Hi there, I am new to the forum having just picked up the 4runner as a surprise for my fiance. It is a 2004 SR5 V6 4x4 with 187,000 miles on it. There was some minor work to be done to it when I picked it up, it needed new rear discs and brakes along with a new CV axle on both sides because of badly torn inner boots. The last major problem was that when accelerating the engine, while powerful, had a much deeper, throaty sound than I am used to on a v6 or any SUV I have been in.
It almost sounded like an exhaust leak that I am used to from other higher HP cars I have worked on. Along with that, I could feel a slight vibration in the accelerator pedal and in the steering wheel. After doing all of the fixes list above, it feels like the vibration has gotten worse in the wheel. This vibration does not move the wheel in any way but feels like it is "buzzing" the steering wheel, just enough to be annoying. It is more pronounced when cornering either right or left, it is the same no matter which way I turn. This does not happen all of the time, it seems to mainly be when going 30+MPH and giving it about half or more throttle.
I have just now checked the U-Joints under the car and they look pretty old and rusted, but they do not move side to side or clunk in any definitive way. I have also heard that the transmission might be the issue, but I think that the transmission issue only happens on shift and for a short time? This happens the whole time that acceleration is occurring.
If anyone can give me any helpful hints, or recommend me to a good shop in the Portland/Beaverton/Tigard area that could help me fix this in the next two weeks before the fiance gets home I would really appreciate it!
TLDR: Vibration at the steering wheel that does not move the wheel but can be felt and is caused by acceleration and feels like the engine might be shaking, and usually when going over 30MPH, and happens the whole time the car is accelerating. Checked U-Joints - They don't seem to be an issue, but should probably be replaced. What else can you think of?
It almost sounded like an exhaust leak that I am used to from other higher HP cars I have worked on. Along with that, I could feel a slight vibration in the accelerator pedal and in the steering wheel. After doing all of the fixes list above, it feels like the vibration has gotten worse in the wheel. This vibration does not move the wheel in any way but feels like it is "buzzing" the steering wheel, just enough to be annoying. It is more pronounced when cornering either right or left, it is the same no matter which way I turn. This does not happen all of the time, it seems to mainly be when going 30+MPH and giving it about half or more throttle.
I have just now checked the U-Joints under the car and they look pretty old and rusted, but they do not move side to side or clunk in any definitive way. I have also heard that the transmission might be the issue, but I think that the transmission issue only happens on shift and for a short time? This happens the whole time that acceleration is occurring.
If anyone can give me any helpful hints, or recommend me to a good shop in the Portland/Beaverton/Tigard area that could help me fix this in the next two weeks before the fiance gets home I would really appreciate it!
TLDR: Vibration at the steering wheel that does not move the wheel but can be felt and is caused by acceleration and feels like the engine might be shaking, and usually when going over 30MPH, and happens the whole time the car is accelerating. Checked U-Joints - They don't seem to be an issue, but should probably be replaced. What else can you think of?
