Question about shaking at speeds >50mph

[wlmbusiness]

First, thanks to all who post and respond on this forum. It's a great forum and I appreciate the advice.

I have another specific question about something I experienced on the '97 SR5 I am considering purchasing.

When I took it out on the highway, there was a vibration that started around 50-55mph that kept happening from that speed up to 65-70 (did not take higher than 70). Is that just a tire balance, rotation and possible alignment issue? Or is there something else I should be looking into?

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

sounds like an alignment or tire out of balance issue. hard to tell without being there, but thats what it sounds like.

 

[lee]

99% its a tire balance issue.

take it back on the highway and see if theres a speed at which it stops (70+).

int he past, my runner would wobble at 70, but not at 68 or 72.

 

[bflooks]

i am with the guys on the balance. however! i had a severe vibration from 55 on up. it turned out to be a bent wheel. i had the stock steel rims. i replaced the one, and it was gone. just something else to think about. but if the vibration is only around a certain speed, then i would go with the first suggestion.

 

[BC_Runner]

Had the same thing happening to mine but turned out to be tire pressure.... max pressure for my tires is 44, was running around 32 and wobbled, brought it up to 37-38 and no more wobble.

Good Luck

 

[Jason B]

Well, honestly, the Haweka is the only way to do it.

I had the exact same issue when I got my new tires on. Had it re-balanced with the Haweka, and now perfect.]

 

[Thai]

More info on balancing:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=173

 

[ljshein]

I had s similar issue, bought my 99 with 54K miles and the tires had only 8K on them.

Anything over 55 mph caused vibration. Had the alignment / balance / pressure corrected by a reputible shop.

Still had a slight vibration at 65 mph. 2 weeks later had a rear tire let go on the highway. There was a defect in the tire where the tread met the sidewall and the tire had to be replaced. Since then its 100% smooth sailing

If you still have issues after the alignment, look for bubbles in the tires, bent rims and incorrectly worn treads... they can all lead to vibrations.