Cant figure out my steering wheel shaking

[Captsolo]

My 4Runner began pulling to the right now when I hit the brakes. So I’m taking it to the shop tomorrow. Maybe a caliper has been causing my steering wheel shake this whole time.

We had a shaking steering wheel in our 2005 4 runner 150,000 miles, and a few years ago.

It needed and got a new front wheel bearing, and the shaking SW is gone.

Have them look at your front lower control arms with three bushings (assembly - one on each side) and the front sway bars (2). They wear out.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0791JYB8N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Control-Driv...5FV59WBZCKH&psc=1&refRID=SQ9QCZFBM5FV59WBZCKH

tie rod $16 "Bought for 2003 4Runner. Part helped make my steering feel like new again. "

https://www.amazon.com/Moog-ES80378...Y31JZYFK4GP&psc=1&refRID=FV8G3TJTWY31JZYFK4GP

Our ball joints are 15 years old.

How Long Does a Ball Joint Front Last? | YourMechanic Advice

 

[knarfwhite]

I am working on a 4th gen I picked up about a month ago and I too have had intermittent vibrations. But this truck sat for years with little use so I wasn't surprised to have brake problems. So far I've changed all pads and rotors because my problem only occurred when braking. The last time I drove on the highway it just got worse after the new hardware. I am still suspicious of my front calipers because the pistons were hard to compress, the pins were very rusty, and the pads barely fit. But I also need new tires so now I'm not sure what's going on.

 

[White04SR5]

2004 4runner steering wheel shake

Can y'all help me figure out why my steering wheel shakes like this?
here is a you tube video that will show what is going on...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IidSIS4_Q9k&feature=youtu.be

I know that this isn't the right way to go about getting help on a forum and that i should post my own thread for my own problem but when i tried to post my own thread for this it said that i couldn't because i haven't replied to enough threads yet....? why is that even a rule? Why should i have to reply to something someone else posted just so i can be granted access to post my own questions.... i swear some forums have so many rules its ridiculous...

Anyway. Any advice or help would be much appreciated. I didn't know where else i could post this question so just decided to find the most recent thread on a 4th gen steering problem...

 

[BoomerBob]

Can y'all help me figure out why my steering wheel shakes like this?
here is a you tube video that will show what is going on...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IidSIS4_Q9k&feature=youtu.be

I know that this isn't the right way to go about getting help on a forum and that i should post my own thread for my own problem but when i tried to post my own thread for this it said that i couldn't because i haven't replied to enough threads yet....? why is that even a rule? Why should i have to reply to something someone else posted just so i can be granted access to post my own questions.... i swear some forums have so many rules its ridiculous...

Anyway. Any advice or help would be much appreciated. I didn't know where else i could post this question so just decided to find the most recent thread on a 4th gen steering problem...

Pull the air bag and make sure the bolt holding the steering wheel on didn't come loose. There are videos showing how to do that. Probably need some Torx head sockets. Be sure to disconnect the battery so you don't get a surge and cause the air bag to blow.

 

[firebirdguy]

Pull the air bag and make sure the bolt holding the steering wheel on didn't come loose. There are videos showing how to do that. Probably need some Torx head sockets. Be sure to disconnect the battery so you don't get a surge and cause the air bag to blow.

highly unlikely the steering wheel bolt came loose...

 

[firebirdguy]

Can y'all help me figure out why my steering wheel shakes like this?
here is a you tube video that will show what is going on...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IidSIS4_Q9k&feature=youtu.be

I know that this isn't the right way to go about getting help on a forum and that i should post my own thread for my own problem but when i tried to post my own thread for this it said that i couldn't because i haven't replied to enough threads yet....? why is that even a rule? Why should i have to reply to something someone else posted just so i can be granted access to post my own questions.... i swear some forums have so many rules its ridiculous...

Anyway. Any advice or help would be much appreciated. I didn't know where else i could post this question so just decided to find the most recent thread on a 4th gen steering problem...

im not sure what youre showing in the vid... my steering wheel does the same thing with the engine off, there will be some play in the wheel when you do that & mine makes the same clicking noise when i do that with the wheel, just not as loud.

these threads about steering wheel "shake" are related to what it does when driving down the road, not sitting still with the engine off. aside from your very high miles & maybe some loose tie rods or worn steering shaft joint allowing a little more play in your wheel, what you show in the video looks normal. & if the bolt holding the wheel on was loose, it would let the wheel slide in & out, the wheel is on a splined shaft & wouldnt let the wheel move back & forth if the bolt was loose.

as for the posting rule, its to avoid spammers & scammers from signing up bogus accounts & posting spam right away, its doesnt stop it all but reduces a lot of it. its not a ridiculous rule, just make a few comments on some peoples posts like, "nice 4runner" or "wheels look great" etc etc

 

[nevada]

had my 3rd set of new tires put on 2 days ago. smooth as can be now.

these are different, some mastercrafts. they have quite a bit more road noise, and have a bit more aggressive tread. but, nice and smooth. so far...

 

[BoomerBob]

highly unlikely the steering wheel bolt came loose...

I would check for play in your steering rack. Have someone turn the wheel while you look at the steering rack for movement. If there's excessive movement then the bushings will need replacement. Worn steering rack bushings will also cause a shimmy at highway speeds.

Yeah; after thinking about it some more I think weaves is right. Roll it up on ramps or on jack stands and have someone turn the wheel while someone else looks at all the moving parts underneath. If on ramps just turn it a little to meet resistance. Rack bushings or maybe a connector on the steering shaft/column.

Someone did a handmade diagram for a Tacoma that may help visualize it too.

 

[jrm]

4runners require a lug centric tire balance using a flange plate with studs that resembles the wheels bolt pattern. This is well documented in the Toyota TSB SU002-96 which applies to all 4runner gens. Use this web tool to find who has this tire balancer GSP9700 Locator And when you call them ask if they have to flange plates that came with the tire balancer.

 

[Hunter.Cribb]

Well steering wheel still shakes. Rotors didn’t help the shaking. This morning it started shaking violently and was pulling left while just cruising down the highway. I guess it’s just something I’m gonna have to live with.

 

[T4R416]

Wheels look great!








Lol just kidding but in all seriousness when it comes to these shakes we have to make sure our wheels aren’t properly balanced, our brakes and Cali pets not seized up and moving freely, inspect and check all suspension components and wheel play. I’ve never had a vibration that I could diagnose when up on hoist.

 

[Hunter.Cribb]

Wheels look great!

















Lol just kidding but in all seriousness when it comes to these shakes we have to make sure our wheels aren’t properly balanced, our brakes and Cali pets not seized up and moving freely, inspect and check all suspension components and wheel play. I’ve never had a vibration that I could diagnose when up on hoist.

Unfortunately everything has been checked about five times now. I’m over trying to diagnose this now. So I’m just gonna let it go until it starts showing its face more and is easier to diagnose

 

[T4R416]

Unfortunately everything has been checked about five times now. I’m kinda over trying to diagnose this now. So I guess I’m just gonna let it go until it starts showing its face more and is easier to diagnose

Just doesn’t make sense... you’re over looking something 100% this would drive me nuts.!... if any updates please let us know. .. I know it seems like something super simple but have you tried rotating tires/ wheels? Checked drive shafts? **** sorry.. just this is wild. Especially if you say you’ve checked it all..

 

[Hunter.Cribb]

Yes it’s driving me insane and tires were balanced three times. rotating them does not make a difference. Maybe the steering column itself?? It doesn’t seem to have any movement up and down

 

[weaves]

Yes it’s driving me insane and tires were balanced three times. rotating them does not make a difference. Maybe the steering column itself?? It doesn’t seem to have any movement up and down

Check your power steering rack for play. There should be little to no movement when you turn the steering wheel.

 

[White04SR5]

im not sure what youre showing in the vid... my steering wheel does the same thing with the engine off, there will be some play in the wheel when you do that & mine makes the same clicking noise when i do that with the wheel, just not as loud.

these threads about steering wheel "shake" are related to what it does when driving down the road, not sitting still with the engine off. aside from your very high miles & maybe some loose tie rods or worn steering shaft joint allowing a little more play in your wheel, what you show in the video looks normal. & if the bolt holding the wheel on was loose, it would let the wheel slide in & out, the wheel is on a splined shaft & wouldnt let the wheel move back & forth if the bolt was loose.

as for the posting rule, its to avoid spammers & scammers from signing up bogus accounts & posting spam right away, its doesnt stop it all but reduces a lot of it. its not a ridiculous rule, just make a few comments on some peoples posts like, "nice 4runner" or "wheels look great" etc etc

Thanks for the info, my steering wheel does also shake pretty crazily going down the road at anything past 45mph. I have put new tires on it 15k miles ago and have rotated them every 5k and had them balanced a few times. I have a pretty decent knowledge of cars and mechanical things and it does seem that its not tire related. I also don't believe it to be rotor issue as the shaking during braking isnt much different or worse. The same sound in that video is what it makes going down the road when the wheel shakes back and forth. It also makes a loud clank when going over speed bumps and potholes. Feels steering related to me. I recently ordered a bunch of oem parts from a dealer as I plan to keep my 04 for quite a while as i spend most of my time on motorcycles anyway. I ordered all new tie rods, control arms, rotors, and pads. I haven't installed anything yet but i can just swear there is a noise coming from the steering column inside the vehicle. I watched a bunch of videos and saw a lot of forum posts about 3rd gens having an issue withe a joint or shaft that they had to weld in their steering column and that sounds like what you were describing. However i couldn't find any forum posts about 4th gens having this problem. Have any additional suggestions or knowledge about things that you think may be going on that i should try?

Thanks
-Preston

 

[firebirdguy]

Well steering wheel still shakes. Rotors didn’t help the shaking. This morning it started shaking violently and was pulling left while just cruising down the highway. I guess it’s just something I’m gonna have to live with.

sounds like the caliper pistons are sticking. were they inspected or changed?

 

[firebirdguy]

Thanks for the info, my steering wheel does also shake pretty crazily going down the road at anything past 45mph. I have put new tires on it 15k miles ago and have rotated them every 5k and had them balanced a few times. I have a pretty decent knowledge of cars and mechanical things and it does seem that its not tire related. I also don't believe it to be rotor issue as the shaking during braking isnt much different or worse. The same sound in that video is what it makes going down the road when the wheel shakes back and forth. It also makes a loud clank when going over speed bumps and potholes. Feels steering related to me. I recently ordered a bunch of oem parts from a dealer as I plan to keep my 04 for quite a while as i spend most of my time on motorcycles anyway. I ordered all new tie rods, control arms, rotors, and pads. I haven't installed anything yet but i can just swear there is a noise coming from the steering column inside the vehicle. I watched a bunch of videos and saw a lot of forum posts about 3rd gens having an issue withe a joint or shaft that they had to weld in their steering column and that sounds like what you were describing. However i couldn't find any forum posts about 4th gens having this problem. Have any additional suggestions or knowledge about things that you think may be going on that i should try?

Thanks
-Preston

thats good you have some mechanical aptitude, many 4runner owners & just people in general today dont. a few others things to mention or suggest:

> its not always the best approach to just "throw parts at it" & replace multiple things at once, you wont ever know what actually fixed the issue. i would inspect & test the steering & suspension parts before just replacing them, although at 200k+ miles most parts may need replaced anyways.

>you ordered a bunch of brake parts but i dont see the most common failed brake part, the calipers. 4th gen calipers are notorious for sticking pistons & that will make the brakes drag & if the rotors are warped at all it will exaggerate a steering shimy or shake. lots of brake dust on teh wheels will be a sign of a frozen caliper, or use a temp gauge & check each rotor after a 10-15 minute highway drive & very little braking to see if any are extra hot, they should be almost cool to the touch after a brief drive & no braking. or jack it up & feel if any rotors are hard to turn, they should spin almost freely.

> check the steering rack itself, have a friend turn the wheel while you are under the car & see if the rack has excessive play around teh mount bushings or any other part of it... or the tierods etc. might have worn rack bushings.

> 4th gens also can have issues with the steering shaft itself, the joint can get rusted & stick or be worn a lot & have slop in it. check that joint under the car while youre checking other parts turning the wheel.

> & finally, even though you had the tires balanced, if alll the other checks & new parts fail to fix it, look into whats called road force balancing, its more expensive but they put a force on the tire to mimic the road & balance it that way, some say it helps a lot.

best of luck figuring it out. & please report back what you find, lots of guys post these threads & never report back after its fixed.

 

[T4R416]

thats good you have some mechanical aptitude, many 4runner owners & just people in general today dont. a few others things to mention or suggest:

> its not always the best approach to just "throw parts at it" & replace multiple things at once, you wont ever know what actually fixed the issue. i would inspect & test the steering & suspension parts before just replacing them, although at 200k+ miles most parts may need replaced anyways.

>you ordered a bunch of brake parts but i dont see the most common failed brake part, the calipers. 4th gen calipers are notorious for sticking pistons & that will make the brakes drag & if the rotors are warped at all it will exaggerate a steering shimy or shake. lots of brake dust on teh wheels will be a sign of a frozen caliper, or use a temp gauge & check each rotor after a 10-15 minute highway drive & very little braking to see if any are extra hot, they should be almost cool to the touch after a brief drive & no braking. or jack it up & feel if any rotors are hard to turn, they should spin almost freely.

> check the steering rack itself, have a friend turn the wheel while you are under the car & see if the rack has excessive play around teh mount bushings or any other part of it... or the tierods etc. might have worn rack bushings.

> 4th gens also can have issues with the steering shaft itself, the joint can get rusted & stick or be worn a lot & have slop in it. check that joint under the car while youre checking other parts turning the wheel.

> & finally, even though you had the tires balanced, if alll the other checks & new parts fail to fix it, look into whats called road force balancing, its more expensive but they put a force on the tire to mimic the road & balance it that way, some say it helps a lot.

best of luck figuring it out. & please report back what you find, lots of guys post these threads & never report back after its fixed.

Only facts and knowledge spoken here .

 

[duffdog]

Unfortunately everything has been checked about five times now. I’m over trying to diagnose this now. So I’m just gonna let it go until it starts showing its face more and is easier to diagnose

I read through this thread. I guarantee its the tires. There is no way any other parts can cause wheel shaking while on the road while not on the brakes. Unfortunately you cannot diagnose this without a known set of non-shaking tires on a known set of un-bent rims. Tire shops can balance a set of improperly made tires 1000 times and it won't make a difference. They can also change out a set of tires 1000 times for other improperly manufactured tires and nothing will change and every "balancing machine" will also tell you that they are perfectly balanced when they are not.

I think you should find someone with another 4runner that does not shake on the highway, change out their tires for yours and drive around to confirm once and for all that you truly do not have a tire problem.

I had to do this to prove to the tire shop that literally every Goodyear tire in their shop was not round. All of the tires in their shop were manufactured egg shaped and after 4 (yes FOUR) completely new sets on four different sets of brand new rims being balanced over 40 times, I went and found someone with a set of General tires on factory 4runner rims and Holy Hell!! all the shaking was gone at all speeds!! It was as if I had just accomplished the impossible and it took the tire shop manager about 30 minutes of head shaking to finally realize that it was indeed the tires the entire time and there was nothing wrong with any part of the 4runner.