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Steering wheel shake/vibration while stopped/idle; steering wheel play.

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by jmgl707, Jul 20, 2022.

  1. Jul 20, 2022 at 1:58 PM
    #1
    jmgl707

    jmgl707 [OP] New Member

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    What's up everyone

    I wanted to get some input from ya'll after I searched the site and internet for something similar to what I'm running into. I recently bought an auto 97 Tacoma single cab with about 278k (2RZ) and have noticed that when idle/stopped the steering wheel often vibrates/shakes considerably. I've only noticed the shaking/vibration at a stop when idling and usually this starts when something like the AC kick in but will be intermittent as I am stopped and idling. Aside from the shaking/vibration at idle it does seem like the steering wheel has some slight play and I can hear a rattle coming from somewhere within the steering column from time to time. I will try and get a video uploaded shortly.

    The culprits I'm suspecting are
    1. Bad engine mounts
    2. Something loose in steering column
    3. Harmonic balancer out of circle

    Appreciate any feedback !
     
  2. Jul 20, 2022 at 2:09 PM
    #2
    O'Silver_Taco

    O'Silver_Taco Well-Known Member

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    Have you tried shifting into neutral while idling ........ does it still shake??
     
  3. Jul 20, 2022 at 2:17 PM
    #3
    rnish

    rnish Well-Known Member

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    If you up the rev’s while it’s shaking, does the vibration go away?
     
  4. Jul 20, 2022 at 3:18 PM
    #4
    jmgl707

    jmgl707 [OP] New Member

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    Steering wheel still vibrates even when shifting into neutral. Shaking/vibration goes away once I let go of brakes and start driving. At idle I can get the shaking/vibration to go away when pushing on steering wheel as well as when turning to put it under load.
     
  5. May 27, 2025 at 4:52 PM
    #5
    Tacotony1624

    Tacotony1624 Well-Known Member

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    Yoooo jmgl did you ever find a solution ? lol trying to revive this thread.

    My 95 does this at at a stop and the vibration goes away once you take off.
     
  6. Jun 3, 2025 at 4:11 PM
    #6
    Tacotony1624

    Tacotony1624 Well-Known Member

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    Sounds the solution to my steering wheel shaking.

    New OEM motor mounts from Toyota. Smacked them in and absolutely no more shaking in the steering wheel at a light when the truck is in drive and foot on brake. Just passing on info so maybe it may help someone out in the future.
     
    foresterfields40 likes this.

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