Steady vibration at all speeds

Hi all,

I have searched around but am having trouble finding a thread that details my situation.

About 3 1/2 years ago I installed bilstein 5100s set to 2.5 and a toytec AAL as well as 285/70/17 BFG A/T's.
I had some vibrations that went away in 4wd but I was able to fix those luckily by installing a diff drop kit and carrier bearing drop kit.

Everything was great until about 6 months ago when I have now developed a steady vibration that is noticeable from 20km/hr and above. It does not go away when I put it in 4wd.

I took it to the dealership who tried balancing the wheels but didn't do much else. That did not fix it unfortunately (big surprise). The issue also persists when I have my winter tires on which are 265/70/17.

I am hoping someone in my situation has figured out a solution. Of course I would like it if it isn't too expensive but if I do have to spend a bit of money I want to do everything I can to make sure it solves the problem.

Thanks so much and look forward to any input.

 

Universal Joints and or Center Carrier Bearing on the drive shaft.

 

Mine had a constant vibration and it ended up having a bad u joint

 

Thanks for your replies. If I am driving around 60km/hr and shift into neutral and the vibration doesn't change at all would that still point towards u-joints and/or carrier bearing?

 

Yes because the driveshaft and carrier bearing are still turning.

 

Agreed. I had a constant vibration, replaced a u joint and no more vibration.

 

The Toyota service tech made mention in the notes that he heard noise from the front left wheel bearing but that it didn't have any play in it. With the replies that you guys are all giving me I am thinking that investigating the u-joints/carrier bearing is the better move?

 

So was it steady or more of a pulsing or changing vibration? I've been researching some other guys that have replaced u joints on their Tacoma and a lot of them seem to mention chirping or clunking where mine is just steady with no detectable changing or pulsing.

 

It's constant, becomes noticeable around 20km/hr and stays steady regardless of braking, accelerating, shifting gears (I have the 6 SPD).

 

I noticed that the dealership will not do a great job balancing so take it else where first. This fixed my vibrations on my baja which I was told was normal. After taking it to discount tires I observed the employee righted and re torque. I drove my truck out feeling great and drove new. Got home and looked at tires and they had added more weights across and also re torqued all but wheel lock bolts. So if it's not your joints recommend re torque wheels and balancing eventhough it's been done. Did you rotate your wheels within last 6 months when you noticed or got a flat or rotation?

 

I only replaced it about two months ago, you would think I would remember better. I don't remember ever having a chirping or clunking. It was just kind of a constant noticeable vibration. Mine wasn't terrible, from when I fist noticed it to having it replaced was probably only a few weeks.

 

I have my doubts about it being a balancing issue as I use the stock rims and change between winters and all terrains every year and get it done at Kal Tire which I have never had a problem with for the last 3 1/2 years. I first noticed the issue when I was running my winters and the issue was exactly the same after getting my A/Ts back on. Now the Toyota dealer has balanced the fronts and the issue hasn't changed. I guess there could be a problem with one of my rims but the issue seems too constant and doesn't feel like it's coming from a specific tire area.

 

It is either a U joint, carrier bearing or axle bearing sleeve going bad (there is a fix for this)...I mentioned the last one because you are lifted and four wheel drive, it is not an uncommon problem...just another thing to check..

 

Do you have a link to more info about the axle bearing sleeve issue? This kind of work isn't really in my wheelhouse so I would have to take it to a shop. Thanks

 

many threads here regarding the axle sleeve bearing replacement, a quick search will bring up several how to's on the subject

 

I have this same issue... I'll let you know if i find anything. FYI, I just removed my diff drop and it made no difference.

 

Here is the link to the differtial bearing vibration (I think this is what they are talking about above). When I installed 5100's at 1.75 I got the vibration immediately and it was pretty bad. This was definitely not the cause of a "constant virbration" (that was my u-joint) mine was from 25-45mph. My vibration did go away after installing the bushing. Other thing to note that it you put it in 4wd and it does not go away this is probably not the solution but may be worth doing any way. Sounds like most people will end up installing this eventually anyway.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...differential-bearing-vibration-thread.152173/

http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-8536125-toyota-8-clamshell-bushing.html

 

Thanks for keeping me in the loop. Hope you are able to figure it out. I was thinking about removing the diff drop kit but was worried my original vibrations would come back as well as the new one.

 

Any luck so far? Mine is still steady but seems to be getting a bit louder after a little road trip today. Can feel the vibration steady on my gas pedal.

 

I feel the same thing in my pedal. I am going to replace my carrier bearing today hopefully... I think this is causing some of the problems