Vibration

[etperez22]

OK. I have gone searched and have taken my 4runner to several shops.

I have a 92 V6 4Runner about 220+k on it. and about 2 to 3 months ago have developed a vibration. Starts getting noticable at 50-60mph. Then above 60mph it is hardly noticable, but still there.

I have had my driveshaft and u-joints checked.
I have had my tires rotated and balanced.
still there is a vibration.

Now a long time ago. probably when it had 100k on it I have had a new suspension system installed. Rancho 9000 and new Springs in the back to get rid of the sag. the new suspension definately got rid of the sag and added about 1.5 inch of lift on the rear end.

now 120k later do you think that my suspension has worn out and "shrunk" a little to the point where the angle is not correct between the rear diff. and the transfer case?

help me fix this vibration.

 

[the_dingman]

My Jetta did that just after I got it, and it turned out one of my tires had slipped a belt (at least that's what they told me). When I replaced my tires, it went away... But I had the same issue where it would go away over 60.

 

[Red]

I know how frustrating vibrations can be. My previous two Toyota's both had a mystery vibration, the first one, an 84' Celica had a vibration that was based on the RPM of the motor and after replacing the harmonic balancer and messing around with all sorts of parts it turned out that the previous owner had the motor seperated from the transmission at some point and either didnt tighten the bolts attaching the bell housing to the motor or forgot to replace them all because a bolt was missing, which caused the motor to vibrate alot! then my second Toyota, An 86' Supra had a speed vibration that started once I reached about 90 kms/hour, and like you, I had the tires balanced, the driveshaft "re-tubed" and balanced, all U-joints replaced, steady bearing replaced, and none of that worked, but then I took it in to the mechanic and he took it apart and "tightened" everything, Im not sure about the details because my dad is the one who took it in and was trying to get it fixed for me but I think there is a nut where the driveshaft meets the differential? or maybe there is a bad bearing where the drive shaft goes into the differential?
Sorry I cant be a huge help, with the Supra, I never really completely got it fixed, after having it "tightened" it went away for awhile but eventually started to come back. it drove me insane and so I sold it and bought a 4runner.
Maybe just go underneath and try to tighten everything you can under there with a torque wrench when required.

I'll talk to my dad and see if I can get some details but maybe check the bearing that is where the driveshaft meets the differential?

 

[etperez22]

I am just concerned about the safety factors. I just don't want to be driving down the freeway and all of sudden something underneath explodes! then I am stuck with thousands or dollars in expenses trying to get it fixed.

 

[Red]

I am just concerned about the safety factors. I just don't want to be driving down the freeway and all of sudden something underneath explodes! then I am stuck with thousands or dollars in expenses trying to get it fixed.

Yeah, I was constantly thinking that something like that would happen but it didnt.

The worst thing about that vibration is visually, you'll never be able to tell what it is, at least I never did. You pretty much have to start replacing things it could be and hope it goes away haha

 

[sixonthefloor]

How long ago did you have the driveshafts checked? I'd give them a second look if you exhaust all other means. I had the same problem and because of my lift my drive shafts were over extended and actually acting like a jump rope when they turned at certain rpms. The splines were almost maxed and very worn. Got some aftermarket work done on the shafts and no vibes on my old 85.