Steering vibration

[CruiseDuck]

I have a 05 Sport 2WD with less than 200 miles on it. Today was the first time that I was able to get it over 55 MPH. I noticed that when I get to about 60 to 65 MPH I have a vibration in the steering wheel. Under 60 and over 65 MPH I do not have it. Has anyone else had this problem. If so what was the cure? This is frustrating because I had a 98 Montero Sport that had the same exact thing. It was a huge problem with the Montero Sports. They never came up with a solution. When I put Michelin's on it was better but did not completely go away. I will be taking the 4Runner back to the dealer but would like to know if anyone else has had this annoying problem.

 

[slowginjoe]

i experienced this problem and fixed it by having my tires re-balanced. but that was at 15,000 miles, not 200.

but what you're experiencing my be this problem that has been widely documented, check out these threads:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=288&highlight=steering+vibration

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2226&highlight=steering+vibration

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8566&highlight=steering+vibration

 

[Spinner]

On my '05 (4k miles), I notice a vibration felt in the accel pedal - not the steering wheel. It is quite noticeable, predominately at highway speed. Maybe it's just all that additional power than I had with my 93 4R.

 

[MNTIm]

CruiseDuck,

I have a similar problem in my '05 V6 4WD sport. I have about 800 miles on it now, but it has done it since taking delivery.

I feel a high frequency engine vibration in the steering wheel between 1900 and 2100 rpm, but only when accelerating. During normal driving the rpm's don't get that high, but during more rapid acceleration they do. Also, when cruising in overdrive at 65 to 70 mph the rpm's are at about 2000, and I feel it then too.

Is this what you are experiencing? I haven't had time to bring it to the dealer yet, but plan to soon.

 

[CruiseDuck]

I use to live in Minnetonka.....not far from Plymouth.... Well, we know it's not related to the weather, cold or hot tires.....I'm only getting the vibration between 60 to 65 MPH. I read the above links and it doesn't appear that there has been a definite cure. I'm currently recovering from foot surgery but as soon as I get back on my feet I will be taking it back to the dealer. I will post the results. If you take it back to the dealer let us know what you find out.

 

[Schooler]

This may or may not be your problem but you could have it checked pretty easily.

I have a 90' 4 runner that I had a vibration problem with in the steering wheel. It started in the steering wheel at around 60-65 mph. I couldn't figure out what it was so I just ignored it for a while. It progressively got worse and started vibrating from 50-60 then stopped at 60-65 then started again at 70 mph. When I finally checked it out, it was both front and rear universal joints on the drive shaft. Mine were all worn out from getting a little loose and continuing to drive which explained the difference in vibration according to the speed. Yours being brand new--maybe they were faulty to begin with.

Just an item you may want to consider.

 

[Schooler]

Oh yeah, and the vibration was only when the dirveshaft was engaged, put it in neutral and see if the vibration goes away.

 

[hre814]

What you guys are experiencing is a well documented problem with the 4th gen 4Runners. Look in the PROBLEMS/WARRANTY section, there are a few threads on that topic. Briefly, my vibration is at low rpms 1800-2100, i have learned to live with it and doesn't really bother me anymore. Also have a cyclic vibration above 70 mph. You can take it to the dealer, but they won't be much help if these are your issues. But I would take it in and also call Toyota customer service. They still haven't come out with a fix that entails a fix to dampen the vibration to the steering column. It is a problem of the connection of the steering column, etc. They fixed it on the lexus gx470. good luck!

 

[bcnland]

Have the tires checked. I had the exact same problem with my T4R and it turned out to be some "flat spots" on three of the Bridgestone tires. Apparently, this is a common problem if dealers does move their cars around in their lots.

 

[hre814]

some folks have had some tire issues that corrected the problem, but there is a well noted vibration problem with the 4Runner regardless of tires. I had the dealership put on a set of stock tires from another 4Runner (as they tried to blame my BFG ATs) and the problem persisted.

 

[daveman]

Herman, you said that toyota fixed the steering vibration on the Gx470?? if so, then they must have a possible fix for the 4runner too? maybe they will fix it in 2006, if they haven't fixed it already on the 2005 models?

 

[hre814]

yeah, the fix for the gx470 including putting parts in that help dampen the transmission of the vibration into the steering column. i thought they would fix it in 2005, but that never happened. i believe they fixed the problem from the factory on the gx470 by the 2004 model, but i might be wrong and it might be the 2005s.