My new 4runner plus some Q's

[BHold]

Hey guys!

I wanted to share my (crappy) pictures of the 4runner I bought a couple weeks ago and ask a few questions that I have yet to see posted on this forum.

My 4Runner is a '97 2WD SR5 with 150k miles on it. I bought it all stock and very clean except for some cosmetic issues.

The couple of issues I've found with it seem to happen at very specific speeds. I'm hoping the fact that it only occurs at certain intervals that one of you may know a solution beyond what I'm already planning to do.

First: The truck shakes while braking, but only when decelerating between 40 and 30MPH. It does not shake at all outside of those speeds regardless of how I apply the brakes. I have already replaced both front rotors and brake pads with generic parts from O'Reilly's which did not solve the issue, even though the rotors were very scared and warped when I replaced them. I haven't touched the drums simply because I've never owned a vehicle before that had them.

Second: The truck has a very very minor vibration right around 70MPH. I'm assuming a lug-centric balance will fix this, however I wanted to add this in case anyone thinks the issues could be related.

My final question (which I scoured for through the forum to find, but never saw a definite answer) is whether or not replacing the timing belt is considered "regular" maintenance. With 150k miles on it without having the belt replaced, I'm curious if I should purchase a new one just as a precaution or if I should run it until the belt breaks.

Other than that the vehicle is running great! I'm very excited to post updates on this as I try different solutions and appreciate your responses. This is an AMAZING forum and I've had dozens of other questions answered just by searching through previous posts. You guys are awesome!

 

[SweetWaterSurprise]

Pics no worky

 

[BHold]

Pics no worky

can you hear me now? :frusty:

 

[Scramble]

no pics no helpy

 

[TrollSoHard]

Good job not having 81 questions.

 

[BHold]

Good job not having 81 questions.

:faint: Hopefully these are considered worth asking also...

 

[weekendclimber]

Definitely get that timing belt done. It's considered PM at 90k. I've read on here that some people go out to 120k, but I think 150k is pushing it. Should consider also doing the water pump, idler pulley, and all the drive belts too.

Since its new to you, do you have adding maintenance records? Toyota has an online system that lists any maintenance done at the dealership. Might see if there is anything there with your vin.

As for the shaking, since you already hit the front brakes you might have the tears checked too. They could be the cause, but not real sure.

 

[BHold]

Since its new to you, do you have adding maintenance records? Toyota has an online system that lists any maintenance done at the dealership. Might see if there is anything there with your vin.

Thank you for the advice. I'll have to change the timing belt asap if that hasn't already been done. I'll get a carfax report and figure out the maintenance records tomorrow. The toyota online service report only showed one file for replacing the keyless entry remotes.... which my vehicle doesn't have...

I have maintenance records from the last year from the previous owner but he only has records for oil changes.

As for the shaking, the first thing I'm going to try is balancing the tires all around and check the drums. I'll update soon!

 

[BlackCat914]

Thank you for the advice. I'll have to change the timing belt asap if that hasn't already been done. I'll get a carfax report and figure out the maintenance records tomorrow. The toyota online service report only showed one file for replacing the keyless entry remotes.... which my vehicle doesn't have...

I have maintenance records from the last year from the previous owner but he only has records for oil changes.

As for the shaking, the first thing I'm going to try is balancing the tires all around and check the drums. I'll update soon!

In my opinion, you're good on the timing belt. Being a non interference motor, it won't do any damage if it breaks. If I still owned a 4Runner that hadn't already had the belt changed, I'd probably wait until about 200k or so to do it.

 

[Brique]

If you're doing the timing belt get the aircabinman oem kit from eBay and have all the parts done in that kit. I had it done and the engine purrs now. Mechanic told me the existing tb wasn't out out time yet but one of the pulleys (can't remember which) was a little loose, so my timing had probably been getting a little sloppy under load. Glad i just replaced everything in there.

 

[BHold]

If you're doing the timing belt get the aircabinman oem kit from eBay and have all the parts done in that kit. I had it done and the engine purrs now. Mechanic told me the existing tb wasn't out out time yet but one of the pulleys (can't remember which) was a little loose, so my timing had probably been getting a little sloppy under load. Glad i just replaced everything in there.

Awesome I figured it would be worth it but that story got me more motivated. Thanks for the recommendation on what to buy too.

Only bummer now is that I was driving on the freeway when someone kicked a 2x4 up into the air which shattered my front windshield. At least the 4runner kept it from coming in! I'm going to have to wait for another pay check to get the timing belt now though.

 

[jeff88]

Welcome to the forum! Timing belt should definitely get changed. I wouldn't wait until 200k. It's not going to damage your engine, but it will leave you stranded.

Seems like you're on the right path to getting the shake fixed. You should also check alignment if you don't see it in the maintenance records.

I have that aircabinman kit available. PM sent.