4 runner steering and vibration at speeds over 65...

[foxbody311]

So my 98 sr5...4 wheel drive,190,000 miles. When I bought it it was wrecked in the rear...tailgate had no glass and would not open and left part of bumper is non existent...but she runs great....tires are michelens ..not sure of size but were almost new when I bought the car....there are also thumping noises coming from the front end when I go over big bumps...its a popping noise.could the wreck with the previous owner knock of wheel weights...and as far as the noises what can I look for to narrow down my problem...would really appreciate help....I love reading ur guys advice and knowledge.....this sight to me is like a 15 year olds Facebook...I am new and live in Colorado and this is my 3 rd 4 runner....first v6.... Any help will do

 

[Kanger328]

Sure are a lot of "..." in your post, lol. Anyway, the more likely culprits for vibrations at speed are wheel imbalance, driveshaft imbalance, wheel alignment, or possibly worn suspension. BUT your rig was involved in a wreck, which makes it much more complicated to track down the problem(s). Bent frame, rear upper/lower control arms bent, etc. could be the issue. I don't know about the popping and thumping noises from the front. Something to do with the steering rack or tie rods? Really hard to say.

So where do you begin? I'd start by getting the frame measured to see if it's bent or out of line. If straight, go from cheapest to priciest fixes. Balance wheels, then balance driveshaft, etc. Just my $.02. Good luck.

FYI, I also have vibrations above 65. No accidents, balanced wheels, replaced all suspension, replaced tie rods, replaced steering rack bushings, still vibrating. I have yet to balance the driveshaft (u-joints are a common issue).

 

[7echo]

Kanger328 has good points. As for balancing-these trucks have a known issue with being difficult to balance tires. Need to search for that information, it is on the site somewhere, maybe in the 3rd gen FAQ section at the top of the page.

 

[AZ4Running]

Balance the tires first off. Check the front ball joints amd bushings.

 

[foxbody311]

Haha....I'm one my smartphone and didn't feel like going back to be grammatically correct....just wanted to post...but thank you kanger .....I have thought the same about frame but I am in denial ....guess the worst I can do is check.....I will post a pic of the wrecked part today and see what u think...but as far as balancing....do.I need to find someone with flange adaptor .gsp9700.... And all that....or do I just balance haha...oh and one thing I forgot to add which is definitely important....when I rotated tires....it got better...

 

[foxbody311]

Balance the tires first off. Check the front ball joints amd bushings.

How do I check the bushings and are they not relatively easy to fix/ diagnose

 

[foxbody311]

Even better....I feel like I made my day ....I will post the pics of wreck and far I have come fixing but I want ur guys opinion.../

 

[foxbody311]

Sorry for all the posts I'm so excited people responded....how do I upload my wreck pics to this thread