Vibration/Shimmy issue common?

[JungleJim]

I was reading about the vibration/shimmy problems over on the Edmunds forums that owners are experiencing on their 4Runners. It seems to affect all model years, but there seemed to be quite a few 2006 owners posting. Most seem to think it is not wheel related, by rather in the drivetrain somewhere.

I found older posts here about it, but none as recent as the postings over on Edmunds. I know this doesn't affect all 4Runners, but I'm concerned about the frequency of the issue. (I'm going to purchase a 2007 soon.)

Does anyone here have any input?

 

[gizmopt2002]

The Vibration/ Shimmy issue is due to the brakes. Pop on new discs and pads and it will be fine. I have it bad style but we live with it and plus we cant afford to buy new brakes.

 

[CATman]

When is this shimmy felt? Is it often? I feel a bit o' shimmy at freeway speeds and only when I'm just turning the wheel a little each way, like to change lanes. Can't seem to isolate it though. Got new tires, had them balanced of course, wheel bearings feel fine with wheels off the ground. I'l have to take a look at the brakes. Mind you it's not a big shimmy just enough to feel through the wheel.

 

[OUTRNNR]

If it only shimmies/vibrates when you hit the brakes, its the brakes. Otherwise its NOT the brakes. Could be unbalanced wheels, worn tires, or both. If this problem persists when you are NOT braking, then check the tires and possibly have them rotated and balanced. Also, and alignment might help.

 

[TRZ06]

Your all off regarding the shimmy/vibration that this poster is talking about.

This vibration is well known on the 4Runner and the Lexus GX470. It is drive-train related and occurs during low RPM under light throttle operations.

It goes away when the RPM's climb up above about 2,500.

If you search the Lexus GX forums, you wil find plenty of info. on this.

There is a second quirk also with the 4Runner and GX470 drivelines and that is the thump from binding of the splines. Also a well known and documented issue.

It unfortunate because these vehicles are pretty damn good otherwise.

But I still hate feeling that thump in the driveline when I stop or start off from a light, as it takes away from the overall driving experience and smoothness that Lexus and Toyota pride themselves on.

 

[icantsee]

What kind of shimmy is it?

If it's when you are braking...then your rotors are warped. Go get them resurface & slap them back on.

If it's when you are just driving and around 55mph on the freeway, then your wheel balance is off. Go get them rebalance & continue enjoying the illest whip in the world.

 

[gizmopt2002]

One word about resurfacing though. IMO i don't recommend it. In all of my cases or resurfacing, it only lasted for 1,000 miles, or 3 weeks for me. Your better off paying a little more for new rotors and pads for better braking and smoooth braking.

 

[khaug]

There is a second quirk also with the 4Runner and GX470 drivelines and that is the thump from binding of the splines. Also a well known and documented issue.

It unfortunate because these vehicles are pretty damn good otherwise.

But I still hate feeling that thump in the driveline when I stop or start off from a light, as it takes away from the overall driving experience and smoothness that Lexus and Toyota pride themselves on.

This should respond to lubrication of the slip yokes. The slip yokes (2) and U-joints (4) should be lubed at each oil change, per Toyota. I use Valvoline synthetic grease with moly disulfide added. No clunks in my driveline.