my car is shaking like crazy (transmission)?

[Newguy96'4runner]

I just bought a 1996 4runner. When I am driving down the road it will start shaking badly after I accelerate especially at high speeds and when I let off the gas, but if I shift into neutral, then back into drive the shaking will stop until I accelerate again... Any ideas on how to fix this? It is automatic, v6

 

[fourwd1]

Is it in O/D when this happens ? If it is, does it stop if you take it out of O/D ?

 

[nevada]

does it make any noises when you shift into gear?

it sounds like a bad u-joint.

 

[Newguy96'4runner]

No it shakes regardless of whether I am in o/d or not. And it it makes a little clunk hard to notice when I put it into reverse and sometimes driving when I am somewhat sporadic with the acceleration it will clunk when I accelerate.

 

[nissanh]

Drive shaft is bad. You can get a used drive shaft (check the U-joints by hand for a free movement. No movement = good). You also can get the u-joints replaced (use only OEM TOYOTA). Choice is yours.

I had the same problem at 65 MPH. Did wheel balance, alignment etc. Finally....it was bad drive shaft. Replaced it with a used shaft $32!! Now it is so silent!

 

[opie74]

I stock drive shaft is non serviceable other than greasing. Yes you can replace the u joints and center ball and socket in the cardan, if you can find them. The parts have never been released.

IF you have a bad drive shaft, save some coin and have a new one built with off the shelf parts rather than buying a new Toyota shaft.

 

[4R99JB]

I've not personally experienced a bad drive shaft. I have experienced bad shocks / springs. Your clues lead me to believe that it is more suspension related; you may have 16 year old shocks?

:thumb3:

 

[Sr5SuShi]

Drive shaft is bad. You can get a used drive shaft (check the U-joints by hand for a free movement. No movement = good). You also can get the u-joints replaced (use only OEM TOYOTA). Choice is yours.

I had the same problem at 65 MPH. Did wheel balance, alignment etc. Finally....it was bad drive shaft. Replaced it with a used shaft $32!! Now it is so silent!

yup.:hello:

 

[Newguy96'4runner]

Thank you all for the help! It is greatly appreciated

 

[nissanh]

trust me I have been through this extreme vibration. Still remember the days I used to hold the sunroof to stop its vibration.

After reading and watching lots of threads/videos I found this:
Vibrations only occur through rotating devices. So what's rotating... four wheels and the drive shaft. If your tires + wheels are in good condition next suspect the drive shaft. This is how I solved it!

After a drive, if you touch the shock, if it is warm = good shock absorber.

 

[Dous]

After a drive, if you touch the shock, if it is worm = good shock absorber.

This is the part that confuses me, at what part of the drive do the shocks turn into a worm? And do I have to touch it, worms are generally regarded as slimy...

















:biggrin2:

 

[nissanh]

Typo. Warm. the gas containing chamber should be warm. This is due to the sudden expansions and contractions of the compressed gas in the chamber.
Also check for any signs of oil leaks in the shock/strut.

 

[Newguy96'4runner]

It was a u joint. Thanks for all the help

 

[nevada]

glad you got it figured out.