Need info. 4x4 vibration at parking lot speed

Hi All.

The roads were slushy today and I got to try out 4Hi. It was perfect on the road.

My problem is I had to make a U-turn to get into a parking space. The truck vibrated while turning at maybe 5-10 mph. There was at least 1 inch of slushy snow on the ground.

According to the tech guy at the dealership, this normally happens when the 4x4 is engaged while turning at that speed. Is this true with your truck? Do I need to be concerned or should I just not engage 4x4 at slow speeds?

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't 4x4 really designed to be used at lower speeds?

I've experienced the same thing when turning while 4Hi is engaged.

 

Thanks for the reply Chris. I have the same truck.

I spoke to 6 other toyota service advisors...

Most of them said this is normal.

One said this happens all the time when doing a U-turn at very slow speeds because all wheels have power and the front tires are at a maximum turning angle. So the back tires are pushing them forward, which causes the front to vibrate. He also said that if it was on dry pavement, the front tires will be squealing.

Has anyone else experienced this?

 

Oh that is definately true on the dry pavement.

I've never made a U-turn in 4x4, but I've made left and right turns and that's when the front end has vibrated (almost feels like the front wheels are rubbing against the fenders) and the back end has squealed.

I just can't wait until I've had it long enough to start taking it off-road.

Oh, and do you have the long bed? If so, do you have the same problem trying to park the truck that I do? I'm having a really hard time trying to get used to parking it in a parking space (I came from a 03 AccessCab).

 

I did have to learn to park a truck, coming from driving a car. I don't live in the downtown area so parking spaces aren't a problem unless we're going out for lunch on a Friday. I'm really glad I went for the standard 6' truck bed. We bought a queen size bed frame last night and drove home with the tailgate up.

Hope we can get more info on the vibration issue...

 

The vibration is from the binding of the CV joints in the front. It's not the greatest thing for them but is considered normal.

 

Thanks man! You are right. I read all 4x4s, to some extent, run into a push-bind issue when the steering wheel is fully turned and 4x4 is engaged. But having a center differential like 4Runners do, help minimize this.

For those who want to get more info online, do a google search on "axle binding".

 

"The vibration is from the binding of the CV joints in the front. It's not the greatest thing for them but is considered normal."

If a man were having some issues related to the CV joint, what is the best way to go about making sure they are safe on the road. I get some binding during slow speed turns. I am assuming that my cv's have taken a little bit of a licking. suggestions?

 

Way to bump a 3yr old thread

 

the thread fit the bill. worth a shot. see if anybody jumps on it.

 

You shouldn't be using 4wd on pavement unless it's covered ENTIRELY by snow. Even rain isn't slippery enough to keep you from damaging your driveline.

 

Cant always have a total slick surface to use 4wd on. On/ off snow and pavement in winter, or even mixed gravel not going to shift in and out every surface change. Just leave it 4hi and wide arc your turns if your on more of a traction surface. If you gotta make a tighter turn, then yes put back in 2wd. Got thousands of miles in 4hi, use 4lo alot on my property, no problems

 

Is the only fix for a CV joint replacement or is there a hold over/temporary fix? I'm getting vibration in slow speed turns (feels like the 4 wheel drive is on but it is not). I am assuming my left/both front end joints need a once over. suggestions?

 

Check tthe outboard bearings on the transfer case for play. Wiggle the shaft with your hand or a pry bar.