**** man, so they haven't even corrected this on the 2013's? I guess Toyota seems to be cool with this... I know they have forced all their dealers to install roadforce balance machines..
2012 Trail Steering Wheel Vibration
- Thread starter WindomEarles
- Start date
**** man, so they haven't even corrected this on the 2013's? I guess Toyota seems to be cool with this... I know they have forced all their dealers to install roadforce balance machines..
Yogi56
New member
Joining the vibrating steering wheel club
Picked up a 2013 Trail with KDSS on 01-18.
After 2 visits for rebalancing, alignment and cross rotation the truck runs straight, the wheels don't "wobble" but the steering wheel humms/vibrates and "rocks" slightly and rythmically to the point that your hands tingle after a few miles on the freeway.
My guess is poor engineering in the steering geometry/mounting that's not isolating the engine/tranny vibrations and road grooves from the steering hardware. The loaner Corolla from my last visit and my wife's Prius have none of this.
The fact that the 4R is so rattle free and tight otherwise probably makes the sensation seem worse. The Lexus fix (beefier steering hardware) I've seen on here makes sense. The vibration is definitely stronger at freeway speeds and more so on deep grooved freeways (Calif rain grooves I think). The steering hardware isn't strong enough to overcome and isolate normal tire contact to the road.
Picked up a 2013 Trail with KDSS on 01-18.
After 2 visits for rebalancing, alignment and cross rotation the truck runs straight, the wheels don't "wobble" but the steering wheel humms/vibrates and "rocks" slightly and rythmically to the point that your hands tingle after a few miles on the freeway.
My guess is poor engineering in the steering geometry/mounting that's not isolating the engine/tranny vibrations and road grooves from the steering hardware. The loaner Corolla from my last visit and my wife's Prius have none of this.
The fact that the 4R is so rattle free and tight otherwise probably makes the sensation seem worse. The Lexus fix (beefier steering hardware) I've seen on here makes sense. The vibration is definitely stronger at freeway speeds and more so on deep grooved freeways (Calif rain grooves I think). The steering hardware isn't strong enough to overcome and isolate normal tire contact to the road.
Attachments
WindomEarles
New member
Tire pressure effects the wobble. Try increasing psi in tires (eg 35 Instead of 32)
Tire vibration on 2012 4Runner with 18K Miles
There have been several different threads dealing with this issue in the past. I had the same problem with my 2012 Trail Edition 4 Runner, and I also had the dealer telling me it was a "normal" issue because it was the "trail" Edition and wasn't meant to be a luxury car ride. What a bunch of C**P that was. I went through all of the troubleshooting that you have described with no solution. The only thing that made a difference to me was the tire pressure. I started testing higher tire pressures on the stock tires and found that bringing the tire pressure up to 38 PSI seemed to take care of the problem. I did have a slow leak in one of the tires and found that when that tire pressure ran low the vibration reappeared confirming the reason for the problem. Give it a try and let me know if it helps.
There have been several different threads dealing with this issue in the past. I had the same problem with my 2012 Trail Edition 4 Runner, and I also had the dealer telling me it was a "normal" issue because it was the "trail" Edition and wasn't meant to be a luxury car ride. What a bunch of C**P that was. I went through all of the troubleshooting that you have described with no solution. The only thing that made a difference to me was the tire pressure. I started testing higher tire pressures on the stock tires and found that bringing the tire pressure up to 38 PSI seemed to take care of the problem. I did have a slow leak in one of the tires and found that when that tire pressure ran low the vibration reappeared confirming the reason for the problem. Give it a try and let me know if it helps.
user name:
New member
after getting my truck back from its 30k service I started noticing a distinguished shimmy in the steering. its pretty bad up around 55-65mph and seems to shake me to hell when im grasping the steering wheel.
Ive had aftermarket procomp wheels on it since day 1 with the stock tires. I dont know if the dealership will even want to do anything with it since it now has about 35k miles (I do have the extended warranty as well as the extra tire warranty)
Ive had aftermarket procomp wheels on it since day 1 with the stock tires. I dont know if the dealership will even want to do anything with it since it now has about 35k miles (I do have the extended warranty as well as the extra tire warranty)
vicpick58
New member
I have to add myself to the list of people having this problem.
My 2012 TE started this to some degree a while back but knowing that the OEM tires were getting worn down and assuming that was a factor I did not think much of it.
Mine does shake quite often when brakes are applied, especially in warmer weather. So I assume that I need new rotors.
Yesterday I had new General Grabber HTS tires put on and an alignment done at 79,632 miles.
Today the problem is even worse than before. I have new rotors on order and should be here soon. I already have some new pads on my shelf in the garage.
I will try putting new brakes on the front, but the shaking seems a little different than normal warped rotor feel and it is felt even with out brakes applied. It defiantly gets worse when brakes are on, but it shakes the steering wheel at speeds in excess of 60mph on various surface roads with out brakes applied. But not always, it comes and goes.
It kind of feels more like an alignment or balance issue. But both were just done and the tires are now brand new.
I will be doing my 80k mile oil change and service this weekend, so I will have a chance to really look over the front end components while under there. But you would think the alignment guy would have found any loose TREs or ball joints.
My 2012 TE started this to some degree a while back but knowing that the OEM tires were getting worn down and assuming that was a factor I did not think much of it.
Mine does shake quite often when brakes are applied, especially in warmer weather. So I assume that I need new rotors.
Yesterday I had new General Grabber HTS tires put on and an alignment done at 79,632 miles.
Today the problem is even worse than before. I have new rotors on order and should be here soon. I already have some new pads on my shelf in the garage.
I will try putting new brakes on the front, but the shaking seems a little different than normal warped rotor feel and it is felt even with out brakes applied. It defiantly gets worse when brakes are on, but it shakes the steering wheel at speeds in excess of 60mph on various surface roads with out brakes applied. But not always, it comes and goes.
It kind of feels more like an alignment or balance issue. But both were just done and the tires are now brand new.
I will be doing my 80k mile oil change and service this weekend, so I will have a chance to really look over the front end components while under there. But you would think the alignment guy would have found any loose TREs or ball joints.
Uh, oh.
We're looking to buy a 2010-2012 with fewer than 50K miles. Looking for a 4WD SR5, and it will most likely be a lease return, so fully stock.
If the used 4Runner does not exhibit the steering wheel shimmy in the test drive/pre-purchase inspection (and we'll definitely do a fair amount at 50-65 miles) can we assume that it had dodged the shimmy bullet?
Or can a previously well behaved 4Runner develop a shimmy in middle age?
Specifically, what should we have our mechanic look for in the pre-purchase inspection?
Thanks!
We're looking to buy a 2010-2012 with fewer than 50K miles. Looking for a 4WD SR5, and it will most likely be a lease return, so fully stock.
If the used 4Runner does not exhibit the steering wheel shimmy in the test drive/pre-purchase inspection (and we'll definitely do a fair amount at 50-65 miles) can we assume that it had dodged the shimmy bullet?
Or can a previously well behaved 4Runner develop a shimmy in middle age?
Specifically, what should we have our mechanic look for in the pre-purchase inspection?
Thanks!
vicpick58
New member
I replaced the front rotors and pads today, took it out for a drive to bed the pads and it still shakes the same at speeds above 60 mph.
Not sure what to do next, take it back to the tire place and complain (it was doing it before the new tires and alignment) or take to a Toyota dealer and see if there is anything they can do?
Going on number 4 or 5 in one year taking my stock SR5 back to the dealer to take a look. Shimmy/wobble and drift happens at 60-65 mph. The tires are Blizzaks. I don't think the tires are the problem since I own them on my other cars. I believe it has to do with something more serious as I've read from previous posts. My '12 Tacoma doesn't have this problem why the 4Runner?
Wheel vibration
I had the same problem on my 2010 Trail. The original Bridgestone HT tires were smooth. I replaced them @ 60k with Goodyear Silent Armors. I got vibration between 55 and 60 mph. Took it back and had the 2 front tires rebalanced. I still get a slight vibration between 55 and 60, but I noticed on a recent trip out of state that it depends on the highway and the type of road surface. They seemed to smoothe out as they got a few miles on them. After reading some of the threads on this website I'm hoping it is not a Toyota 4 Runner issue. I suspect that it takes a Road Force balancing or some other "meticulous" balancing to fine tune it.
I had the same problem on my 2010 Trail. The original Bridgestone HT tires were smooth. I replaced them @ 60k with Goodyear Silent Armors. I got vibration between 55 and 60 mph. Took it back and had the 2 front tires rebalanced. I still get a slight vibration between 55 and 60, but I noticed on a recent trip out of state that it depends on the highway and the type of road surface. They seemed to smoothe out as they got a few miles on them. After reading some of the threads on this website I'm hoping it is not a Toyota 4 Runner issue. I suspect that it takes a Road Force balancing or some other "meticulous" balancing to fine tune it.
Jivewalker
Member
I've got 50k on my 2012 TE now and never had the steering wheel vibration. Back in 2012 when I bought it, I test drove a brand new sr5 and it had it, so I know exactly what it is. Sales guy with me said it was normal, I laughed at him and called BS. My trail has never done it though. It rides smooth and true, steering wheel never vibrates. I'm coming due for tires and fear it will come around with new tires. I sure hope not.
2014 TE , same issue as everyone else is having. Took back to dealership, they agreed there was an issue with vibrating steering. They rebalanced the wheels but said they weren't able to get rid of the problem. The assistant service manager stated that the service manager would need to handle my issue from there. Scheduled a second appointment so service manager could test drive with me. I was asked to bring my 4runner in at 7:30am so they could evaluate it before they got busy, I sat in the waiting area for 2 and a 1/2 hours, service manager comes in and tells me he's ready to do the test drive...
Nothing had been done to my 4runner at this point, I just needlessly sat in their waiting room forever for no reason. When I asked the service manager why I just sat for 2 plus hours while my SUV had nothing done, he replied he works long hours and came in late this morning because he worked late last night... When we do the test drive to duplicate the issue, the service manager says can feel the vibration. But when we return to the dealership and are getting out of the SUV, he says " since we couldn't duplicate the issue, there's not much we can do"... I'm like WTF! Are you serious! The service manager said he felt That "I" was shaking the steering wheel... I can't begin to express how effing frustrated I was when he pulled this shit. So I told the SM that I would be contacting the Toyota main customer service number to escalate the issue.
The Rep at Toyota USA told me that the wheels are not warranted by Toyota. Who said it was the wheels? Then the customer rep told me he would have to check with the service manager I had dealt with to get confirmation that there was an "actual issue". Of course the service manager said there was no issue, even though the assistant service manager said the were able to duplicate the issue when I first took the SUV in originally for the issue. But that was never communicated to the Rep at Toyota customer service. So, the customer service rep said there was nothing toyota could do since the dealership SM stated they couldn't duplicate the issue. At this point I threw in the towel. I don't need this crap. I've never been this frustrated about a brand new SUV.
This is my third Toyota SUV purchase and considering the way this issue was handled, this will be my last Toyota. The level of unprofessional service I received was mind numbing. What good is a warranty when the issues can't be resolved or even looked into professionally. And what's with the "we were able to duplicate the issue" and then "we weren't able to duplicate the issue" bullshit. Then the SM has the balls to say I was shaking the steering wheel... This is so ridiculous that I laugh when I read my forum posting.
Anyhow, stay away from Springfield Toyota, in Virginia unless you want to be mind E'ffed.
I still have the vibration in the steering wheels and I am just waiting for there to be a TSB solution, however long that may be (years). And I did file a complaint with the NTSB and I recommend everyone having the issue do the same. It might escalate the resolution to this issue if enough of us file with the NTSB.
No one should have to spend the amount of time and frustration as many of us have trying to get this trending issue resolved. Toyota is either completely disconnected to what is going on or they just don't care. As a point of reference, I told the Toyota customer rep about how common the issue was after reading these forum postings and he said they were not aware of any vibration steering issue with the 4runner... I call BS on that statement.
Okay, I'll get off my soapbox for now.
Nothing had been done to my 4runner at this point, I just needlessly sat in their waiting room forever for no reason. When I asked the service manager why I just sat for 2 plus hours while my SUV had nothing done, he replied he works long hours and came in late this morning because he worked late last night... When we do the test drive to duplicate the issue, the service manager says can feel the vibration. But when we return to the dealership and are getting out of the SUV, he says " since we couldn't duplicate the issue, there's not much we can do"... I'm like WTF! Are you serious! The service manager said he felt That "I" was shaking the steering wheel... I can't begin to express how effing frustrated I was when he pulled this shit. So I told the SM that I would be contacting the Toyota main customer service number to escalate the issue.
The Rep at Toyota USA told me that the wheels are not warranted by Toyota. Who said it was the wheels? Then the customer rep told me he would have to check with the service manager I had dealt with to get confirmation that there was an "actual issue". Of course the service manager said there was no issue, even though the assistant service manager said the were able to duplicate the issue when I first took the SUV in originally for the issue. But that was never communicated to the Rep at Toyota customer service. So, the customer service rep said there was nothing toyota could do since the dealership SM stated they couldn't duplicate the issue. At this point I threw in the towel. I don't need this crap. I've never been this frustrated about a brand new SUV.
This is my third Toyota SUV purchase and considering the way this issue was handled, this will be my last Toyota. The level of unprofessional service I received was mind numbing. What good is a warranty when the issues can't be resolved or even looked into professionally. And what's with the "we were able to duplicate the issue" and then "we weren't able to duplicate the issue" bullshit. Then the SM has the balls to say I was shaking the steering wheel... This is so ridiculous that I laugh when I read my forum posting.
Anyhow, stay away from Springfield Toyota, in Virginia unless you want to be mind E'ffed.
I still have the vibration in the steering wheels and I am just waiting for there to be a TSB solution, however long that may be (years). And I did file a complaint with the NTSB and I recommend everyone having the issue do the same. It might escalate the resolution to this issue if enough of us file with the NTSB.
No one should have to spend the amount of time and frustration as many of us have trying to get this trending issue resolved. Toyota is either completely disconnected to what is going on or they just don't care. As a point of reference, I told the Toyota customer rep about how common the issue was after reading these forum postings and he said they were not aware of any vibration steering issue with the 4runner... I call BS on that statement.
Okay, I'll get off my soapbox for now.
vicpick58
New member
Okay, I took it back to the tire place and had them re-balance the wheels. The tech told me that they were all about 1/4 ounce off balance. At this point I have only driven it home from the tire shop, and only got up to 60 mph for a short time, but it feels much better.
I have a 250 mile day for work tomorrow, so that will give me a better idea if the re-balance and my new front rotors have done any good.
vicpick58
New member
In my case the re-balance helped but did not eliminate all the vibration. Friday I took it to the Toyota dealer and had a road force tire balance done.
At this point (early Monday morning) I have only driven it home from the dealer on Friday afternoon and it seemed a lot better. But I will drive a couple hundred miles for work today and see for sure if they were able to get them balanced.
Going in for number 5. A lot of folks are saying the Bridgestone oe tires are to blame. In the 4 previous times my Bridgestone Blizzaks have been mounted. Are the Bridgestone really to blame? I have Blizzaks on two other cars including my Tacoma; no problems with the steering on either of them.
vicpick58
New member
The road force balance seems to have done the trick for me.
Still have a very small amount of occasional steering wheel flutter, but is so much better than it was.
Look for someplace that has a Hunter Road Force balance machine. In my case the local Toyota dealer had one. Cost about $50.00 to have them done.
Still have a very small amount of occasional steering wheel flutter, but is so much better than it was.
Look for someplace that has a Hunter Road Force balance machine. In my case the local Toyota dealer had one. Cost about $50.00 to have them done.
The dealer blames my Blizzaks for the steering wobble. I have them on two other cars and no steering wobble.
Resurrection shimmy shimmy
Sighhhh
Haven't posted in a longgggg time....
Trucks been sitting for about a month. Had a baby (he's awesome btw).
Took truck out about 2 weeks ago.....and wham! Shimmy came back big time! 57-65 mph
I was like- flat spots??? Nahhh
Drove it a few more times and it didn't go away....brought it to dealership last week. Roadforce balanced- they said tires were out of balance. HOW THE PHUQ
DO TIRES "go out of balance" when they're not moving?!?!?!?
Anyways left the moron palace and surprise surprise shimmy still there albeit not as bad as before. It's at 62-66 mph. Called king of morons and they were like drop the truck back off again, take loaner and we'll try n figure it out. Whatever.
Oh, I forgot to include that Toyota emailed me a "survey" last Friday. I answer it VERY HONESTLY and didn't give the high ratings the service advisor wanted, well because it wouldn't have been truthful.....get a call from Toyota on Saturday- they left message- I didn't listen to it---busy with baby, house .....life
So i figured it was them asking why? Booo hooo hoooo why oh why didn't you give us a high rating???why oh why, booooo hoooo!!!
But I guess it wasn't that, but they where trying to tell me not to come in today since they want ME to call Toyota customer service AND get them involved. I did that and am gonna speak to one tomorrow....what a load of feces !!!
Man, Toyota is turning into gm, Chrysler of yesteryear.....
I haven't had this crap workmanship/service since the 90's when I owned a really fecal Chevy beretta---man it's like a time warp------these dealerships should employ the people that manufacture the vehicles FROM JAPAN and not the gorillas from here......
I'll keep you updated
Forgot to mention in the review of the service I scolded these ignorant fools that there is something called the internet and that they should try it..... And maybe, just maybe that they should scour various Toyota4runner forums n cross reference "issues" that may be trending.....I could be wrong
Slapping head, banging head
Sighhhh
Haven't posted in a longgggg time....
Trucks been sitting for about a month. Had a baby (he's awesome btw).
Took truck out about 2 weeks ago.....and wham! Shimmy came back big time! 57-65 mph
I was like- flat spots??? Nahhh
Drove it a few more times and it didn't go away....brought it to dealership last week. Roadforce balanced- they said tires were out of balance. HOW THE PHUQ
DO TIRES "go out of balance" when they're not moving?!?!?!?
Anyways left the moron palace and surprise surprise shimmy still there albeit not as bad as before. It's at 62-66 mph. Called king of morons and they were like drop the truck back off again, take loaner and we'll try n figure it out. Whatever.
Oh, I forgot to include that Toyota emailed me a "survey" last Friday. I answer it VERY HONESTLY and didn't give the high ratings the service advisor wanted, well because it wouldn't have been truthful.....get a call from Toyota on Saturday- they left message- I didn't listen to it---busy with baby, house .....life
So i figured it was them asking why? Booo hooo hoooo why oh why didn't you give us a high rating???why oh why, booooo hoooo!!!
But I guess it wasn't that, but they where trying to tell me not to come in today since they want ME to call Toyota customer service AND get them involved. I did that and am gonna speak to one tomorrow....what a load of feces !!!
Man, Toyota is turning into gm, Chrysler of yesteryear.....
I haven't had this crap workmanship/service since the 90's when I owned a really fecal Chevy beretta---man it's like a time warp------these dealerships should employ the people that manufacture the vehicles FROM JAPAN and not the gorillas from here......
I'll keep you updated
Forgot to mention in the review of the service I scolded these ignorant fools that there is something called the internet and that they should try it..... And maybe, just maybe that they should scour various Toyota4runner forums n cross reference "issues" that may be trending.....I could be wrong
Slapping head, banging head
