No we can't seem to get past the service manager. My wife did file a BBB complaint today against the dealer so we will see.
Toyota is Repurchasing my '18 4Runner TRD ORP...
- Thread starter pumacat24
- Start date
No we can't seem to get past the service manager. My wife did file a BBB complaint today against the dealer so we will see.
pumacat24
New member
Yikes! Sorry you had to go that route with your dealer. That might make them not want to help you?? But I guess they haven’t been helping that much to begin with anyway.
My UPDATE for the day:
Toyota National guy has verified everything with the Regional people and formally submitted a claim for replacement with the Toyota Dispute Resolution Department which could take up to 45 days for an answer and there is NO GUARANTEE they will approve it.
I mean I guess they have to say that to cover themselves if it’s negligence on the owners part or if the owner is lying about service records etc...
I then emailed my Regional guy who call me last week and said he would be in charge of my case to let him know my statement I made to Toyota National and my request.
I also told him that I understand this has to go through the proper channels but it’s rather discouraging to hear I have another 45 days to go and I could be denied for a replacement when I was called by the owner of the dealership 2 weeks ago and told that Toyota was going to replace my car.
Fingers still crossed that they come through in their original word.
No clue when I’ll have another update. Hopefully soon.
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Hans Moleman
New member
Mine was not as bad as the one in that video I linked to and it still bugged me. But some of you are saying are yours is the same or worse than that video, I don't know how you can take it for so long.
There is a reply from the author of the video that new KO2 tires also fixed his problem.
Hans Moleman
New member
Can you go back to Michelin Defenders? In the Falken Wildpeak thread, there are lots of complaints about vibration with this tire.
Sounds to me like they are giving you the run around.
I think you need to start researching and talking to SC Lawyers that are familiar with the Lemon Law.
pumacat24
New member
Hopefully it does not come to that and I don’t feel like it will.
I’ll be calling my dealership tomorrow to talk with the owner and give him an update.
Worst case scenario, the owner of my dealership has already promised me that he would get me out of my car if Toyota couldn’t fix it. I know he will help me out.
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SpeedyKevin
New member
May be a bad batch of Wildpeaks from earlier in the year. All 5 of mine were replaced under warranty for being out of round. The vibration was horrible and felt like a workout after a 10 minute drive on the highway. Vibrations disappeared with the new set.
DougR
Member
I Googled "toyota clamshell bushing eliminates vibration" to find the following information. The reported symptoms vary … here are 3 instances …
Intermittent vibration/humming while driving. Comes and goes, often more present with cooler temp outside, especially when truck is cold. Goes away when 4wd is engaged, comes back when disengaged.
Vibrations can be felt coming through the steering wheel and seat/ console... they come in consistent wave like patterns every 5-10 seconds, more noticeably around 60-70 mph. feels like motor shuttering slightly but annoyingly because it comes and goes.
Toyota took a look under extended warranty. Removed the driveline entirely and still vibes existed. Installed carrier bearing spacer anyways. Maybe helped a little didn't really notice though the tech said he did. Finally saw this thread and tried 4wd on a flat straight road, vibes didn't seem to go away in 4wd. Checked in the garage any play from the carrier to the CV in 2wd vs 4wd and it was a worlds difference between passenger and driver in 2wd. With the former being stiff from the carrier and the driver side having about an inch of play. 4wd play was gone on the driver side.
Front Diff Vibes ECGS bushing fix. | Tacoma World
Needle Bearing Failure With Lift (How Many) | Tacoma World
Vibrations after lift kit. (Solved) | Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com]
Levi writes, "It's a problem with Toyota 4 runners, fj cruiser and the Tacoma … extremely common". However, my search turned up mostly Tacoma hits.
Intermittent vibration/humming while driving. Comes and goes, often more present with cooler temp outside, especially when truck is cold. Goes away when 4wd is engaged, comes back when disengaged.
Vibrations can be felt coming through the steering wheel and seat/ console... they come in consistent wave like patterns every 5-10 seconds, more noticeably around 60-70 mph. feels like motor shuttering slightly but annoyingly because it comes and goes.
Toyota took a look under extended warranty. Removed the driveline entirely and still vibes existed. Installed carrier bearing spacer anyways. Maybe helped a little didn't really notice though the tech said he did. Finally saw this thread and tried 4wd on a flat straight road, vibes didn't seem to go away in 4wd. Checked in the garage any play from the carrier to the CV in 2wd vs 4wd and it was a worlds difference between passenger and driver in 2wd. With the former being stiff from the carrier and the driver side having about an inch of play. 4wd play was gone on the driver side.
Front Diff Vibes ECGS bushing fix. | Tacoma World
Needle Bearing Failure With Lift (How Many) | Tacoma World
Vibrations after lift kit. (Solved) | Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com]
Levi writes, "It's a problem with Toyota 4 runners, fj cruiser and the Tacoma … extremely common". However, my search turned up mostly Tacoma hits.
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Gclark949
New member
To the OP. Can you share your alignment specs? I haven't noticed any discussion on what your alignment looks like and caster is supper important. I am sure I am simplifying, but I always thing of the caster wheels on a shopping cart that flap around. If the caster is positive enough, it inherently stabilizes the caster.
I could go back to Michelins but I don't feel that any vehicle should be limited to only being able to run one certain set of tires. The Michelins ride great but aren't the look I am going for. I have only been riding them until now because that is how the Toyota techs were able to "mask" the issue and I was burnt out dealing with it. I actually prolonged my goal of Pro wheels and new tires because I was worried that the problem would come back, which it did.
I read extensively about the Wildpeaks on this site and while there are some complaints about vibrations and there did seem to be a manufacturing issue recently, the overall reviews of the tires are great. You can also find vibration complaints about any other tire on this site, even KO2s. When this vibration issue was first coming to light a few years back, many blamed the factory Dunlops. Even I did, especially after the Michelins helped my issue. However, over time there has been countless wheel/tire combinations that have reported having this issue. So while yes, some certainly have had vibrations issues due to faulty tires, it is my theory that for the rest of us there is an underlying issue and what makes it difficult is that some tires mask the issue better than others. Toyota claims that Pumacat's tires and wheels are not the source of her issue, and I don't believe mine are either.
Maybe it is coincidence that my new Wildpeaks are faulty and so were my factory Dunlops. All I know is that they both produce the same exact issue. Discount Tire has already balanced my Wildpeaks twice. The first couple days after balance, they ride good but then the problem comes back(just like with the factory Dunlops the countless times the dealer balanced them). While I would like to keep taking the truck back to Discount to have them re-balance, I know that most likely the 18 year old kids working there will not be able to remedy my issue. Maybe I should force them to test each wheel and tire to make sure there are no issues, just to rule that out for sure.
Good research.
I gain two things from this:
1. Those who used this as a fix seem to be fixing an issue with the differential needle bearing, but Toyota replaced Pumacat's differential and the problem persisted. So it doesn't appear that our issue is related to the differential, hence this bushing would not help.
2. Those who used this as a fix where having issues after a lift. The vast majority of us with this vibration issue do not have lifts.
Consider a certified letter sent to the owner of the dealership. A complaint to the Better Business Bureau may get you a response, but it usually yields a significantly different outcome.
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I don't think its a "run around". Getting a new vehicle isn't an easy 1,2,3 process. Give it time. I'm actually surprised at the relatively short time frame provided. In the meantime, I would continue to complain about the vehicle, continue to bring it to the same dealership, and continue to document the ongoing issue and attempts at repair. A lack of activity on your end during the current phase is something they will see. Don't let it be a clear 45 days. Afterwards, if you are not given what was suggested to you, you can pursue a Lemon Law case immediately with the proper documentation and allotted time having already been reached. Having your vehicle once again in the hands of the dealership will help Toyota see the nature of the situation, the type of person you are, and hopefully nudge them in the right direction.
The issue isn't present on Michelin Defenders??
My truck is exactly 2 years old now. For me it comes and goes, seems to be ambient air pressure or temps that make these stock Dunlops oscillate the front end at the one magical speed. I keep mine at 32.5 psi and rarely feel it. When the truck is loaded with gear and people it rarely occurs in my case too. I'll replace the stock tires next year (only 25000 kilometres on it so far). I've had the diff bearing groan last two winters too, I'll probably have the ECS bearing tapped in at my fav off road shop once I'm out of warranty I don't want the dealer tearing into it or throwing parts at it like an entire differential assembly, its just fine. I'm more aggravated by the sunroof rattle at full tilt.
So I guess what I'm saying is that I can live with these two minor annoyances yeah...:bash:
Thanks for your response. Makes me feel better. I am new to the 4R and this whole wobble issue has me worried. I don't want to run into the same issue if its something that makes the 4R feel unstable and a miserable drive. I wish I had a good independent shop near me to work on mine.
For me, it is certainly miserable to drive at highway speed when it is happening. It sends the high frequency vibrations up your entire arms. I wouldn't say that it makes me feel unsafe though.
And yes the Michelin Defenders did help in my case. Not completely but mostly.
pumacat24
New member
Yes, it is still present. I bought the Michelin Defenders to try to remedy the situation when it first began. Back when everyone thought it was a tire issue. While the road noise was better than OEM Dunlop’s the vibration and front end wobble did not get better at all and it still present even after over 1,000 mile “break in” period. No change.
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Bugser
New member
Unfortunately [MENTION=57987]pumacat24[/MENTION] it takes effort to see the glass 1/2 full instead of empty! I only look at my beer glass at 1/2 empty! I find it easier to use the Abe Lincoln approach of using honey instead of gall, however, by nature we see the negatives. On some occasions it takes a lot of effort to maintain positivity, however, when we do, we won't need to see the doctor for physical ailments or die too young.
Donuts will go a long way! When you need something next time, guess who they will put in front of the line, give you priority service or do something no charge! Even if Toyota says no way, then I'd bet Dave Edwards will make it right! They will remember you as the kind person who was handed a bad runner but you handled it with dignity towards all! Believe me, I have scraped my knees on way too many times and on occasion I still mess up!
I forgot, about 2 years ago on my former 2011 SR5, the driver's seat heater burned up and seared the foam seat. I had one hot posterior on that long ride. My persistence researching SE Regional Toyota and they covered it out of warranty. As a result, I was able to get the Mid-Atlantic Region to do the same. How many others did that help?
Ya, for sure, sometimes legal advice is necessary, and it is important to know the law as [MENTION=390705]cb1111[/MENTION] says, but forcing the issue legally is always a last resort.
I love following this thread, my favorite read here! Keep us posted! Maybe you're going to be the one to get to the bottom of whats causing this vibration issue! Might be a good discussion to have with Dave at some point!
