Is anybody else experiencing swaying back and forth on the highway?
- Thread starter 2010T4RTRAIL
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KCcarguy
New member
Yep. I saw a huge improvement when I switched my stock tires for destination a/t's
You can search for "Grand Cherokee Wandering" or "Subaru Outback Wandering" or "Nissan Frontier Wandering".....etc... Just about any truck or suv you like and you will find people who experience wandering. In some cases, it might just be people who aren't used to a truck. However, I don't think that is always the case. My theory is that some vehicles (from all manufacturers) just have slight imbalances somewhere in the vehicle with tires or rims or alignment or steering components...or somewhere else that causes the problem. Unfortunately, these issues are often times very hard to find and repair.
My T4R Limited has no wandering issues at all. In fact, it handles the wind and freeways much better than I would have expected for a vehicle this shape. I did take mine for an extensive test drive including the freeway before buying it to make sure there was no wandering or vibration or noise issues.
My T4R Limited has no wandering issues at all. In fact, it handles the wind and freeways much better than I would have expected for a vehicle this shape. I did take mine for an extensive test drive including the freeway before buying it to make sure there was no wandering or vibration or noise issues.
Antman
Elite Member
Check your tire pressure. Toyota ships the trucks with overinflated tires( at least not the 32 that is spec). I had a problem with mine wandering everywhere and kept forgetting to check the pressure- when I did- they were all over 40psi cold. Now, at 32psi the truck is completely different. Tracks true(r) and the steering has more weight to it as well. Seems contradictory, I know, but it worked for me.....
PocketRocket
New member
I experienced the same situation on my 4th generation and 5th generation at 65 - 75 MPH.
This condition can be minimized by adding some weight to the front end.
I added the Curt front end tow hitch for the added weight (37 lbs.) I don't seem to have that drift condition on windy days.
This condition can be minimized by adding some weight to the front end.
I added the Curt front end tow hitch for the added weight (37 lbs.) I don't seem to have that drift condition on windy days.
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iDRiVaT4R
New member
Mine sways side to side a little in the back of the 4Runner. When I'm on the Freeway at cruising speeds, hit a bump the rear feels like the weight is shifting from side to side. I think my issue it more related to the lift and the rear track bar. Its nothing extreme, but every now and then is noticeable. This is my first rear coil spring vehicle. My previous vehicles all had rear leafs.
934x4
New member
I don't know if everyone is on the same page here with swaying/wandering. If it's wandering, then my '11 TE is in. I've tried different tire pressures in the stock duelers and it doesn't change. I could try new tires (which may or may not cure it and I'm not gonna dump $1000 to find out), but that doesn't change the steering being way too light. I think it was set up for soccer moms in a parking lot, and this is my biggest gripe with the 4R. Although I will agree with the previous post that this isn't unique to the 4R; most new SUV's are set up this way. My FJ was worse.
Next time I'm in a Toyota shop, I'm going to be asking about options; a smaller power steering pump, a flow restrictor, slowing it down, whatever.
Next time I'm in a Toyota shop, I'm going to be asking about options; a smaller power steering pump, a flow restrictor, slowing it down, whatever.
SeattleMike
New member
New tires make a huge difference. Everyone who has swapped out the stock tires for an A/T tire reports the same thing. Steering feel is also affected, but that particular issue is subjective and I doubt you are going to find a mechanical solution that suits you for less than the $1000 you are too scared to spend on tires.
934x4
New member
Here's the thing Mike; I replaced the tires on my FJ, and it didn't make a bit of difference. The 4R and FJ sit on the same platform, so it's a 'Fool me once ...' thing to me. So if you want to call it 'being scared', you do that. Me, I call it learning from past experience.
It also doesn't change the fact the steering is too light. My '93 pickup requires more than a pinky push to move the steering wheel, and I feel that is better than having to wrestle the wind every time I'm on the highway.
And I don't know where you do your shopping, but where I am a steering pump doesn't cost quite as much as new set of rubber.
SeattleMike
New member
Swaying in wind is normal; it's a big boxy SUV. No where have I claimed better tires will overcome wind gusts.
Wandering is not normal and is a chronic complaint with the stock tires. I was specifically replying to the "If it's wandering, then my '11 TE is in. I've tried different tire pressures in the stock duelers and it doesn't change" comment made, even highlighting the part I was in disagreement with.
Why are you treating two different things as if they are the same?
SeattleMike
New member
Your FJ didn't have KDSS and did not share the same suspension. While the current FJ and 4Runner share much of the same "platform", your FJ was shorter and lighter and does not share the same handling characteristics because of that. Moreover, changes made to the FJ platform occurred when the 5th Gen was introduced (2010MY); unless your FJ was a 2010, your experience with the tire swap is barely applicable.
And your assumption that a new steering pump will provide the steering feel you are looking for presumes that your first pump swap will provide the desired result. Possible, but not likely. So, the only applicable facts you seem to have learned from your experience is that your 18-year old truck handles differently than your new 4Runner and you don't like the differences.
I'm not trying to pick a fight here, I just think you are too dismissive of the tire swap being a solution and your reasoning isn't based on applicable data. If you don't want to pay attention to what others (who have more experience with this vehicle than you do) have to say, that's your prerogative. But your past experience isn't really a suitable guide because it's led you to compare apples to oranges.
Dispense
New member
I was under the impression that the "sway" and "wander" were referring to the same problem in this thread. At least to the OP's intent.
I understand the wind will cause the "sway", I already said that in my previous post. FWIW, when my car "sways" due to the wind, it feels like it is "wandering" all over the highway. =)
My bad..
I understand the wind will cause the "sway", I already said that in my previous post. FWIW, when my car "sways" due to the wind, it feels like it is "wandering" all over the highway. =)
My bad..
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Curt Sauve
New member
My 99' LTD was horrible in a cross wind, and even worse when towing my boat. And out here on the open prairie, we get wind, alot of wind. Combine wind with black ice and you have real party. When I traded it for my 08' Sport that had XREAS, the dealership was about a 100 mile drive in a 35-50 mph gusting cross wind. The drive down in the 3rd gen. was a constant battle with the steering wheel, but the drive back with XREAS was pleasant. I could not believe the difference. I will never own another T4R without XREAS and Torsen.
I love my 5th gen. limited, it's the best one yet.
I love my 5th gen. limited, it's the best one yet.
harper7
Senior Member
Gusty cross winds and as much square footage as the 4Runner has on the sides and you'll feel it. Mines not unstable or white knuckle type by any means though.
I've mentioned this before......Here's a little tip to help correct the wandering and loose steering besides changing the junk oem tires. Next time you get an alignment.Go to an alignment shop that knows what they are doing and have them put in max pos caster.The limits are 2.5-4.0. IMO,you want close to 4.0 or more on these 5ths and they ride alot more stable.That is moving the front wheels forward to get more pos. caster.
The thing is,most shops are looking to just get it in specs and have all green lights like the factory did. Then they can point to the printout and say see...within specs. They don't want to mess with the eccentrics on the LCA's to get more caster because it can be a pain. Changing Caster throws out camber and toe-in and it takes someone who knows what they're doing to get it right.One thing affects the other.
I'd bet alot of you complaining about loose steering have caster set close to minimum.And,If you have a 3 inch lift with stock UCA's they have a hard time even getting the 2.5 thus the need for aftermarket UCA's.
Read and learn what's going on with caster settings and how it affects steering. How caster affects steering
I aligned mine myself the first time to get it close after the lift and you can see where I was .Here's a printout of my first alignment at the shop. I changed UCA's again and the this time I had my caster set at 4.8,where it;s at now, which is technically out of Toyota's limits.I was working with the guy and he would set it where I wanted but not give a print out out of limits. Now it rides stable enough that I can take my hands off the wheel on the highway and it tracks straight.
I've mentioned this before......Here's a little tip to help correct the wandering and loose steering besides changing the junk oem tires. Next time you get an alignment.Go to an alignment shop that knows what they are doing and have them put in max pos caster.The limits are 2.5-4.0. IMO,you want close to 4.0 or more on these 5ths and they ride alot more stable.That is moving the front wheels forward to get more pos. caster.
The thing is,most shops are looking to just get it in specs and have all green lights like the factory did. Then they can point to the printout and say see...within specs. They don't want to mess with the eccentrics on the LCA's to get more caster because it can be a pain. Changing Caster throws out camber and toe-in and it takes someone who knows what they're doing to get it right.One thing affects the other.
I'd bet alot of you complaining about loose steering have caster set close to minimum.And,If you have a 3 inch lift with stock UCA's they have a hard time even getting the 2.5 thus the need for aftermarket UCA's.
Read and learn what's going on with caster settings and how it affects steering. How caster affects steering
I aligned mine myself the first time to get it close after the lift and you can see where I was .Here's a printout of my first alignment at the shop. I changed UCA's again and the this time I had my caster set at 4.8,where it;s at now, which is technically out of Toyota's limits.I was working with the guy and he would set it where I wanted but not give a print out out of limits. Now it rides stable enough that I can take my hands off the wheel on the highway and it tracks straight.
934x4
New member
Mike, I think you are trying to pick a fight; I really like how your comments have that backhanded swipe to them; 'too scared', 'more experience', 'barely applicable'. Yes, you're right, I'm comparing to my '18 year old truck' -with the same tires I had on my FJ- to my new 4R, but so what? I don't like the way the new 4R handles in comparison. Apparently this is an issue for alot of us, otherwise this thread wouldn't exist. When I go to the local tire shop and say "SeattleMike on the internet said it would handle better, and I want my money back if it doesn't", and then he laughs, should I just tell him to f--- off? Or should I reserve that comment for you?
