Pensacola33
New member
Yokohama Geolandar G96B These are the tires some of us have, stock...
2011 4runner TE steering too sensitive
- Thread starter JustLeft
- Start date
I came off of a 2009 E92 M3 and its been a couple of days ago and I am severely missing the performance portion of my old vehicle. I have a 96 SR5 4WD that I have owned for 12 years, so I went back to the Toyota family in my new Limited. I sometimes think this vehicle is begging for a SC and exhaust. Steering was the first thing I noticed on this vehicle.
I got new tires and a caster adjustment. It now tracks way straighter and doesn't wander like a drunk driver on the freeway. I also thought I was going to get pulled over cause of it someday.
Only negative I'm experiencing is with the 3.75-4 degrees positive caster when reversing and turning at the same time I get some tire rub. Not a big deal, no marks on the tires or inner wheel wells, just someday when I sell the new buyer might wonder what the heck is going on when he backs out of the driveway.
I've owned 3 4runners, 3 tundras, 2 tacomas and 3-4 toyota trucks with the 22r engine. I've never experienced such twitchy and weird steering as I have on this 5th gen 4R when stock. It's my understanding this issue is most apparent on SR5 models. Guys with Limiteds have X-REAS which helps a little.
Only negative I'm experiencing is with the 3.75-4 degrees positive caster when reversing and turning at the same time I get some tire rub. Not a big deal, no marks on the tires or inner wheel wells, just someday when I sell the new buyer might wonder what the heck is going on when he backs out of the driveway.
I've owned 3 4runners, 3 tundras, 2 tacomas and 3-4 toyota trucks with the 22r engine. I've never experienced such twitchy and weird steering as I have on this 5th gen 4R when stock. It's my understanding this issue is most apparent on SR5 models. Guys with Limiteds have X-REAS which helps a little.
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Do a search if you want specific instructions and I think a photo or two, but if you look under the front of the wheel wells, you will see a couple of screws. By removing the correct screws, you can push that plastic inner wheel well fender forward about an inch or so, then re-drill the set screw. No more rub! Or, you can drive in circles in reverse, and the tires will wear down the plastic fairly quickly.....again, no more rub....Be safe.
2010TE4Runner
New member
Its the damn Dunflops. I put on my BFG's and the steering felt so much better.
I do not doubt you experienced a better ride after getting ride of those crappy Dunlap's, I experienced the same thing. However, I did not get rid of the "touchy" steering until I got the castor changed. Just saying, tires unto themselves may not be the only issue.......
4RunnerFishin
New member
I'll be danged! I've had my 4runner for a month now. The steering was so ridiculously loose, I hated it. Took a 4hr trip & it felt like I had to pay super close attention and correct "the swaying". I too thought I could get pulled over for drunk driving. I also thought it would be totally unsafe to tow my bass boat long distances.
Well, after reading this post I finally remembered to check the tire pressure after sitting all day in the parking garage. 37 psi all the way around. Door sticker says 32 psi so I let air out to 32 and drove home. What a difference!!! I am so happy I could just spit. Thanks goes to this forum!
Also ordered my Airlift 1000 today for sag when towing. Another suggestion from here.
Well, after reading this post I finally remembered to check the tire pressure after sitting all day in the parking garage. 37 psi all the way around. Door sticker says 32 psi so I let air out to 32 and drove home. What a difference!!! I am so happy I could just spit. Thanks goes to this forum!
Also ordered my Airlift 1000 today for sag when towing. Another suggestion from here.
StarGazer
New member
This is pretty much my only real complaint about the truck. It's exacerbated by my coming from a sports car. I know the Runner shouldn't handle like a sports car but damn, even my Xterra didn't require so much constant correction. I'm definitely looking into that caster fix.
MikeBuzzsaw
New member
Is caster adjustments offered free at Toyota?
If your vehicle is still under warranty, they will "check" the alignment if you voice a concern. Normally, once the vehicle is on the alignment machine and it measures "within specs" that is as far as they will go. However, if you have a relationship with the service Mgr. at your stealership, you might be able to talk him/her into adjusting the castor while the vehicle is on the rack. Can't hurt to try! Good luck and be safe.
MikeBuzzsaw
New member
Thanks for the tip!! I was thinking about what I would say to possibly get them to do it for me
When I checked my tire pressure it was low. So it got worse when I filled them to 32 psi.
Going to the dealer tomorrow. Will try my luck.
Not looking too good at this point. The dealer is going to check the alignment. They have refused to make any adjustments if the t4r is within spec. Sucks. Tires may be next.
If they did not adjust the caster, I would pay the money and take it to reputable shop and have it done. You want as close to 4.O as you can get without much rubbing (depends on what tires you are going to get). Since you brought up tires, if you buy new ones and they are larger in size, get them first. Then do the alignment. IMHO New tires will not help much as to the touchy steering, but will give you a better ride. (If you get a stiffer side wall tire) Higher load range, D or E .
BigredTEX
New member
I just purchased a 2012 TE on which the dealer had already installed an Old Man Emu lift and 285 BFG Mud Terrains. I have to say this thing is down right squirrely. At freeway speeds it is difficult to keep in one lane. If I take my eye off the road for a second I can find myself in the next lane. It will be going back to the dealer very soon and the "safety" approach sounds like the best way to handle it.
philsey
New member
Following this with interest, as mine is squirrely too - I had to laugh at someone's description of "like driving a bumpercar". Not sure whether to blame the Dunlops tho, it does the same with Blizzaks.
Anyway, tomorrow is new Continental Cross Contacts, and I've already spoken with the shop about the caster. First test: head straight for I-80.
Here's hoping ...
Anyway, tomorrow is new Continental Cross Contacts, and I've already spoken with the shop about the caster. First test: head straight for I-80.
Here's hoping ...
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