I have always wanted a 4 Runner- about to buy my first one - 97 Limited, 107K, everything seems great. However, at hyw speed on E way ~70 hitting regular pot hole causes slight wobble front axle, shimmy, shake whatever, not major but noticeable for sure. It recovers instantly but definitely there. Ideas? concerns? struts? is there a damper on these rigs? Any advice would be appreciated. I am extremely fired up about this but cannot afford a bad decision in this economy. Thanks!!
Advice: 98 Limited front end wobble - First 4Runner
- Thread starter PeteB88
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scotts97T4Rltd
New member
you might have issues with the tie rods. My inner tie rods were worn out, so i just replaced the rack, and went ahead and replaced the outer tie rods since i was in there. Every thing is nice and tight now. If you do the job yourself, you are lookin at around$400 for the parts. id say you will be well over $650. Of course if thats what it is.
scotts97T4Rltd
New member
i would recommend jacking up the front end, Make sure the steering column locks, get under the vehicle, and get someone else try to turn the wheel/tire side to side, inspect the inner and outer tie rods, if there is any play in the tie rods, they need replacement.PeteB88 said:
scotts97T4Rltd
New member
PeteB88 said:
you will probably need to look at replacing the timing belt/water pump soon, if it hasnt already been replaced. As far as the shop manual goes, im not sure about that. i have a chilton manual i use for torque specs and such. but dont follow any manuals when i am working on anything.
maine runner
New member
Pete -
Does the steering wheel shake when driving or only when you hit a pothole?
If this is a private sale, discuss this with the seller. If they are willing, have it checked by a shop and then request the fix cost to be taken from the sale price.
If a dealer, have them fix or credit you for the repair.
While I know you might love the truck, you are in a buyers market.
Hope this helps.
P.S. This is CBO from CW. Ha Ha!
Does the steering wheel shake when driving or only when you hit a pothole?
If this is a private sale, discuss this with the seller. If they are willing, have it checked by a shop and then request the fix cost to be taken from the sale price.
If a dealer, have them fix or credit you for the repair.
While I know you might love the truck, you are in a buyers market.
Hope this helps.
P.S. This is CBO from CW. Ha Ha!
Hey CBO!! right on! I learned along time ago "don't fall in love with something that can't love you back..." It's a nice rig but I am not goin' nuts to get it. The vehicle feels solid, tight, steering fine but some wobble, shudder etc when you hit a pothole at speed. Agree totally, for only 107K miles, not happy about it. I will check one more time, make an offer or a decision. Want a good one or I will take time to find one. Coincidences are getting freaky - 100% go on the O17. Thanks!!!!!
Matthew Starr
Banned
I can already tell you its your tie rod. I bought mine with 92k miles and my rods need to be replaced. And my 2000 tacoma shook like hell but i did a s.a.s. and i took it all off anyway lol. im not sure where scott gets $400 from http://cpwstore.carpartswholesale.com/catalog/?Ne=28&N=5892+1725+4294965329+11779PeteB88 said:
$100 for both links bushings are like $20 if you buy them from toyota. Ill even post a write up for ya on how to do it
scotts97T4Rltd
New member
Matthew Starr said:
well, i am also figuring a new steering rack, since most are leaking at that point, and the new rack comes with the inner tie rods. The rack can also have a little play in it.
Instead of a whole new steering rack, you can just get a $20 poly bushing kit.
http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/4runnerrackbushkit.htm
http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/4runnerrackbushkit.htm
Matthew Starr
Banned
Every single alignment shop I ever been to has said that everything looks great and i dont need to replace anything. Oh but then Im driving down the highway, i hear a snap and my front end does this little freak out dance at 70mph, and sure enough, snaped a tie rod. I took it back to both Burt and Stevenson Toyota after I fixed it to rub it in their faces and make em feel bad but they all told me "you must have been doing some pretty crazy off-roading", not to sound like a b*tch but my 4runner has pretty much been a pavement princess since I bought it. aaarrggg idiots.Punisher said:
Matthew Starr
Banned
Punisher said:
It was just really corroded. The other one had maybe 10 miles left. Ok maybe theres something wrong with mine but the eylet on the sway bar sit right on the tie rod, metal to metal, with crush bushings on top and bottom. Is that normal. I would think that there would be something between the eylet and the tie rod
Thanks everybody! I think my deal comes together tomorrow or Wednesday and I'm getting geeked. The dude's going to take my 99 Camry for a reasonable trade, not a cream puff but solid driver. It's got a 5 speed, he's getting a good deal and me the same.
Let's see, first Toyota was 77 Corona, then 79 Corolla SR5 hatchback thing, then 80 Corolla wagon, then 84 Tercel 4WD wagon, next 87 Accord, then 90 Camry, then 87 Corolla, then 2000 Accord, next 99 Camry, then 06 Accord (totalled) then 07 Accord (wife drives the Accords) ready for 4- Runner. Also spent time in fishin pal's 84 Landcruiser in OR.
Let's see, first Toyota was 77 Corona, then 79 Corolla SR5 hatchback thing, then 80 Corolla wagon, then 84 Tercel 4WD wagon, next 87 Accord, then 90 Camry, then 87 Corolla, then 2000 Accord, next 99 Camry, then 06 Accord (totalled) then 07 Accord (wife drives the Accords) ready for 4- Runner. Also spent time in fishin pal's 84 Landcruiser in OR.
98 4 Runner Limited, ready to buy
Thanks for all the advice and comments about the front end wobble.
I ran Carfax today, looks solid, 107K had water pump and timing belt done a year ago - all looks good. Too cold here to confirm it works. I have little reason to believe it doesn't.
Is there anything else I should be looking for re: final evaluation of the vehicle?
Thanks! Great site!!!
Thanks for all the advice and comments about the front end wobble.
I ran Carfax today, looks solid, 107K had water pump and timing belt done a year ago - all looks good. Too cold here to confirm it works. I have little reason to believe it doesn't.
Is there anything else I should be looking for re: final evaluation of the vehicle?
Thanks! Great site!!!
Clemsonfan15
New member
Awesome man. Post some pictures when you get it.
jac100
New member
Same Wobble
I have a '97 Limited and I have the exact same issue you're describing. A little shuddering around 70 mph and if I hit a pot hole the front end is wobbling for a few seconds.
I just did my rear seals and bearings this weekend with a friend of mine. (That was a bigger ordeal then I thought it would be) so maybe I'll have to look at the tie rod's as the next project.
I have a '97 Limited and I have the exact same issue you're describing. A little shuddering around 70 mph and if I hit a pot hole the front end is wobbling for a few seconds.
I just did my rear seals and bearings this weekend with a friend of mine. (That was a bigger ordeal then I thought it would be) so maybe I'll have to look at the tie rod's as the next project.
maine runner
New member
The last piece of advice is:
When you are sitting in the truck, what is your gut say?
:cheers:
When you are sitting in the truck, what is your gut say?
:cheers:
