New 2017 Tacoma vibration in steering wheel

Hi all!

It's been awhile since visited TacomaWorld. A few years back sold my 2014 Tacoma and regretted it since. Recently just purchased a new 2017 4X2 Tacoma TRD. Overall very happy with new purchased but noticed an intermittent vibration in steering wheel. Initially thought it was due to road condition but I do not experience the same with other vehicles. Anyone else experience the same on their third gen?

 

Tires could be out of balance

 

Check and torque lug nuts to 83 ft lbs, if you still have vibrations, get back to dealer and have them rebalance.

 

Would an unbalance tire create intermittent steering wheel vibrations? I thought that it would be constant. Will take it back to dealer to have them check it out. Thanks.

 

I would check the lug tightness like @itsmermf suggested. However, I just had to have mine rebalanced because between 45-70mph the vibrations were terrible

 

Dealer will say “normal” or “we couldn’t replicate” haha. Good luck.

 

Check your tire pressure. My truck (4 cyl.) came with Dynapro H/T tires and steering wheel had absolutely no vibration at any speed at the recommended 32psi. Higher pressures gave a harsher ride so I drove them at 32 psi.
Changed to Michelin Defender LTX tires at about 24,000 miles and experienced a come and go vibration in the steering wheel at higher speeds. Raised the front tire pressure form 32 to 35 psi and the problem went away. Rides better too. Front tires looked pretty “squashed” at 32 psi. I am running 35 front 31 rear with the bed empty. These are 245/75/R15 tires.

 

If the vibrations are constant it could potentially be warped drum(s) I know I and a few others experienced this as a source of vibrations and would be an easy warranty item.

Otherwise these trucks are known for harmonic vibrations that generally occurs in the 2k RPM “cruising” space but those are generally also felt in the gas pedal as well as the steering wheel. Putting a mass damper on the exhaust helped some, securing some loose rattling cables helped more, running premium and OVTunes ECU tune helped the most.

Vibrations had me ready to unload my truck the first few months but nowadays I only get faint vibes in any scenario....

 

Its a defect with the steering damper...

Take it to the dealer and tell them this, and they will get it fixed for you...

There is a TSB for this..

My truck is going in for new rear leafs and the steering damper at some point, its already been diagnosed..

I don't feel I have the vibration in the steering, but the tech does... Probably wants the warranty pay..

Anyways... that is your issue.

 

Interesting. I also had my steering damper diagnosed at one point but then when they took it apart showed that my truck already had the damper installed from the factory (8/16 build on a Baja OR DCSB) so nothing to "upgrade"

 

Mine was built in 8/16

What else have you had go wrong...lol

I'm getting new leaf springs at some point here when I make the time.. For the deceleration shake

 

Thank you. Did not know that there's a TSB for issue. Dropped of the truck at dealership yesterday. They initially said front two tires had flat spots. The dealership replaced both front tires and vibration improved slightly. Now they're saying rear tires have flat spots and need to be replaced. Currently waiting for tires to arrive. I will mention to service about TSB. Where do I find TSB print and show them?

 

I'm not to sure bud, I took it in for the deceleration problem and they said they were going to put this damper in as well since it is a known issue..

So I'm "assuming" TSB... I may have jammed my foot in my mouth there, but I know for sure my leaf springs are a TSB..

 

No problem. Thanks for the info. It's more than I knew to begin with. Hopefully they will have this issue fix by end of week. Only had truck for two days before taking it in for vibration issue.

 

was this ever resolved

 

I Have taken my 2016 sr5 crew cab Long box Tacoma 44k in for this issue 4 times. First three times they said they couldn't replicate but blamed the tires and I'd have to open a file with Toyota. I did this and this last time they said my tires were out of balance (missing weights likely from a few days prior when I was on a logging road in the snow for 100 kms) paid the 100 bucks and while the tires feel more balanced and smooth it still has the vibration and buzzing in the steering wheel and gas pedal.

 

@Jaycost ive had this exact same issue with my truck (16 DCSB SR5 4x4). I’ve taken it into the dealer and they replaced the front diff (NO questions asked) the first time I took it in, but when the issue was still present a few days later, I took it back and was told that my 3” lift kit, my “aggressive off-road tires”, my “modified exhaust” and my missing front sway bar were all key factors in causing this buzzing issue that I feel in the steering wheel. I’ve rebalanced my tires several times and even put a set of stock size tires on my truck but the issue has NOT gone away. I have an open case with a Toyota at this point and I’m going to be taking the truck to another dealership I’m hopes of getting this issue resolved later this week. I’ll post their findings once they get it figured out.

 

I just got home after getting my East coast gear supply bushing installed. It replaced the needle bearing on the drivers side CV axle. No more intermittent buzzing or vibes very happy. three hours of shop works plus parts and taxes came to $650 Canadian however with the right know-how, time and the special bearing puller, someone could easily do this at home. If your vibes go away when you put it into 4 HI you have the same issue. Good luck and understand that this might effect your warranty but Even if you are somehow able to get toyota to recognize it and replace it they will use the same needle barring and you'll have issues again even without a lift. Mine only had 40,000 kms when I noticed it. 2016 sr5 auto crew cab Long box

 

You’re right, some vibes will change depending on size of tire too. A larger spinning circular object is going to change where the vibe occurs at speed and rpm.

I get a parabolic in nature vibe right at 40-42mph and it’s usually most noticeable at 1200-1500 rpms. And it’s there (slightly dampened) in 4wd.

Not a big deal because if I hold the sides of the steering wheel vs the top, the vibes are non-existent

 

I am not a mechanical expert. The vibration in 4Runners and Tacomas, has been a problem. My experience on new deliverys, 4Runners, '08, '12, '13, '15 and '18.
Also, new '17 Tacoma, TRD. All purchase's, 4WD. I have never had the dealer fix this. Usual answer, "cannot duplicate the problem".
The '08 and '12 4Runners were good, but not the best on vibration.
After all this, I finally was able to get it worked out, but not with Toyota. The dealers do not have the time to do a fix, and will do a re-balance, or anything to satisfy
on each visit, tell you to keep coming back, until you just get tired of it. This is not saying all, I am only relaying my experience thru the years.
Here is my fix, not necessarily yours. On delivery, go straight to your favorite tire store. My choice, Michelin LTX/MS, and current designation, Defenders. You have
to find a dealer that will do road force balance. This is for stock rims only. The wheels are either lug or cone centric. The key is the guy on the balance machine.
Next, find the tire store that has the Haweka 6 pin adapter. This is used with the proper road force balance, plus, index the wheel, tires.
For me, this has been the correct fix. IMO, the Toyota dealer does not have the time to get this right, I am not saying Toyota is wrong.
The vibration for me has been front and rear wheels. Front feel it in the steering wheel, rear, in the seat. I am not interested in changing brands, except if the new
2020 4Runners are unibody, may have to keep the '18.