Possible binding & vibs at 40 mph? Problem?

[Bftfan]

I've had my 2008 4Runner for about 4 years now and put 30k miles on it. This winter I noticed a slight binding & vibrations in 4WD (4H) as I approach 40 mph and then as I accelerate above 40 it goes away. Get near 40 mph again and they're back. I checked it in 2WD and the binding feels very, very faint but still there around 40 mph but way more noticeable in 4WD. It feels just like a driveline binding would feel, like I was making a tight turn in 4WD. It's wierd that it goes away. It could have been there all this time. I do all my own oil changes, driveline lubes, tire rotations, etc, so I know the vehicle pretty well I'm just stumped on this one (if it's even really a problem).

Any one with a smiliar story or have a clue on this one?

 

[subspd]

I have noticed the exact same issue. But just try not to hover around that speed to avoid. I had a 4wd Rav4 that was even worse. Could it be cold related since we are both in very cold areas?

 

[Bftfan]

I have noticed the exact same issue. But just try not to hover around that speed to avoid. I had a 4wd Rav4 that was even worse. Could it be cold related since we are both in very cold areas?

Thanks for the sanity check! I thought it was just me.

I'll keep looking for a fix it's just I never noticed it before. The research contines....

.

 

[subspd]

Thanks for the sanity check! I thought it was just me.

I'll keep looking for a fix it's just I never noticed it before. The research contines....

.

Interesting that we both have newer 4th gens. How many miles do you have I am at 130k. I did some research and some seem to think it is a torque converter going out. But I wonder if I need to do a fluid change. I don't think it has ever had one done.

 

[Bftfan]

I'm at 72k miles. I was wondering if it needed a fluid change and I'd hate to think about a torque converter already but I have recently read those thread. Seems awfully early for a failure like that. I'm wondering how it'll drive once it (finally) warms type.

 

[zonianbrat]

I'm at 72k miles. I was wondering if it needed a fluid change and I'd hate to think about a torque converter already but I have recently read those thread. Seems awfully early for a failure like that. I'm wondering how it'll drive once it (finally) warms type.

I have similar symptoms except mine vibes only in 2wd at 30 to 40 mph. When I put it in 4wd it goes away completely. I am mentioning this because it appears to be a known problem with Tacoma's that have spacer lifts. Mine started after installing the daystar. If you go to Tacomaworld forums and search for drivelinevibe at 40mph you can get a better understanding of what I am talking about. It seems to be a bearing in the diff that goes out from the different angle of the cv I guess. I'll try to find a link tomorrow when my brain is functioning better. This might not be your issue but maybe worth at least checking out.

 

[subspd]

So little update. I have escaped the cold to South FL the last couple weeks and the vibs I had are definitely gone now. So the cold temp has got to have something to do with it. This makes me wonder if the fluid needs changed. Maybe the fluid has deteriorated? Why else would I get I in 5 degree weather and not get in 80 degree?

 

[CNJ Runner]

Here is the tacomaworld thread. OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread - Page 66 - Tacoma World Forums

 

[subspd]

Here is the tacomaworld thread. OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread - Page 66 - Tacoma World Forums

CNG, good read and found some great info on wheel bearings in there but seems that a different issue. I don't have a grinding issue as many described in that thread. Also my vibration gets worse not better in 4wd. Those guys all claim tht when they get the grind and vibs engaging 4wd help them?!?

 

[zonianbrat]

I know that mine totally goes away in 4x4. I guess it is because everything is locked together tight when in 4x4. Most of the roads are snow packed here so I have just left my 4R in 4Hi for the last month.

 

[CNJ Runner]

subspd, I was gong to suggest a wheel bearing before I read your most recent post. Next time when you are going at 40ish mph when you have the vibration, kind of veer (swerve) left and right, it would be easier on a long lonely road. If the vibration goes away while veering or staying in a prolonged turn, then it is most likely a wheel bearing coming from the opposite side. As it was explained to me before, when changing from 2wd to 4wd or 4wd to 2wd, even in a straight line, you are changing the load on the bearing and that could be an indicator the bearing is going.

Also back to my link, that problem associated with the tacomaworld thread, ONLY happens in cold weather. On a 30 degree day it will be there, tomorrow on a 45 degree day it will be considerably less almost to the point it is gone because when it is there it is that bad. If that helps determine that it definitely is not that.

 

[Bftfan]

If it would ever warm up I'd try to see what happend but I swear it hasn't gotten above freezing here in weeks! hwell: Today I was driving along in 4WD and could feel the vibes start and sure enough I looked down and I was approaching 40 MPH. Anxious to see what happens to it in the warmth.