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Can't fix vibrations.

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by LDIO, Oct 2, 2014.

  1. Oct 2, 2014 at 5:04 PM
    #1
    LDIO

    LDIO [OP] New Member

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    Nashville, TN
    Vehicle:
    03' TRD 4x4
    New Tacoma owner, any insight is greatly appreciated.

    I have some vibrations in the 60-70mph range and it looked like everything pointed towards the center bearing. I replaced the bearing with not much trouble. The old bearing was in poor shape after the 115k on it, though I have read of guys getting 200 out of theirs.

    After I put it in, there was no noticeable improvement so I had the wheels rebalanced and rotated. Now it seems worse. I feel smaller vibrations at about 25 increased at about 45, and almost unsettling at 65-70. I haven't been able to 100% confirm, but the truck feels a little loose in the steering to the left, and good and tight to the right. I can't tell if it is mostly from the crown in the road or if there is a real issue.

    The steering wheel isn't really shaking, it's more or less the whole truck.

    I'm supposed to take the girlfriend camping next week and I am hoping to have this resolved by then.
     
  2. Oct 2, 2014 at 6:09 PM
    #2
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

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    Harlan
    Maricopa, Az
    Vehicle:
    '01 Prerunner, '16 trd4x4, '03 cbr954rr, '03 rc51
    :notsure:Could be lots of things. Mine was doing the same thing. In the rear. Tried everything from balancing multiple times to changing the center support bearing and new tie rods inner and outer, lbj's and I have camburg uca's.. I even messed up on marking the driveshaft too and just reinstalled. I eventually got a whole new set of tires at discount and my vibration is gone. So Idk if it was the tires themselves or the balancing. Because I was taking it to big o for balancing and went to discount the first time since I got the truck for the new tires. Idk if they have a different balancing machine or what but like I said, problem is gone.
     
  3. Oct 3, 2014 at 4:29 PM
    #3
    hondamxracer

    hondamxracer Well-Known Member

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    Bad u-joint? I had bad vibs too until I replaced the rear u-joint at the pinion.
     
  4. Oct 3, 2014 at 4:45 PM
    #4
    SnowroxKT

    SnowroxKT Well-Known Member

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    Kyle
    Anchorage Alaska
    Vehicle:
    2008 TRD OR
    If steering feels different on each side could be an alignment. :notsure:
     
  5. Oct 4, 2014 at 12:40 PM
    #5
    LDIO

    LDIO [OP] New Member

    Joined:
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    Male
    Nashville, TN
    Vehicle:
    03' TRD 4x4
    I had them balanced and rotated at Discount too. Never had an issue in about 5 years of going there with multiple vehicles.

    I have thought about the u-joints, but when I had the prop shaft out to replace the center they still felt solid. Could they be bad, but not have excessive play?

    I don't really know of anyone in town that is familiar with these trucks, so I thought I would take it by the dealership for their opinion. I was greeted with "you need a new driveshaft". I am doubtful that out of the blue the driveshaft itself would "go bad". I asked if it had gotten out of balance and they just said "sometimes they just go bad, it wouldn't be the first time." I paid their diagnostic fee and went home.

    This is what I am left with. With regards to the u-joints, is a press necessary to put them in? Anyone had experience with putting them in? I think they are about $70 each for the rear three.
     
  6. Oct 4, 2014 at 2:51 PM
    #6
    keakar

    keakar Well-Known Member

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    karl
    louisiana
    Vehicle:
    2006 4runner sport 4.7L V8 (white)
    used to have - 99 2.4L I4 5 lug & 04 prerunner v6
    I read where if you put the prop shaft center bearing on backwards it causes it to not be aligned correctly and will cause vibrations just like it will if you flip the yoke 180* when replacing u-joints.

    its something you just did that caused it and don't rule out back wheels not put on correctly so take them off and check the drum position is ok and remount. wouldn't be the first time I saw a thing where the brake drum not fitting right made the rim fit wrong
     

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