Inconsistent steering wheel vibration

[pudzley]

So I figured I'd ask this first before spending time on the obvious solutions I have in mind... I don't think these issues are necessarily related... but both have to do with the steering wheel shaking under certain conditions.

Since I bought the truck used last year, *sometimes* the steering wheel will shake under heavy braking, usually when using the brakes to slow down from a higher speed. BUT other times it is smooth as glass which is really odd. I'd normally think this means the rotors are warped/have build up on them, but then why is it only sometimes? And it doesn't seem to have to do with how hot/cold the rotors are.

The other issue is with the wheel shaking when driving between 55-65-ish mph. This issue existed with my previous set of wheels (Bridgestone Dueler H/T tires) but it's even more pronounced now with the new set of Falken Wildpeak AT3W's I put on. In this case, the obvious answer is the wheels aren't balanced properly (though these are brand new tires and brand new wheels, mounted and balanced by Discount Tire and shipped to my door). But again... there are times when I'm cruising at 60 and there is no shaking which is confusing.

Any thoughts on what I might be dealing with? Thanks!

 

[Juppers]

I have never had any place other than the dealership balance my tires properly.

 

[nevada]

So I figured I'd ask this first before spending time on the obvious solutions I have in mind... I don't think these issues are necessarily related... but both have to do with the steering wheel shaking under certain conditions.

Since I bought the truck used last year, *sometimes* the steering wheel will shake under heavy braking, usually when using the brakes to slow down from a higher speed. BUT other times it is smooth as glass which is really odd. I'd normally think this means the rotors are warped/have build up on them, but then why is it only sometimes? And it doesn't seem to have to do with how hot/cold the rotors are.

The other issue is with the wheel shaking when driving between 55-65-ish mph. This issue existed with my previous set of wheels (Bridgestone Dueler H/T tires) but it's even more pronounced now with the new set of Falken Wildpeak AT3W's I put on. In this case, the obvious answer is the wheels aren't balanced properly (though these are brand new tires and brand new wheels, mounted and balanced by Discount Tire and shipped to my door). But again... there are times when I'm cruising at 60 and there is no shaking which is confusing.

Any thoughts on what I might be dealing with? Thanks!

has the front end been checked for loose components?

although, I have experienced the "sometimes" vibrations while braking, I don't have a good explanation for it. the solution has always been the same. resurface the rotors, replace the pads, and do a PROPER break in.

prior to that though, assuming the pads are still in good shake, you could try the proper break in procedure now, you may get them to clean up.

follow this:

https://brakeperformance.com/bedding-in-rotors.php

 

[First 4Runner]

So I figured I'd ask this first before spending time on the obvious solutions I have in mind... I don't think these issues are necessarily related... but both have to do with the steering wheel shaking under certain conditions.

Since I bought the truck used last year, *sometimes* the steering wheel will shake under heavy braking, usually when using the brakes to slow down from a higher speed. BUT other times it is smooth as glass which is really odd. I'd normally think this means the rotors are warped/have build up on them, but then why is it only sometimes? And it doesn't seem to have to do with how hot/cold the rotors are.

The other issue is with the wheel shaking when driving between 55-65-ish mph. This issue existed with my previous set of wheels (Bridgestone Dueler H/T tires) but it's even more pronounced now with the new set of Falken Wildpeak AT3W's I put on. In this case, the obvious answer is the wheels aren't balanced properly (though these are brand new tires and brand new wheels, mounted and balanced by Discount Tire and shipped to my door). But again... there are times when I'm cruising at 60 and there is no shaking which is confusing.

Any thoughts on what I might be dealing with? Thanks!

I just recently bought my 4Runner and it too has Wildpeaks and these tires have a lot of thread. I too have vibration at similar speeds. Nothing at low speeds and vibration disappears at 75 MPH. I am convinced it's the tires. Not even going to try to balance them. Instead, will be getting some Michelins. I've also noticed that the current tires are loud. I hate loud.

 

[vr4z06gt]

So I figured I'd ask this first before spending time on the obvious solutions I have in mind... I don't think these issues are necessarily related... but both have to do with the steering wheel shaking under certain conditions.

Since I bought the truck used last year, *sometimes* the steering wheel will shake under heavy braking, usually when using the brakes to slow down from a higher speed. BUT other times it is smooth as glass which is really odd. I'd normally think this means the rotors are warped/have build up on them, but then why is it only sometimes? And it doesn't seem to have to do with how hot/cold the rotors are.

The other issue is with the wheel shaking when driving between 55-65-ish mph. This issue existed with my previous set of wheels (Bridgestone Dueler H/T tires) but it's even more pronounced now with the new set of Falken Wildpeak AT3W's I put on. In this case, the obvious answer is the wheels aren't balanced properly (though these are brand new tires and brand new wheels, mounted and balanced by Discount Tire and shipped to my door). But again... there are times when I'm cruising at 60 and there is no shaking which is confusing.

Any thoughts on what I might be dealing with? Thanks!

Check your front brake calipers. Seized calipers are common on this platform. In my experience these symptoms are common when the caliper has seized up a pot (for me it is always the lowers)

 

[swampdodo]

This might be a long shot, and I know it is a different type of vehicle, but my wife's '16 CRV was involved in a 'minor' fender bender...after repairs were done, she a similar issue with inconsistent vibration at highway speeds.

Believe it or not, it was the CV axle...on passenger side (impact near that area).

After it was replaced...no more vibrations.

 

[cowen1053]

I actually had this happen to me during this past summer. I know what you mean about the inconsistent part, mine only did it going down (longer) hills and hard braking for instance at a red light.
I took my truck to the local dealer for an oil change and they found that my front pads were way too low, and that they needed to be replaced. In doing this, they also found that the pads that were installed by the previous owner (I bought mine around this time last year so I've never had to do any brake service) were cutting into the rotors in the wrong way and that they were damaged beyond repair. Also, one of the front calipers was seized. One of the guys told me that if I had done any extremely hard braking, one of the rotors very well could have snapped.
It could have been any one of these things, but after they completely redid my pads and rotors there was no more shaking. I would just take a look at how low your pads are and if a caliper is seized.

I don't know about the 55-65mph shake, I haven't experienced that one.

 

[pudzley]

Awesome, thanks everyone for the great info. I'll do some investigating this weekend and see what I find... really hoping the calipers aren't seized!

 

[gaber6]

Could be a long shot but if your struts are shot, when a pothole or rut is hit, you'll feel it a little more when braking and at speed.

 

[Samm25]

I’m having the SAME issue. Sometimes the vibration is there and sometimes it just disappears. I had the issue on my ‘05 4Runner with a set of Sport All Terrain tires from discount tire, it’s their in house brand AND I put new wheels on from them as well. Had to balance my tires a lot, the issue would go away for a week and then come back. About a month ago I purchased a 2008 4Runner, the dealership put BRAND NEW tires on that truck and allowed me to put the wheels I bought from discount tire on this newer ‘08 I bought. To my surprise the SAME THING is happening on this newer 4Runner. My only thought is that somehow these wheels I purchased from Discount is throwing my truck out of balance all the time.

Am I wrong for thinking this? It’s a new set of completely different tires on an entirely different truck and I’m getting the same issues I was with my previous truck

 

[swampdodo]

Not sure if directly related...but some other options with search...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/probl...-wheel-vibration-highway-speed-revisited.html

 

[Mullett757]

Ive had the same issue between 45-55 and one of my buddys friends turns out to be a toyota suspension specialist and since I just replaced both bearings and cv axles along with new springs and shocks (tires balanced and rotated every 4k miles along with oil change) he said he's 99% sure its the LCA bushings so in the next few weeks New LCAs will be going in

 

[Johnny4runner]

Check your front brake calipers. Seized calipers are common on this platform. In my experience these symptoms are common when the caliper has seized up a pot (for me it is always the lowers)

+1 on this. I just replaced my front pads and rotors (and one stuck front caliper), and that fixed a steering wobble that I did not realize was related to the brakes. I just assumed it was part of being lifted on 33". I was surprised that the stuck caliper wasn't more noticeable.

Replacing the caliper was easier than expected since I had the caliper and bracket off anyway. Reman calipers are available at most auto parts stores and relatively affordable. Just make sure you use a flare wench for the brake fittings.

Best, J4R