Front End Vibration While Driving 55-70 MPH

[gamefreakgc]

So the saga of annoying vibrations continue. Don't get me wrong, I love my supercharged 4Runner. I just want to get it back up to top shape again, haven't done much since my daughter was born.

I have a definite front end vibration and sound. Not loud enough for a recording to pick up. It's a pulsing sort of sound/vibration that I can feel through the floor with my feet while driving. Only shows up from 55-70 MPH, any thing else if fine. Accelerating, decelerating, braking, doesn't matter. Only the speed matters. I know it has to be something with the front axle for that reason. No vibration felt in the back, which I think rules out a driveshaft.

Someone on here suggested bad bearings up front? My rear's are good since I changed them when I had an axle seal leak.

 

[mtbtim]

When is the last time you checked the balance of your wheels?

 

[gamefreakgc]

Recently, in the past year. I should also state what I've done:

Tires balanced
Aligned x2 (suspension work)
Rear axle seals replaced
Grease drive line on schedule
Full fluid exchange in all parts, differentials, transfer case, transmission, etc.

New tires are needed in the next few years though, the PO put new tires on it but with very sloppy suspension so ruined them. They are definitely cupped, about 1" of the tread on the rear tires (used to be up front but rotated them) doesn't even touch the road in my gravel parking lot.

 

[PWD4R]

Mtbtim-I am on the same process of thought as you. When it's a range of speed like that it's often tires but then again idk what this pulsating noise is you're speaking of.


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[GangsterOfLove]

$5 says its u joints, that two different highly respected shops examine them and pronounce them excellent, you change them anyway and the problem goes away.

 

[jman11788]

If you can drive out of a vibration it should be a tire issue. Try and get them balanced again. Also since there's not much tread like you stated and the cupping I would put it on that. 3rd gens are super sensitive to any issues going on with the tires/wheels.

 

[mtbtim]

Recently, in the past year. I should also state what I've done:

Tires balanced
Aligned x2 (suspension work)
Rear axle seals replaced
Grease drive line on schedule
Full fluid exchange in all parts, differentials, transfer case, transmission, etc.

New tires are needed in the next few years though, the PO put new tires on it but with very sloppy suspension so ruined them. They are definitely cupped, about 1" of the tread on the rear tires (used to be up front but rotated them) doesn't even touch the road in my gravel parking lot.

Sounds like an excuse to treat yourself to some new tires. But, I'd just have a shop re-balance the tires you've got for now and see if that fixes the problem. It's probably your most affordable option at this point too.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I should also add, before I got them balanced the steering wheel would shake and wobble from 50+ MPH. After the alignment and tire balance it all went away, had no vibrations down in the floor at that point.

Then the vibrations in the floor started. My steering wheel does not wobble when the vibrations start. New tires are in near future though, should I just hold off until then? It's not like my 4Runner's going to fall apart on me.