Steering wheel Shake

What exactly did they say was wrong with the driveshaft ?

 

So I recently got my new SCS F-5 wheels (awesome wheels, btw!). I had them installed with the tires I had on my stock rims (245/75/16 Firestone Destination A/T). Before with my stock wheels and the Firestone Destination A/T tires, I had ZERO vibrations, but after installing them on the new wheels, I have vibrations from 60-70 mph. I took my truck back to Discount Tire to have them rebalance them, but after putting all the wheels on their machine, they said they were all balanced already. So I tried airing down my tires from 40psi to 35psi. That helped slightly, but the vibrations are still there. To me, this sounds like a bad balance job. So I made an appointment for Toyota to give it a shot this coming weekend (balance and alignment).

Any thought or suggestions? I don't really want to waste $100+ at the Toyota Service department if you guys don't think it's going to help at all

 

So I need someone's seasoned opinion on my wheel shake. I bought my truck a couple weeks ago. Pre-owned 2008. It had different wheels on it (come to find out they are 4runner sport wheels look cool but.....). Upon purchasing I did not test drive on the highway, I know stupid me but it's my first time buying a new car from a dealer. Anyway on the drive home I noticed a slight shimmy after 55. Sometimes it smoothed out and the wheel was smooth as warm butter but something was def wrong. Thought it was wheel unbalanced, took it right back to dealer, wheels balances for free (sweet!!). But the occassional shimmy was still there... occassionally. On the inspection report it says there are wheel spacers on all 4 wheels. Go to try and take them off and go figure the f*cking dealership tightened the lug nuts so tight I couldn't even get them off with the wheel wrench and a hammer. Absolutely rediculous! They deny over tightening of course. So I go to my friends house who has an impact air driver. Get them off and find out the wheels won't fit without the spacers that are lug centric (not hub centric). I tighten everything up in star pattern according to recommended torque. And BAM no f*cking wobble!! Any chance over tightening the lug nuts would cause this? I've heard of warping rotors from hard braking with over tightened lugs but my wobble was not during braking. Or did I just get lucky and tighten the wheel on perfectly centered to eliminate the previous wobble??

Also I bought the extended bumper to bumper warranty, should I fight them to get me new wheels that don't require aftermarket spacers that cause wheel wobble? Do I have ground to stand on??

I know a lot of info and I appreciate all the insight. Ive only ever owned crappy old cars so this new car and warranty stuff is a whole new world. Love the truck tho!!!

 

They said it was "unbalanced", which is weird cause they could just rebalance right?
Anyhow, they asked if they could keep it overnight as the new driveshaft would be in in the morning.

I will post the ticket when-its all wrapped up.

Makes me wonder if something wasn't right after the leaf repair?

 

Interesting , my driveshaft is being replaced under warranty too

 

My truck is doing the same thing and I'm just now hitting around 95,000 miles on an 07

 

Likely not. Sometimes just removing the wheel and shifting the lug nut pattern will help remove the shakes.

Out of round tires cause wobble, bent Rims or worn suspension parts. I'd have them go through the steering suspension carefully. Have a friend turn the steering wheel right to left and watch carefully underneath for any slop or play in the steering.

Yes, they should repair until the vehicle is sound. Wobbling wheels is an indicate of some type of problem.

Good luck.

 

My steering wheel shakes are back!!! Im so fed up with this issue. New tires, over 10 balances. I dont get how it cant stay in balance.

 

My 08 has been doing this since new. Between the dealer & Michelin shop, there has been no cure. I've had road force balancing done at both places several times, regular balancing many times & new Michelin tires. Nothing seems to be able to stop the steering wheel shakes above 55 mph. I do know my shifter shakes like hell when the wheel is shaking. Don't know if this is related.

 

Drive shafts can be rebuilt, installing new bearings and u-joints and rebalance. Shouldn't cost too much, maybe 150.

 

Charles, Is it 4wd? Check the drive shaft and u-joints etc. If loose that could cause the shakes. Most of the time this sort of thing is caused by suspension parts that are worn. Have a friend turn the steering wheel full left/full right and watch for stuff moving that shouldn't be. Make sure all of the tie rod ends are good and snug as well as checking the ball joints and possibly shocks.

 

Warranty = free

 

Well, picked up my truck and they replaced the entire driveline, the SA informs me that it should be better but that there is "final solution" coming out in about a month? Says Toyota knows there is a problem.

Drive the truck home and it feels the same freaking way to me. Gonna call in the morning and let them know I want it fixed right.

20 MPH, vibration in the steering wheel, 55-65 MPH a low growling/vibrating humm from underneath.

The drivetrain has got issues.

 

My truck is a 2wd Prerunner. I've had the Michelin dealer & Toyota dealer check the suspension several times. They both say everything is fine & tight. I may have to get a 3rd opinion. I have 48,600 miles on the truck & it's done this since new. Some days shake is much worse than others. I really notice the wheel start to shake when turning the wheel slightly to left or right when going straight, then sometimes smooths out, other times just keeps shaking.

 

All I can add here is that I had this after swapping to new aftermarket wheels with same tires I already had. There was absolutely zero vibes before and afterwards had vibes 65-70. Had the tire store retry balance. Was better but still slight vibe between 72-75. I decided to remove the center caps and paint axle and hub centers with black caliper paint so something about removing the huge metal center caps or maybe the real thing, changing the lug orientation when removing the wheels to do remove center caps has made things all better. I have no vibes now. I know the center cap thing is irrelevant to those with oem wheels but maybe the lug location thing is something to at least try. It's free. Still is complete bullshit for new trucks to be this way and dealer not be able to or not willing to make it a non-issue regardless of what it takes to make it right.

 

Try taking the front tires off, shifting the lug location by two or lugs. Make sure you torque down the lugs in the correct pattern. And again after 50 miles.

 

Thanks for the idea. I'll give it a try. You never know what may work.

 

From what I'm being told, we should expect a recall on this issue. Something is hosed up causing the shake.
They indeed replaced the entire driveline --- No difference

 

doesnt seem right that an out of balance DS would cause STEERING WHEEL shake.

my steering wheel shakes becuase i BFG's that are shot to shit, and balancing beads inside them, wil weights on the wheels

ordered new tires that will be here hopefully next week. i wouldnt blame the problem on my driveshaft, if you really want to fix that shudder you will need to purchase a one-piece shaft. mine doesnt do it... yet. even with the lift.

 

"I" didn't blame it on the driveline; Toyota has.
This problem is global, not local.
I went thru 2 sets of new tires with in 2 weeks thinking it was tire related. It's not tire related on mine. Dyna Pro ATM's AND RH12's. Road forced AND Haweka balanced.

The problenm is NOT tires.

Folks who thought this was the fix have only reposted that the problem keeps coming back.

Kinda like thinking the airbag light is on bc there is a problemn with the airbag. Its a problem with the clockspring and Toyota knows it.

I'm not purchasing crap; I already paid for a vehicle.