All 2nd gen Tacomas have a steering shake?

Hey everyone, just thought I’d share my experience with the steering wheel vibrations that people have so commonly been having problems with on the 2nd gen Tacoma’s. It must be something with the rack and pinion steering system, or the way that the suspensions are designed on these trucks, that allows the steering wheel to vibrate back and forth at speeds between 60-80mph no matter what tire combination, the balancing of the tires, alignment specs, or any other variable. I had a 2005 that wouldn’t quit shaking no matter what I changed in the suspension System from bushings to ball joints to wheel bearings. It frustrated me to no end. Finally, I got a 2012, with much less miles, and different wheels and tires, and it shakes the exact same way.

So I went to the Toyota dealer and started driving their used vehicles. I drove a 2013, and 3 2014’s, all the steering wheels shook at highway speeds. I then drove a brand new 2018 Toyota 4Runner limited, which seemingly had the same steering system, and it shook at highway speeds. I then drove a 3rd gen Tacoma and it did not shake. I do live in Manitoba Canada and the roads here are kinda like donkey trails, so maybe that’s part of the reason, but it’s a little bit satisfying to know that that’s just the way that these trucks are, and that I’m not going crazy...

Anyone with a steering wheel vibration issue, don’t be alarmed. From the factory these trucks are susceptible to it, and it’s just another quirk of these vehicles.

EDIT: must be the roads I’m driving on...

 

My 2009 doesn't have a steering wheel shake.

 

my 11 sport never shook and my 18 4 runner hasnt yet.

 

My 06 Tacoma doesn't have a shake even after 220,000 miles.

 

2013 4x4 access cab.
No shaking at any speed.
TOMB

 

No shake on my 2015 at speed either....

 

This is the problem with talking about car problems on the internet. Literally everyone here is going to have a different threshold for what constitutes a "shake".

I think the Tacoma has a particularly finnicky steering setup, and doing certain upgrades or mods can intensify sensations that are inherent. For example, if you switch to a "blocky" tire that has a flatter (instead of rounder) profile, then steering is going to have a noticeable "tipping point" where the camber angle related to steering feels like a shake.

It could also all relate back to the materials used in the steering rack. Aluminum parts will weigh less, but could transmit vibrations more.. steel would be the complete opposite.

 

Just mounted up some new chunky mud tires on mine. No shake

 

Do you have Parkinson's disease?

 

Go test drive a new Bentley continental and see if it shakes

 

Mine only shakes when it's scared

 

I thought that was only a Prius that did that

 

agreed with this.


But OP. I aint got no shake, moms 07 4 runner doesnt, nor does dads 3rd gen (2016)..... FYI all 3 of those vehicles use essentially the exact same steering and suspension components.

 

Just another data point: 2007 reg cab, no shake.

 

No shakes on either of mine

 

Mine only shook when the wheels were not properly torqued... 07 2nd gen prerunner and now 17 2wd sr5

 

Once my tires were balanced properly no shakes up front all the way up to 115mph.

 

Mine has the shake

 

9 years and 4 sets of tires and my 2010 drives as smooth as a baby’s butt. I go down the interstate at 85 MPG. Are you positive your rim(s) aren’t warped?

 

My 2015 steering wheel doesn't shake at any speed.