Possible 4runner shake

[glittler]

Hi everyone, I'm looking at buying a 1999 4runner, I went and test drove it last night and it had a gradual shake that got worse as it approached 60 then started to taper off. My initial thought is an unbalanced tire of some alignment issue, It has big 33 inch tires on there and I'm not sure if he ever got it properly balanced. But at the same time I'm not sure. Do you guys have any thoughts? I know I haven't given you much to go on but I know you guys really know your stuff.

Thanks in advanced

 

[Elton H]

id go with the wheel balance being off

 

[kellogg]

Did you hear and/or feel a buzzing noise (Other than tire hum) coming from directly under the middle of the truck? If so it could be a U-Joint or Drive shaft issue which is around a couple hundred to replace.

 

[LINY4Runner]

i would bet on an unbalanced tire

oversize tires are really hard to balance perfectly, you just kinda have to deal with it

 

[glittler]

Are there any good ways of telling whether it is wheel balance or something worse? I'm going to look at it again on thursday

 

[theizzardking]

Are there any good ways of telling whether it is wheel balance or something worse? I'm going to look at it again on thursday

easiest way is to see if the weights on it are still there, they get knocked off sometimes another way is to lift the front tires off the ground and spin them and just look for the wheel to wobble, another good idea is to just get under the front end and start pulling on the tie rods and other front end suspension components and look for anything that is overly loose, check the bushings for to see if they are still supple and not cracked or worn out. also while you have the front end up get a tape measure out and see if the tires are properly aligned as well.