2017 Tacoma TRD Pro Vibration / Braking Issues

Hi All,

I purchased my truck last year and have been fighting issue after issue, but there seems to be one that I can't seem to fix or my local Toyota dealership or other off road shops.

The issue is vibration between 40-50mph and being unable to break especially at highway speeds. The front of the truck will stutter and start violently shacking. If I continue to brake my breaks will lockup and I have no way to stop sufficiently. (I've had to use the E-Brake in some really bad situations)

Everything that I have replaced / tried so far:
Lower Control Arms (Rusted and Seized)
Tie rods
Upper SPC Ball Joints
Resurfaced rotors (Toyota Dealership recommendation)
Brake Fluid Flush
Brake Pads
Multiple Alignments
Tires

That brings me to today. I have been doing some research on the ECGS Clamshell Bushing and I'm thinking that this may be the issue. The weird thing is when I change the position of my steering wheel (Telescoping) and make sure it is pushed in to the shortest position it virtually stops all of these issues...

Truck Mods
SPC Upper control arms and Ball Joints
ADS 2.5 remote revisor shocks
LT285/75R16 Tires
No other extra weight other than a Prinsu Roof Rack and Tonneau Cover

 

Since you got 33" tires, I'm assuming you have a lift? This could maybe be related to drive shaft/center carrier bearing vibration. Drive shaft vibration usually shows up around 45mph, but it wouldn't explain the other issues.

 

Sounds like a brake is sizing up. I would be for checking/greasing/replacing the brake calipers and replacing brake lines. Could be ABS but we won't go there yet.
As for your vibration, the ECGS bushing is good to do. However looking at you pictures, it looks like you are lifted pretty high. Lifting the truck too high will cause it not to drive good. Also, be sure to have it aligned above 2 positive caster. (you will need aftermarket upper control arms) This will help with wobble at higher speeds.
As for the steering wheel fixing the problems, I don't see how it could have any effect on brakes locking up. I could see how sliding the wheel in could effect perceived vibrations though.

Hope this helps.

 

Those look like method wheels.
My Buddy had methods as well, similar symptoms. Took it to a mechanics shop, put the truck on the lift, 4 tires off the ground and threw it in drive. Literally could see the rims were not spinning true.
Cause was bolt circle was not drilled 100% true. Wheels were not bent, just a bad batch.

Second to above no wheel spacers installed, correct?

You did say you tried tires… but did that mean you throw 4 stock wheels and tires?

 

Sounds like some of the vibration could be warped rotors if this is something new.
As far as the vibration being really bad at that speed, my buddies 2019 trd with a 3'' lift was pretty noticeable after doing the lift. If was much much less after he put the truck back to the stock height. He even brought it to the dealer when it was at the stock height trying to compare it to my truck which hasn't any. At any rate, they told him that was normal for all trd's. I rode in his truck on fishing trips, there was some vibration at 45 mph but, nothing to write home about. It was really bad when he had the lift.

 

I had a vibration braking from about 50 to 35 mph. Not so extreme that I felt I had to use the E-Brake. Whenever I have an issue that might be related to brakes, I prefer to to put on new rotors and pads (as opposed to resurfacing). I put these PowerStop rotors and pads on a couple of weeks ago and the vibration is gone. Good luck hunting down your issue.

$182 Power Stop K137 Front Z23 Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads and Drilled Slotted Rotors Brake Kit For 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser | 2005-2022 Toyota Tacoma 6 Lug | 2003-2009 4Runner 12.56" Rotors

https://www.amazon.com/K137-Evolution-Drilled-Slotted-Ceramic/dp/B005FKS28C?pd_rd_i=B005FKS28C