Many problems due to neglect (02 4Runner 2WD) Auto

[Jakeskate]

Alrighty, here goes. I have neglected my beautiful Blanca (02 4Runner 2wd) i have 31" BFG all terrains and no lift. Auto trans. everything stock.

I have replaced the U joints 2 times during the 9 years i have had the vehicle. i drive a lot. I also have had timing belt and water pump done years ago. I have had a check engine light for quite some time because of a bad O2 sensor near the catalytic converter which i think is also bad. This really hasn't affected anything other than a little gas mileage efficiency.

I have several things currently that are bothering me about the way it is performing. The first and most concerning is when i go to accelerate or pass someone, i put the pedal to the floor and nothing happens. the RPMS go up but there is zero acceleration. There is also some hesitation when going from a complete stop. Very noticeable because i used to have a lot of pep when starting off. The engine itself sounds fine tho.

My next issue is is the wobble in the steering wheel at high speeds (45+) and a slight amount of play. also part of the same problem is it feels like one or two of my tires has flat spots when coming to a slow stop. (btw i do NOT have flat spots) there is a noise/vibration when the the shocks are compressed too. seems more prevalent when slightly turning right. It wobbles when braking downhill too but i'm thinking that my rotors are warped which i know that is a known issue with my year and model. it was an issue with my tacoma as well. can anyone shed some light on what my problems are here? I am an industrial mechanic by trade so i can do minor repairs myself. I just dont know what to look for when troubleshooting what the actual root cause is. Thanks in advance!

 

[thegipper]

Alrighty, here goes. I have neglected my beautiful Blanca (02 4Runner 2wd) i have 31" BFG all terrains and no lift. Auto trans. everything stock.

I have replaced the U joints 2 times during the 9 years i have had the vehicle. i drive a lot. I also have had timing belt and water pump done years ago. I have had a check engine light for quite some time because of a bad O2 sensor near the catalytic converter which i think is also bad. This really hasn't affected anything other than a little gas mileage efficiency.

I have several things currently that are bothering me about the way it is performing. The first and most concerning is when i go to accelerate or pass someone, i put the pedal to the floor and nothing happens. the RPMS go up but there is zero acceleration. There is also some hesitation when going from a complete stop. Very noticeable because i used to have a lot of pep when starting off. The engine itself sounds fine tho.

My next issue is is the wobble in the steering wheel at high speeds (45+) and a slight amount of play. also part of the same problem is it feels like one or two of my tires has flat spots when coming to a slow stop. (btw i do NOT have flat spots) there is a noise/vibration when the the shocks are compressed too. seems more prevalent when slightly turning right. It wobbles when braking downhill too but i'm thinking that my rotors are warped which i know that is a known issue with my year and model. it was an issue with my tacoma as well. can anyone shed some light on what my problems are here? I am an industrial mechanic by trade so i can do minor repairs myself. I just dont know what to look for when troubleshooting what the actual root cause is. Thanks in advance!

It sounds like your transmission is slipping. When was the last time you change the fluid, if ever? Have you checked the condition of the fluid and/or level?

Usually once it's starts slipping the damage is done and it's too late (time for a new/used one). You can try changing the fluid but like I said, it's probably too late.

Wobbles or play in the steering at speed can be a lot of things like worn bushings, unbalanced tires, worn steering components (Tie rod ends etc), play in the steering rack itself or steering rack guide etc etc.

I'd look into the tranny issue first. If your not willing to fix that, the other stuff doesn't really matter. You may get lucky and the fluid is just low or old/burnt and a couple fluid changes may give it some more life.....for awhile. You can also try putting a bottle of Lucas tranny fix in there, for some, it helps but usually it does nothing or gives it a few more months of life before it ultimately dies.

Good luck!

 

[jgue467]

Neglect anything and it'll give you problems, especially Women!

 

[Jakeskate]

It sounds like your transmission is slipping. When was the last time you change the fluid, if ever? Have you checked the condition of the fluid and/or level?

Usually once it's starts slipping the damage is done and it's too late (time for a new/used one). You can try changing the fluid but like I said, it's probably too late.

Yeah could be the fluid, i'll give that a shot first. what color/consistency should it be? i figured when i tell the dealership to change/check fluids they would have done that. doesn't sound like they did and now i got screwed. i stopped taking it in a few years ago when the tire condition was better than the time before based on there report. So i knew they were just pencil whipping the work order. I'll keep you posted on what i find or fix if anything.

also one more thing.... could i have wheel bearing issues which would cause that wobble?

 

[phattyduck]

Bad wheel bearings generally have a 'rumble' sounds that is worse when turning.

It sounds like you have a 'wobble' which is more likely tire or suspension/steering component related.

A vibration (especially on a 2WD) while driving is often the driveshaft - the shaft itself has a rubber isolator between two sections that can wear out with age. Fixing that requires a whole new driveshaft (not just new u-joints).

Trans fluid should be bright, cherry red. If it is more than a bit dark or brown, it is worth a quick change. Trans fluid levels should be checked with the engine running, on a flat surface, trans in Park, after shifting slowly through all gears (P-R-N-D-2-1-2-D-N-R-P). Be careful with the trans fluid dipstick, it can get bent/damaged if you insert it wrong. The 2WD trans has a smaller pan and only takes about 3-3.5 quarts for a fluid exchange (that's only a fraction of the total fluid in the trans). Refill through the dipstick tube.

-Charlie

 

[Jakeskate]

is their any specific auto trans fluid y'all recommend???

Thanks y'all. i'll keep you posted on my findings. i dont want to buy a new car. i'd like to keep this one and make it last.

 

[phattyduck]

is their any specific auto trans fluid y'all recommend???

Thanks y'all. i'll keep you posted on my findings. i dont want to buy a new car. i'd like to keep this one and make it last.

The trans isn't that picky. Anything that is Dex-III compatible (so almost anything at the auto parts store). I use Valvoline fluids when I don't need something special.

-Charlie

 

[thegipper]

Many on here including myself use the Valvoline Max Life full synthetic. Most Wal Marts usually carry gallon jugs of it for cheap.

Amazon.com: Valvoline Multi-Vehicle (ATF) Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid 1 QT: Automotive

 

[Jakeskate]

So, after going home from work yesterday i checked the transmission fluid and i can tell you with confidence that it had NEVER been changed. it was black! not even a tinge of brown or red. BLACK! that tells me that the dealership i have taken the T4R to has lied to me. I remember last year i was charged for a transmission flush along with an oil change and tire rotation. Based on the condition of the fluid, they charged me for something they did not do. I'm a little angry about it.

in conclusion i'll run by the auto parts store on my way home today to drain and fill with new fluid. i'm assuming the bolt on the bottom of the transmission pan is the drain. I am guessing anyway. and i just fill it up where the dipstick is? as far as the wobble is concerned, i think that is just wore out rubber. i see a lot of cracked bushings and other rubber pieces. i'm curious if replacing those rubber pieces is doable at home? I have pretty much all the tools i would need. the only things i dont have is clamps or pullers.

I appreciate you guys for helping me fix these issues. I'll still keep y'all posted on if the work i do helps anything. Thanks again!

 

[jgue467]

So, after going home from work yesterday i checked the transmission fluid and i can tell you with confidence that it had NEVER been changed. it was black! not even a tinge of brown or red. BLACK!...

That sucks. Anyone can be unscrupulous but new car dealers are especially prone and 'good' at it. I've sat there waiting for a warranty repair to be brought out and I listen on the write-up techs talking to women telling them obvious lies.

I've had issues with transmissions not shifting smoothly or at all under cold conditions, a full flush from one of those shops with the machine that pumps in clean fluids until what is coming out is translucent - it fixed them for a long time. Worth a try for about $80-90 bucks.

Talk the the folks and get a feel for their 'honesty' level but most certainly avoid dealerships, they're scum. Good luck.