New to 4Runner and this Forum

[foopatroopa]

Hey guys I am new user and proud owner of a used 2000 4Runner owner, just got her today! Now I dont know much about 4Runners, so I hope that you gurus can help show me the ropes. Ok now as with most used cars, this one has some issues. I notice that the valve cover is leaking a little and I want to replace both in the very near future. Next I feel like the front end needs an alignment. The steering is a little loose so I am going to take it in to a shop tomorrow to have it looked at. I dont know if this is related to the alignment, but when I hit about 65 or 70 the vehicle tends to shake quite a bit. I am hoping that having the front end aligned will help fix. I also plan on having the tires balanced in hopes that the shaking will stop. If anyone has had any of these issues I would appreciate any help that you can give me. Thanks in advance and have a great day people!

 

[rcrick]

It could be caused by a few different things but it's highly likely that getting the tires balanced could smooth things out. Certainly did the trick on my truck.

 

[0xfded]

Welcome to the club.

Leaking valve cover gaskets are a common repair. You can DIY, lots of information here if you search for "valve cover gasket".

An alignment and balance is a good idea. Mine had the shakes at 70 when I got it too, and that went away completely with a new set of tires and alignment. If it persists, you can check your steering rack bushings.

Common recommendation with a new 4runner is to check the lower ball joints, and if you have any uncertainty about how old they might be, just replace them. It's cheap insurance. Again, lots of information if you search.

 

[Asaspades93]

are you getting a vibration thru the steering wheel or the body of the car?
welcome btw

 

[foopatroopa]

A big thank you to everyone for the info and support. The vehicle shakes in the steering wheel and the body. The steering feels like it needs to be tightened up. I am headed to school then I am going to check out my options for the tire balance and alignment

 

[soundmanlpte]

Welcome! And congrats on buying one of the most reliable cars ever.

Valve cover are common thing to leak. I just did mine. Took 2 hours and $30 to do. Also, chances are your valve cover bolts are loose which can be a temporary fix until you get around to it.

Alignment and tire balancing should really help. And unless those tires have been rotated and rebalanced regularly, you make still notice some vibration until you get new tires.

 

[Asaspades93]

have the rear u joint checked as well, it might be the cause of the shake

 

[Brique]

Welcome! And we need pics!

 

[foopatroopa]

Here are some pictures of it

Here are some pictures of it. I am getting the oil changed and the tires rotated and balanced as I type this. The only thing is that the previous owner was a smoker and it smells like old crappy cigarettes and I hate that but I am going to clean the interior a 3rd time when I get home later today.

 

[soundmanlpte]

Nice! If I'm not mistaken, I believe your truck has had the radiator replaced. Which is a good thing. Mine is not brown like that. Could be mine has been replaced though.