Shimmering vibration

Need some help figuring out what's causing this horrible shimmering vibration only felt when rolling to a stop or moving from a stop. Not from hitting the brakes. Less rhan 10mph if that.If you were stuck in slow moving traffic is when it's felt. Just barely rolling and stopping. Nothing noticeable underneath leads me in any direction. Any thoughts would be appreciated. 07 v6 4wd automatic

 

Maybe tires need balancing. My steering wheel would shake/vibrate but it was when I would exceed 60mph. Just got them balanced and it went away. 2014 Tacoma.

 

At that low speed, I would be looking at u-joints/carrier bearing. Any lift on your truck?

 

That kind of low-speed shudder or vibration—especially if it’s not felt when applying the brakes and only occurs when just creeping along or rolling to a stop—can be tricky. But based on your description, here are several likely culprits to consider, prioritized by probability:

✅ 1. Driveshaft Issues (Center Bearing / U-Joints)

• Symptoms: Vibration or shimmering at very low speeds, especially just rolling. Often not noticeable at highway speeds. Can feel like it's from under the seat or rear.
  
  
• Check: Inspect the center support bearing (common on Tacomas with 2-piece driveshafts). Also check universal joints for any looseness, rust dust, or binding.
  
  
• Fix: Replace worn center bearing or U-joints. U-joints can bind even if they look OK.
  

✅ 2. Rear Drums Out of Round / Brake Shoe Drag

• Symptoms: If the vibration feels rhythmic, like a "wobble" that matches wheel rotation, and only at low speeds (when rolling), your rear brake drums may be slightly out of round. Even if you’re not braking, they can still make contact.
  
  
• Check: Pull the rear drums and check for signs of rubbing. Spin the wheel with the truck on jack stands.
  
  
• Fix: Resurface or replace the drums. Check that the automatic adjuster isn't over-adjusting the shoes too tight.
  

✅ 3. Engine/Transmission Mounts

• Symptoms: Excessive engine movement can transfer through the chassis at low speeds and low RPMs. Often mistaken for drivetrain vibration.
  
  
• Check: Inspect motor and transmission mounts for cracking or sagging. Have someone shift between drive and reverse with the brake applied while you watch the engine movement.
  
  
• Fix: Replace bad mounts. Toyota mounts are rubber and degrade over time.
  

✅ 4. Torque Converter Shudder (Less Likely at <10mph, but possible)

• Symptoms: Usually at 35–45mph, but in rare cases, you might feel a slight low-speed shudder from the torque converter clutch acting oddly. More likely if fluid is old.
  
  
• Check: When was your transmission fluid last changed? Burnt smell or dark fluid?
  
  
• Fix: Flush or replace fluid (use only Toyota WS fluid). If it helps, it may be torque converter wear.
  

✅ 5. Tires or Wheels (Tread Separation, Bent Rim)

• Symptoms: At very low speed, a tire with internal separation can cause a wobble or vibration that feels odd. Usually feels like it's "rolling over a hump" or a gentle thud.
  
  
• Check: Visually inspect tires for bulges, odd wear. Run your hand along the tread. Also, rotate tires front to back and see if the issue shifts.
  
  
• Fix: Replace damaged tire or wheel.
  

Quick Diagnostic Suggestions:

1. Jack up rear wheels, spin them, and listen/feel for resistance or uneven drag.
   
   
2. Look at driveshaft while it's rolling (on jack stands) — any wobble or odd movement?
   
   
3. Change to neutral while rolling — does the vibration stop? Could isolate transmission torque issue.
   
   
4. Have someone walk alongside while creeping in a parking lot — helps pinpoint corner of the truck affected.
   

 

Check the u-joints. That means drop the driveshaft and flex each joint back and forth by hand

It's not just looseness you're looking for, one of the joints could be dry and tight, that can cause vibrations..