Okay, I have a 1989 automatic 3.0l V6 (I know, I know) SR5 4runner that I just bought. I have 31/10.50/R15 tires that are bald as hell and need to be replaced. This is my problem; When going 50mph or over the steering wheel shudders. The shuddering stops as soon as I slow down under 45mph. But, I have a new symptom. Yesterday, as I sped up to about 53mph going around a left hand curve the shuddering started, then a rhythmic thumping could be felt in the driver's side tire as well as a bit of play in the steering. Once I slowed down, it stopped. Ideas? Any insight is hugely appreciated.
strange things are happening over 50mph.....
- Thread starter skeggmund
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KidVermicious
New member
Tires out of balance, worn steering parts, bad wheel bearings or ball joints, it could be a lot of things. If you know the tires are bad anyway, I'd start there. Then get an alignment, and the shop will let you know if they can't align due to bad steering or suspension parts.
I figured my tires are out of balance and the alignment is bad (pulls left). Could the tires out of balance cause the thumping? It started the thumping after going down a not so great dirt road, (but only at highway speeds) could I have a damaged my weak tires? and would that even cause that?
giro
New member
Like Kid said, if you know the tires are bad, go ahead and replace them first.
I had a '98, and the previous owner hit a deer. The tires seemed mostly fine (I think one edge of 2 of them were worn down, but not yet at the marks), but I had similar issues as yours if I got above 65mph, which I would only do on the last 3 miles of my commute. I had the alignment done, thinking it was really out of whack and had messed up the tires. It was within the limits, but I had them do it anyway, and it didn't change things.
For the couple months I commuted with it, I just didn't get above 60 for those last few miles, and there wasn't an issue that I could feel or hear.
I still had my '92 and ended up selling the '98, but next on the list was to replace the tires, and then possibly the suspension. I know the next owner immediately replaced the tires, and I told him about the issue, but when I talked with him a month later he only complained that the rear locking diff didn't work....but by the sounds of it I think he just didn't put it into lock the right way, and then had his mechanic start snipping wires. That was a sad end to something that had worked fine for me the couple times I tried it.
Good luck. But yea, start with what you already know is bad and plan to replace anyway.
I had a '98, and the previous owner hit a deer. The tires seemed mostly fine (I think one edge of 2 of them were worn down, but not yet at the marks), but I had similar issues as yours if I got above 65mph, which I would only do on the last 3 miles of my commute. I had the alignment done, thinking it was really out of whack and had messed up the tires. It was within the limits, but I had them do it anyway, and it didn't change things.
For the couple months I commuted with it, I just didn't get above 60 for those last few miles, and there wasn't an issue that I could feel or hear.
I still had my '92 and ended up selling the '98, but next on the list was to replace the tires, and then possibly the suspension. I know the next owner immediately replaced the tires, and I told him about the issue, but when I talked with him a month later he only complained that the rear locking diff didn't work....but by the sounds of it I think he just didn't put it into lock the right way, and then had his mechanic start snipping wires. That was a sad end to something that had worked fine for me the couple times I tried it.
Good luck. But yea, start with what you already know is bad and plan to replace anyway.
RiFF RaFF
New member
When you replace the tires be sure an get a front end alignment along with it.
:snacker:
85straight
New member
Yep tires alone can cause A LOT of different issues. Then factor in worn components as KidV mentioned and you have some issues. When you get the tires and alignment done don't be surprised if the mechanic tells you he can't align it properly because of a bad tie rod end etc. oh and take it to a shop you can trust, when it comes to issues like yours shade-tree mechanics can have a hay day
i had a rear passenger tire on my 76 chevy luv (40k tire with 50k miles and still had 15-20% tread wear left)
Split the steel bands and inflate the inner bladder in to the void between it and surface rubber causing the same exact situation you are explaining (except it only happened at freeway speeds)
