Brand new 06 - Freeway Steering Wheel Problem

[AlphaQup]

On my O6 4runner I just bought, I began to notice how unstable it is on the freeway. I mean, when your driving on a flat surface (freeway) traveling 50+ mph, I feel as if I have to keep correcting the steering to keep it from going left or right more than I have to, for a new car. Could it be that the factory did a bad alignment job? I thought it was insufficient air in the tires, but I checked and they're all good on pressure. Or is this just how a 4th gen T4R drives? Fill me in guys, if you have any comments or have experienced the same thing.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[Northof49]

4rth gen 4Runners are possibly the most solid and predictable SUVs I've ever driven on the highway (including much more expensive offerings).

It's tough to give a good answer over the internet, but "unstable" is the last word I'd use to describe one.....it's possible the alignment is wonky, and worth a check. Tell the dealer soon tho, because alignment isn't covered very long.

 

[AlphaQup]

4rth gen 4Runners are possibly the most solid and predictable SUVs I've ever driven on the highway (including much more expensive offerings).

It's tough to give a good answer over the internet, but "unstable" is the last word I'd use to describe one.....it's possible the alignment is wonky, and worth a check. Tell the dealer soon tho, because alignment isn't covered very long.

Just called the dealer and I'll be taking it in tomarrow morning. I'll keep posted on what they find. I just hope they dont come back saying, thats how it's suppost to drive.

 

[Falls]

It take's some getting used to but mine is tight as a drum on the hi-way too. It handle's like a sport's car ( well almost ) My prev. truck 04Z71 Tahoe , was loose as hell compared to this 4R.

I think it's normal what your feeling , give yourelf some time to get used to it.

 

[AlphaQup]

It take's some getting used to but mine is tight as a drum on the hi-way too. It handle's like a sport's car ( well almost ) My prev. truck 04Z71 Tahoe , was loose as hell compared to this 4R.

I think it's normal what your feeling , give yourelf some time to get used to it.

I dont know man... maybe I'm just paranoid, but I wish I can drive someone elses 4runner to rule out the problem. It just feels too loose for a brand new car, and stuff like this makes you think twice about ever buying it. I dont know, maybe I'm over reacting, but when I put down a good amount of money on something, I expect it to be worth the money.

 

[Kmvreter]

I wish I can drive someone elses 4runner to rule out the problem.

Good point...
See if the dealer has another one on the lot and take it for a drive just to compare.

 

[joyride]

On my O6 4runner I just bought, I began to notice how unstable it is on the freeway. I mean, when your driving on a flat surface (freeway) traveling 50+ mph, I feel as if I have to keep correcting the steering to keep it from going left or right more than I have to, for a new car. Could it be that the factory did a bad alignment job? I thought it was insufficient air in the tires, but I checked and they're all good on pressure. Or is this just how a 4th gen T4R drives? Fill me in guys, if you have any comments or have experienced the same thing.

Thanks,
Nick

You could be tramlining, where your tires are getting caught in the ruts in the paved road. Happens fairly often on our very over taxed but improperly maintained roads here in the GTA.

 

[Falls]

I mis understood you , mine is tight like a little sport's car. If it's loose I'm not sure what to tell you, except get it checked out.

 

[KMX3060]

You might check the tire pressure. Set them all (5) at 30 or 32 psi and see what happens.

I remember mine was very tight and seemed to need constant driver attention on the fwy; but I think it was just the difference between my old 3/4T Suburban and the lighter T4R. I never took it in to check it out and I don't notice the symptom anymore now that I think about it.

 

[davisc23]

I have the same problem in my 03. I took it in for an alignment last week and that seemed to fix it for the most part. On some parts of the freeway I take to work it's smooth and stable, but on others I have to keep correcting the steering to keep it going straight. It seems very sensitive to the type of surface it's on. My problem might also be a balancing issue because I get a vibration in my steering wheel at around 60-65 mph. I've had it balanced 3 or 4 times already and it still hasn't been corrected.

 

[Sac State]

As mentioned check the tire pressure, 32 should be fine. Plus, the stock Dunflop AT20 is the worst tire I have ever driven on. Many stories of tires being out of round.

I have driven over drawbridges where the road is grooved, it causes the truck to act squirrely and this is with Revo's.

 

[dano]

On my O6 4runner I just bought, I began to notice how unstable it is on the freeway. I mean, when your driving on a flat surface (freeway) traveling 50+ mph, I feel as if I have to keep correcting the steering to keep it from going left or right more than I have to, for a new car. Could it be that the factory did a bad alignment job? I thought it was insufficient air in the tires, but I checked and they're all good on pressure. Or is this just how a 4th gen T4R drives? Fill me in guys, if you have any comments or have experienced the same thing.

Thanks,
Nick

Could it be due to the fact that it there is a moderate to strong windy condition. I have noticed this in my 4Runner when it is a windy day. Never noticed it that much with my Tundra. This is probably due to a much shorter wheelbase, plus it is a fairly tall vehicle too. I really notice alot of "bucking" when I'm driving beside an 18 wheeler on the interstate.

 

[islandrunner]

darting

mine does this too i call it darting seems to dart from one side of the road to the other and neeeds constant att

 

[AlphaQup]

Re: darting

mine does this too i call it darting seems to dart from one side of the road to the other and neeeds constant att

So would you consider this "darting" to be normal on all 4th gen 4runners?

I just droped my car off at the dealership today to get this issue fixed, along with my lojack install, and paint scratch removed. I hope they fix the problem.

 

[AlexJet]

Have you waxed your 4Runner? Probably you waxed one side better then other and it has better airflow on that side... Just joking...
Check the alignment and for the mud and/or dirt on the rims. It should be one of those reasons. My 4Runner is very solid on the high speeds, even at 100mph.

 

[majognam]

Great Site!!

I almost started a new thread on this very subject. Glad I searched first. My story is slightly different. I am about to buy a 2006 Sport. We looked at and drove the SR5 as well. Easy choice except for the Sport showed symptoms like AlphaQup describes. I mentioned it and the salesman promptly said he would have it looked over, aligned, etc.

They called and said the alignment was ok but the tire pressure was off a bit. I went to drive it again today. I noticed right away it was smoother and didn't seem to pull left on the highway like it was, but it still feels loose to me. I felt like I was constantly correcting slightly. Darting is a great way to describe it. Please note: I spent the last 5 years driving a Civic and a Corolla.

I love the the truck! This is my only sticking point. Is this normal and I'll get used to it? I was going to post here to get some opinions and see if that's just the way the truck rides.

Let us know what the dealer says AlphaQup.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Sac State]

Great Site!!

I almost started a new thread on this very subject. Glad I searched first. My story is slightly different. I am about to buy a 2006 Sport. We looked at and drove the SR5 as well. Easy choice except for the Sport showed symptoms like AlphaQup describes. I mentioned it and the salesman promptly said he would have it looked over, aligned, etc.

They called and said the alignment was ok but the tire pressure was off a bit. I went to drive it again today. I noticed right away it was smoother and didn't seem to pull left on the highway like it was, but it still feels loose to me. I felt like I was constantly correcting slightly. Darting is a great way to describe it. Please note: I spent the last 5 years driving a Civic and a Corolla.

I love the the truck! This is my only sticking point. Is this normal and I'll get used to it? I was going to post here to get some opinions and see if that's just the way the truck rides.

Let us know what the dealer says AlphaQup.

Thanks in advance!

Test drive another Sport. If you have questions now don't buy that particular vehicle.

I have also found that after about 1,000 miles the new rubber on the tires has worn off. I know the Revo's have a 'break-in' period before they smooth out. They were very 'bouncy' during the first 1K miles.

I have 50K and on my second set of tires and have never required a four wheel alignment. The Runner is a very stable, solid vehicle. It should track straight on.

 

[majognam]

Thank you Sac State.

They'll think I'm nuts (maybe I am) but I need to drive another Sport.

Is your steering tight? When you hold the wheel on a straight-away do you have any play? Here's what I mean, during the natural sway you get driving on any road and you adjust, in a car when you turn the wheel any amount the car moves with the wheel immediately. Tight. On this 4runner you move the wheel a tiny bit before it reacts. Looser. Sound right?

The reason I'm posting before I freak out and think the truck's got a steering issue is because first off all, what are the odds, and also, that's very similar to driving a uhaul style truck or other mid-size cargo truck. I was kind of expecting some people to say 'that's a truck, baby!' Love it or leave it.

I will go to the dealership and drive another one tomorrow.

What a great resource this is! Thanks for your help.

 

[Sac State]

Thank you Sac State.

They'll think I'm nuts (maybe I am) but I need to drive another Sport.

Is your steering tight? When you hold the wheel on a straight-away do you have any play? Here's what I mean, during the natural sway you get driving on any road and you adjust, in a car when you turn the wheel any amount the car moves with the wheel immediately. Tight. On this 4runner you move the wheel a tiny bit before it reacts. Looser. Sound right?

The reason I'm posting before I freak out and think the truck's got a steering issue is because first off all, what are the odds, and also, that's very similar to driving a uhaul style truck or other mid-size cargo truck. I was kind of expecting some people to say 'that's a truck, baby!' Love it or leave it.

I will go to the dealership and drive another one tomorrow.

What a great resource this is! Thanks for your help.

I can take my hands off the wheel and the vehicle will track straight. It's your money, I don't think your nuts. Get what will make you happy. I am sure there are a few dozen Sport's in your dealers area they can provide another example.

 

[majognam]

She tracks straight when I let go. It's how 'tight' the steering wheel is that I was wondering about. It feels like I have to move it ever so slightly before it reacts as opposed to a tight wheel where it's instant. I wish I was a mechanic, I could describe it better. I had a '76 Granada when I was a kid. The steering got all messed up. You had to turn that wheel a half an inch before it moved the car. You could shake the wheel back and forth it and it wouldn't effect the tracking. Well that's what I mean but on a very, very small scale. That's the best I can describe it. Looser, than a car that it is, and I must say, looser than the SR5.

Just called the dealership. I'll go in later this morning. The guy says it's because it's higher off the ground and has the bigger tires. He says he's heard that before and would be glad to let me drive another one just for peace of mind.