Front end vibrations, 2003,2004 AWD V8

[carbuilder22]

Harmonic vibration

Hey, I am a newby! Just got my new 04 SE v8. Last was a 97 SR5 runner with 225k and still running strong! With my new truck I have noticed a vibration between the speeds of 70 and 75 that is definitly in the driveline. Called one dealer that is familiar with me and he told me that they have had some probs with this. Called the dealer I bought from and head service man said that he has had no such complaints. He wants me to come in so he can balance my tires! I can see that he is going to waste my time. Is this the same thing that everyone os talking about here?

 

[mnarcticcat]

"Brewster" has said it:
"I'm told that Toyota is not getting many complaints now, so they've lowered the priority of fixing the problem. "

It is not a problem with wheels or tires it is a problem with harmonics in the front differental support. Info on the topic is addressed in TRUCKTREND magazine, Nov/Dec 2004, pp 97. I had no problem getting a copy of the TSB that relates to this from my local Lexus dealer. I gave it to my dealer who was required to send it to Toyota Customer Relations when I complained to Toyota Customer Relationsl. Now I plan to send a registered copy of the article and the TSB to Toyota management, asking why the problem is being fixed for Lexus and not Toyota. If everyone else who is experiencing this problem, or any other problem, does much the same possibly it will get the attention of Toyota. Chatter on this and other sites about the topic means nothing to Toyota or to your dealer. If you do not file formal complaints with Toyota the problem will not be resolved. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

"I refuse to help those who will not help themselves."

Do you possibly have a Phone# where I can call Toyota about this?

 

[mnarcticcat]

WOW! This is amazing, with a simple search I find my fellow Toyota 4Runner owners are experiencing my pain as well.

Here's my story:

I purchased a 1997 4Runner with 169,000 miles on it last October. I've had Tacoma's prior & I love this vehicles!

At around 174,000 miles I'm experiencing the same problems as all of you are stating. I've had this thing in the shop about 5-6 times now & still nothing has been found.

I've done the following:

- Balanced & Rotated the tires (2 times!)
- Changed all of the Gear Lube over to Amsoil Synthetic Gear Lube
- Replaced U-Joints & Balanced the Drive Shaft

Still, nothing has helped. The local shop told me they would just wait until something breaks if there's truly something wrong with it. (I did not like that answer!) This is our family car & we're expecting our first child in April & don't want to be sticking my child in a car that I'm not sure is 100% mechanically sound!

The only thing I've done to this vehicle is installed a Lund Bug Shield, & OME Rear Leveling Springs.

Any.........ANY advice would be "EXTREMELY" appreciated! If I can't get this thing fixed soon I'm getting rid of it! The vehicle is worth around $5500-$6500 still & I've already lost about $400 trying to diagnose this problem. If it was worth more I might be willing to invest more.

Thanks for all of the valuable info all of you guys provide! This is a great forum!

Best Regards,

Eric (MnArcticCat)
- Minnesota