Spend My Money

[kernel.panik]

I had this problem with my 2002 Runner which I bought new.

It went away after I replaced the stock wheels. Back around 2002 to 2004 a lot of the members at YotaTech were replacing the stock wheels because hardly anyone could get them balanced correctly.

This is what I'm worried about. I would rather spend the money on new wheels vs taking it to the dealer and having them say "you need to replace all this stuff, and it will cost $2000." and it wont fix the issue...

I can get new wheels for just under $500. (not including installation) I will probably be looking at something like $100 - $200 for the stealership to tell me all the problems with the vehicle. I could spend $100 on the road force ballance.

I think what I'll do is set an appointment at the dealership for next week. Tell them to figure it out and just suck it up. I know they are going to try to sell me the entire front end, but if they can't find what's causing it, I'll start saving for wheels.

 

[ALBPM]

This is what I'm worried about. I would rather spend the money on new wheels vs taking it to the dealer and having them say "you need to replace all this stuff, and it will cost $2000." and it wont fix the issue...

I can get new wheels for just under $500. (not including installation) I will probably be looking at something like $100 - $200 for the stealership to tell me all the problems with the vehicle. I could spend $100 on the road force ballance.

I think what I'll do is set an appointment at the dealership for next week. Tell them to figure it out and just suck it up. I know they are going to try to sell me the entire front end, but if they can't find what's causing it, I'll start saving for wheels.

Discount Tire is your friend... I believe they are in the Phoenix area.
That's where I go for Tires, wheels and balancing.

Not to sound like an advertisement but I've had the best luck with them. My local Toyota Dealership can't balance tires for shit....LOL!!

 

[fastolds]

2 thoughts on this:
I would think that the wheels and getting them correctly balanced seems like a logically place to start. As others have said, find out what's wrong before spending cash on new wheels.
Find a different set of wheels from a "known good vehicle" I replaced the 16" stock steel wheels with 17" wheels from an 03 Runner. Problem solved.

The other thing that comes to mind is the front axles. After reading your posts, I'm not sure where you stand with the condition of your front axles. I got a set of new axles, not the reman'd ones. My boots split shortly after doing the OME spring lift.

Use a floor jack under the control arms and check the front suspension yourself. Check the control arm bushings along with all the standard stuff.
Good luck!

 

[kernel.panik]

Here's some fun information for all to chew on...

Steering Rack check
rickety rack - YouTube

Friggin tires...
out of round? - YouTube

Anything seem fishy to anyone?

Everything else seems solid from another rough check. I didn't do the passenger side because it's 90 some degrees in AZ at 9am and the light rain is making it a bit humid. Too sweaty already.

 

[kernel.panik]

anyone?