Vibration Problem

[peter78]

My Wife told me yesterday that she has problems with the brakes, or maybe the tires. So, I drove it today, it started vibrating as soon as you take off and vibrates all the way up to speed. When you take off the gas or hit the brakes it does fine. I was hoping for a new set of brakes or balance the tires, but no such luck. There is a resonace noise at speed along with the vibration.

Anyway, I am taking it (2001 4Runner) to the dealer in the next couple of days and I will let you know what it is. If I had to guess, it would be a motor mount, drive shaft problem, (univeral joint). The transmission shifts fine, but it could be that, I hope not. Anyway, if your Wife complains of noise, you should check it out.

 

[trd_4runnin]

Sounds EXACTLY like a u-joint. My guess is it's the rear u-joint of the rear driveshaft. I'm 99% sure that is what it is, as I had to deal with this exact problem a few months ago.

 

[peter78]

Sounds EXACTLY like a u-joint. My guess is it's the rear u-joint of the rear driveshaft. I'm 99% sure that is what it is, as I had to deal with this exact problem a few months ago.

I thought it might be that. I haven't heard too many members talk about that as a problem. Universal joints are in a way, suppose to go out, instead of the drive shaft breaking.

I was surprised I had a problem of any kind, as the car seems to drive forever without a concern. The reason she thought it was the brakes is becasue I haven't had them worked on yet, it has 110,000 miles.

Thanks for the info, I plan on taking it in Friday and I will let you know if your correct.

 

[peter78]

Wow

You were right. it was the universal joint. I went to Marietta Toyota and they said you have to replace the drive shaft, as you will get more vibration if you don't. I really wasn't expecting that. Anyway, it is around $800, it said $794 on the phone.

On my other cars with rear drive, I don't remember doing all that, is that normal to replace the whole drive shaft?

 

[trd_4runnin]

Doesn't sound correct at all to me. Did they say which u-joint it was? There are two u-joints in what's called the double cardan joint at transfer case side of the rear driveshaft. If one of those is out then they will most likely want to replace the whole double cardan (still not the whole driveshaft) and that will cost quite a bit, but if it's any of the other u-joints then you just replace the bad joint and call it a day.

Your 3rd gen has been on quite a few road trips correct? How many miles? U-joints are normal wear and tear items that go out. You don't have a lift or any modifications that would throw off your driveline angles, causing a new u-joint to go out prematurely. I have NO idea why they are trying to take you for that much money.

 

[peter78]

Yeah, it didn't sound right to me either. They said they replace the drive shaft which means replacing the two U-joints. They say they do this because of vibration problems if you don't. They have the drive shaft in stock and do about one every two weeks or so.

The car is only 2WD, so no transfer case and it has 111,000 miles. It has been on a few big road trip and tows a camper from time to time. Anyway, I had it done, $823. It drove well when I got in yesterday. I went on the interstate and no vibration at any speed.

I went to the dealership because I wanted Toyota parts. The question is, is this normally done when you have a bad U-joint or are they just trying to rip people off.

On the bright side, I am stimulating the economy.

 

[datumdrummer]

I've had the same vibration problems that vary with speed and taking one's foot off the accelerator. My shop was able to use a machine of some type to fix the driveshaft U-Joint without replacing the whole drive shaft. Its a common problem and fix.

 

[xspsi6]

I just did my wifes u joints on her limited which was 40.00 and 1.5 hours of my time as well as the use of a 14mm wrench and socket then a socket and hammer to bang them out with....very easy job