Vibration at lower speeds

[msommers]

I was thinking it was a tire vibration issue but I had my duratracs put back on and the problem is still very obvious and exactly the same.

I get an intermittent vibration from what feels like the front driver's side. It only occurs between ~50-60km/h. It feels like an unbalanced tire for about a full second, then goes away. Then probably 2-3 seconds later it comes back. It's only obvious when traveling those speeds. Before and after I can't detect it.

Any ideas?

 

[rigtec]

I was thinking it was a tire vibration issue but I had my duratracs put back on and the problem is still very obvious and exactly the same.

I get an intermittent vibration from what feels like the front driver's side. It only occurs between ~50-60km/h. It feels like an unbalanced tire for about a full second, then goes away. Then probably 2-3 seconds later it comes back. It's only obvious when traveling those speeds. Before and after I can't detect it.

Any ideas?

Hi msommers,

It might be helpful if you would give some info about the 4R that you're driving, (e.g. yr, model/trim). There have been many others that have had similar issues that you've described but without the details of your specific truck, any advice that you may receive would only be a wild guess at best.

rigtec, cheers

 

[rigtec]

Here's a link that may be relative, if so please let us know so that others may respond accordingly.

https://www.google.com/url?q=http:/...ds-cse&usg=AFQjCNGiPbrKk_5BhpSB3S9I2k-essIrZA

Good luck!

 

[msommers]

Sorrry about that. It is a 2010 sr5. No mods. Stock sr5 wheels on both sets. Tires are Duratrac and Nokia lt2, both e load and stock sizing.

The vibration described in that thread appears to be the same. It definitely comes through the floor and gas pedal.

I did change all my gear fluid at 40,000km, but I'm at 72,000 now and only noticed it over the last few thousand. No leaks from what I can see. I used amsoil severe gear.

 

[4runner10]

I experience something similar on my 2010 SR5. It happens when coasting or applying brake. Dealer said rotors are fine, so I'm wondering if it's a CV joint thing...

Anyway, they said "this is normal." I guess I should just be happy they didn't recommend an expensive repair!

 

[rigtec]

Sorrry about that. It is a 2010 sr5. No mods. Stock sr5 wheels on both sets. Tires are Duratrac and Nokia lt2, both e load and stock sizing.

The vibration described in that thread appears to be the same. It definitely comes through the floor and gas pedal.

Okay,

Your truck seems to fit the criteria of other vehicals that have suffered from front or rear "Pinion bearing" damage, usually resulting from an improper pre-load setting/adjustment from the factory, or inadequate oil supply/viscosity; even the model year matches the profile (not sure if there is a tsb regarding this, but I think that there is).

If I'm not mistaken, you have a 3 year drivetrain warranty that covers this, so depending on the month that you purchased your truck, you may still be covered.

However, being so close to the end of the warranty period, you can expect the dealership to try and wiggle out of their contractual obligation, if in fact it does turn out to be a differential bearing issue.

Good luck, and best regards.

 

[msommers]

I think our drive train warranties are good for 5 years. I have extended anyways so it doesn't cause any problems, hopefully.

 

[Justaguy]

To the OP, did you ever fix this problem? My 2012 Trail has recently started doing what seems to be the same problem...it feels like front end vibration...almost seems like out of balance tire or rough roads, except that it wasn't an issue before. Rode really smooth right after getting new front diff installed due to rumble strip issue. I had the tires road force balanced and rotated by dealer as they blamed the tires (like they always seem to) but the problem is the same. I am getting ready to grease the F&R driveshafts tomorrow to see if it helps but the rear shaft is only 4 months old anyways (another TSB issue).

 

[Justaguy]

I know this is an older thread but I was just messaged about this today. I did in fact find the vibration issue with my 4runner. I wound up being an issue with the front differential. There is apparently a technical service bulletin about this for the 2010's and 11's but is supposed to be fixed for the 2012's. Mine had more mileage for the year and was showing all the symptoms so they swapped it under that bulletin. Problem gone..going on 1 1/2 years now.

There is also a bulletin out for the Tundra with the same issue. Hope this can help some others out as well.

 

[msommers]

So I brought my truck in today and also mentioned the technical service bulletin. Apparently because my extended warranty expired in August that TSBs no longer apply? She was also saying that it could be the drive shaft and if I can't prove I was lubbing it then it might be negligence and it would have to be replaced.

How the f*ck I prove I was lubbing it I don't know. I have lub on the shelf that hasn't needed replacing for years since all I use it for is the drive shaft! :gun5:

What's really unfortunate is that when I brought my truck in years ago with this concern, it wasn't that cold out and the problem wasn't as obvious. Hopefully that's on file somewhere. Though they might dispute it saying the problem couldn't be replicated and now is only a problem, post-warranty!