I'm new on the forums and I own a 2001 2wd SR-5. I've recently had the vibration problem that has plagued other owners. I read a bit on this forum and decided it was most likely that the u joints were worn out so I had them replaced today. The drive line specialist said they were worn and needed to be replaced. Well, it helped some but I still have quite a bit of vibration at around 65 mph and up. It increases as speed goes up. I'm at a loss on what to do next. I've never had any problems in 10 years with this vehicle. Any help would be appreciated.
Replaced U-Joints and still vibrating... Now what?
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Tires maybe out of balance.
Steering rack bushings.
Unbolt DS and spin 180 degrees, reinstall.
J-money$$$
New member
grease your slip yoke.
and what everone else said. That should solve it. It sounds like tires, but could even be a bad alignment
and what everone else said. That should solve it. It sounds like tires, but could even be a bad alignment
Ron Helmuth
Senior Member
Vibration-let's get a bit more specific?
Vibration felt through the steering wheel or the truck itself shakes/shimmies?
Many things can cause the steering wheel shake. Generally front end suspension related. Tie rods, out of balance wheels and/or badly worn tires, steering rack bushings. The poly bushings did wonders for my steering vibration I used to have. Used set of Michelins that replaced my worn Nittos also helped my ride comfort considerably.
If the rear view mirror shakes so bad you can't see out of it, then I am leaning towards the slip yoke posters mentioned above.
Keep us updated.
Vibration felt through the steering wheel or the truck itself shakes/shimmies?
Many things can cause the steering wheel shake. Generally front end suspension related. Tie rods, out of balance wheels and/or badly worn tires, steering rack bushings. The poly bushings did wonders for my steering vibration I used to have. Used set of Michelins that replaced my worn Nittos also helped my ride comfort considerably.
If the rear view mirror shakes so bad you can't see out of it, then I am leaning towards the slip yoke posters mentioned above.
Keep us updated.
Nelsonmd
New member
Third nomination for "Unintentionally Suggestive Post Of The Month"...
J-money$$$
New member
could have said grease your shaft.
Nelsonmd
New member
yeah, it isn't as direct as the other nominations, but it just feels like it should be nominated
J-money$$$
New member
I nominate yours too LOL
1985taylor1925
Senior Member
Whats the idea behind flipping the drive shaft 180?
Well, I took the drive shaft out and took it down and had it balanced today and everything seemed to be fixed. It was smooth as new until I hit about 70 mph on the freeway and it started again at the higher speeds and increased as I went faster. It doesn't vibrate nearly as bad as before but I still feel a slight harmonic type vibration. I guess I'll look into the Slip yoke bushing and greasing it up. If I replace the bushing how do I go about doing it? I'm going to have the front and back brakes done soon as well so we'll see if either of those is a factor. Thanks for all the advice!
The only 3rd gen 2wd 4Runner I've seen pics of, had sealed, so-called lubed-for-life U-joints and a slip yoke at the tail end of the transmission.
The 4wd's have a drive flange at the T-case output, a double cardon joint, a slip-joint in the driveshaft itself, a rear u-joint, and zerk (grease) fittings for all of the above.
If your 2wd is as I described, sealed u-joints, and slip yoke at the trans, then there's nothing to grease. The slip yoke is lubed by the oil in the transmission. The splines in the slip yoke can wear, the splines of the transmission output shaft can wear, and the bushing which keeps the slip yoke centered can wear.
One way to determine if there is excess play in the splines of the slip yoke, the trans output shaft or bushing, is to park the runner on a level surface so it won't roll, turn the engine off, put the transmission in neutral, and don't apply the parking brake. Then get under the truck, and grab the driveshaft near the slip yoke and feel if you can move it noticeably up and down or side to side. If there is any noticeable play, then I'd suggest driving the 'Runner back to the driveline shop for their opinion of what needs to be done.
Good luck.
The 4wd's have a drive flange at the T-case output, a double cardon joint, a slip-joint in the driveshaft itself, a rear u-joint, and zerk (grease) fittings for all of the above.
If your 2wd is as I described, sealed u-joints, and slip yoke at the trans, then there's nothing to grease. The slip yoke is lubed by the oil in the transmission. The splines in the slip yoke can wear, the splines of the transmission output shaft can wear, and the bushing which keeps the slip yoke centered can wear.
One way to determine if there is excess play in the splines of the slip yoke, the trans output shaft or bushing, is to park the runner on a level surface so it won't roll, turn the engine off, put the transmission in neutral, and don't apply the parking brake. Then get under the truck, and grab the driveshaft near the slip yoke and feel if you can move it noticeably up and down or side to side. If there is any noticeable play, then I'd suggest driving the 'Runner back to the driveline shop for their opinion of what needs to be done.
Good luck.
IanB
New member
Brakes shouldn't cause vibration unless you are braking. Is the vibration through the steering wheel (front end problem), or through the whole truck (rear end problem)? Maybe you lost a wheel weight?
Replaced u-joints still vibrating...now what
I'm having the same vibrating problem now too. I feel it through the steering wheel, it makes the rear view mirror shake. Took it to the dealer - they want to replace the rear differential for $2100 to start with....I live in Virginia Beach, VA anyone know of good shops here? I had u-joints replaced last Tuesday
I'm having the same vibrating problem now too. I feel it through the steering wheel, it makes the rear view mirror shake. Took it to the dealer - they want to replace the rear differential for $2100 to start with....I live in Virginia Beach, VA anyone know of good shops here? I had u-joints replaced last Tuesday
Nelsonmd
New member
I don't think it's your diff. Check your LBJ's and your front suspension. Also check your steering rack guide and mounting bushings.
If you are feeling it through the steering wheel, I think it's likely in the front. Vibration in the back will typically go through the DS and through the transfer case and transmission, so will feel it in your feet more than the steering wheel. That's a very loose assessment, but it think it's generally true.
It is hard to balance the drive shaft with new U-joints. I too had vibrations at 70 MPH and did the rear U-joint with a NAPA brand part. Problem is not fully solved. Then got a good used OEM drive shaft (donor truck had 300 K miles!) and everything went smooth afterwards. If you can get a good used drive shaft, get it, and it will solve the vibration problem
Nelsonmd
New member
I haven't heard of that being a real common problem. Replacing the u-joints shouldn't throw the shaft out of balance, unless you don't get the splines lined up correctly. I'm not questioning that yours had vibration, but that absolutely shouldn't be typical or common; u-joints are a maintenance part and can be replaced without needing to rebalance.
I replaced my u-joints and have no vibration afterwards, as many guys have. You shouldn't have to get a used drive shaft with old u-joints, that isn't really a solution.
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