrical one.

I would first make sure that your rear track bar is tight and and that the mounts on both the axle and chassis are in good condition (no cracks in the welds). Then check all of the other bolts on the rear suspension (control arms, shocks, etc.).
 
I have this same issue on my 08 limited never in an accident and has done this since day one with 10miles very scary on the highway. Feels very unstable sways back and forth. I had a front end aligment and everything looked ok.
Bill
 
Awesome thanks, they've actually booked my truck in today to check and make sure eveythings balanced so lets hope all goes well!
 
so... they did a front and back alignment and said they couldn't determine any other issues with it but the roads are still pretty bad out so im going to take it out for a cruise to see. They also said they made minor adjustments in the alignment.
 
I got the same story from my dealer it helped a little but did not fix it. I like the truck other than that but itis really annoying....
 
Did you check the bolts on your rear suspension links? Make sure the chassis and axle mounts for all 5 arms are nice and tight. A loose track bar will allow the axle to move from side to side (perpendicular to the chassis).
 
I checked last night just made sure nothing was loose or any bushings missing I came up empty handed. It is very nerve racking to drive dealer says it is how it is I don't buy that my wife has an 03 sport no issues and I use to have an 04 limited no issues but i can't figure out what the heck it could be the only difference is I have 18" tires on this limited and Xreas. The other one had 17" and no Xreas but my wifes sport has this suspension not sure if that has anything to do with it also maybe bad tires? I just don't want to spend $800 on tires when they still look good. When it is windy on the highway it sways back and forth like a flag two hands on the wheel and it still has trouble tracking a straight line just weird. Any more ideas please keep them coming I am determined to fix this thing. Everything is stock only 9K bought it new.
 
it seems fine now but there hasnt been a recent snow fall so i guess we'll have to see. I really do hope that my problem has been resolved finally.
 
Dannie,
Glad to see you might have some resolution to the issue. When you got t-boned was it near a wheel well? My long shot guess is a bent wheel (lateral runout.)

bbumbles said:
I checked last night just made sure nothing was loose... but my wifes sport has this suspension not sure if that has anything to do with it also maybe bad tires? I just don't want to spend $800 on tires...
Any more ideas please keep them coming...
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I suggest a process of elimination to rule out the tires or wheels.
Change each wheel with your spare one at a time, starting on the rear. At the same time, check for lateral movement of the axle (or bearings, ball joints, etc...) by pulling side to side at the bottom of the tire after jacking it up but before loosening the lug nuts. There shouldn't be any movement.
Drive it, for a few days if necessary, between each change. Put each wheel back on in the original location and original orientation to the bolt pattern. If you can resolve the sway and recreate it (make the problem come and go) then you have narrowed it to the particular wheel (possibly bent?) or tire (broken or slipped belt?) or the way they were mounted (lug nuts not seated?)
Sounds like you still have access to the '03. A drastic test would be to mount 2 of her wheels on the rear of yours or change the entire set of 4. Does the problem stay with the vehicle or follow the wheels?
Let us know.
 
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Should i get the dealer to check this or am i able to check this myself? It seems fine so far but I'd like to make sure.
 
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you make a good point I was considering the tire swap from hers if I can get her truck long enough she travels allot. I would thinkk I would have to change all 4 from her to mine because of 17 vs 18 on the limited. That was really all I could think of tires because I had it aligned at the dealer and then my friend works for another dealer and he did it over again said it was good but he made it better. Also he mentioned if I had parts that were loose he would not be able to align the truck so I do trust him there ase master tech but we did not check anything in the rear of the truck.
 
Dannie said:
Should i get the dealer to check this or am i able to check this myself? It seems fine so far but I'd like to make sure.
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If you can change a flat tire then the steps I suggested are do-it-yourself. I doubt a stealer would follow this process plus it would cost direct labor $.
 
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