Steering wheel vibration - change tires??

[bcnland]

Hey.

I'm a new member, just bought a '04 SR5 4x4 V8 (year end model rebates!!). I just read all of your postings regarding vibrations in the '03 and '04 4Runners. I wish I'd known before!!!

As I drove away from the dealer into an interstate, I noticed the vibration. I called the dealer and they suggested that it may be a problem with the tire balancing.

I took it to a Toyota service center (different from the dealer's) and they diagnosed that 3 of the 4 tires (Bridgestones) had excessive road force vibration, which meant that they were so out of round that they couldn’t be properly balanced. They will replace these 3 tires.

Has this ever happened to anyone before? Has anyone with the vibration problem changed tires before? Please your thoughts/comments.

 

[NoDak]

from your post, your dealer seems to have a gsp9000 tire balancer which is the only machines that can balance and test every aspect of a tire which is a very good thing. the 4th gen runners seems to be picky of tires being balanced right from what i have read. i would try this route first.

also, you should have had all 5 tested, and replaced in my opinion if they have any decent mileage on them, otherwise just replace the bad ones.

ps: make sure they test the spare.

 

[Cliff s]

The vibration problem that has been extensively discussed is not related to the
tires. It could be several things, front drive shaft, front differential, or exhaust system.

It feels like a buzz in the steering wheel and it is speed and throttle sensitive.
The steering rack is attached to the same place as the front differential and motor
mounts. I don't think anybody has really put a finger on the cause.

Cliff s

 

[BlueGP]

I had that problem with my truck. But I talked the dealership into replacing all five tires to Micheln Cross Terrians. Much better, but the 4 gen runners are very hard to get the tires balanced right. There is a special adapter that they have to use. It bolts to the bolt pattern of the rim and then bolts to the machine. This is the only way that I have seen that they can get them balanced correctly. I would push for them to replace all tires if they are going to replace 3. The problem only gets worse if you have bad tires.

Brian

 

[NoDak]

the special adapter is called a hawkeye flange, its best if you can get them to balance the tires on a gsp9000. do a google of gsp9000 and the manf. has a tool to search where every gsp9000 is installed in the US so you can find a dealer/shop that will balance the tires correctly.

 

[bcnland]

Thank you very much!! I'll make sure that the spare gets checked as well.

 

[coolpop]

the special adapter is called a hawkeye flange, its best if you can get them to balance the tires on a gsp9000. do a google of gsp9000 and the manf. has a tool to search where every gsp9000 is installed in the US so you can find a dealer/shop that will balance the tires correctly.

Absolutely correct. The GSP diagnosed two very slightly warped wheels, Toyota replaced them and now rides smooth as glass.

 

[hre814]

bcnland, did the vibration problem go away yet?

I have just under 16,000 miles on mine and I had BFG ATs put on at 325 miles. My vibration started at around 4,000 miles or so. The tires have been balanced several times with the adapter plate as well. Still having it. Hopefully Toyota will put out a TSB like they did for the Lexus. I think tires have less to do with it then how everything is connected down below. The TSB put in a dampner to slow down the transmission of the vibrations.

Herman

 

[bcnland]

They are changing all of my tires in Friday. I'll let you know, Herman.