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Vibration/Rumbling 30-40 mph

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by bbennett, Nov 24, 2015.

  1. Nov 24, 2015 at 6:04 AM
    #1
    bbennett

    bbennett [OP] New Member

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    Looking for some advice – I have a 2005 4runner (115,000 mile), just had the pinion bearing replaced in the rear differential. I am now experiencing a rumbling sound and vibration from 30 – 40 mph and a high frequency vibration that is noticeable at higher speeds. The shop has checked the u-joints and other parts of the drive train and think the issue is the drive shaft being out of balance and that this may have been the cause of the bearing failure. Before I have the drive shaft balanced what else could this be?
     
  2. Nov 24, 2015 at 10:08 AM
    #2
    wnelax04sr5

    wnelax04sr5 New Member

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    depends where you hear the vibration coming from, if its obviously the drive shaft area and the shop told you it was, then id say go with it
     
  3. Aug 23, 2016 at 11:27 PM
    #3
    solara54

    solara54 New Member

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    I was hoping to find some answers here about the vibration. I have the same vibration at around 35-40 which keep me in the speed limit but it annoying. I can get rid of the vibration by just speeding up. It does sound like either a motor or transmission out of balance but it could be the driveshaft as your mechanic suggested but would like to get verification first, too! I've seen this problem with others so it's something the 2003 4Runners have in common. Hope to hear more suggestions and what you find out. Thanks!
     
  4. Nov 30, 2016 at 7:25 PM
    #4
    ToyotaKat

    ToyotaKat Calypso's Captain

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    Thinking about getting a new paint job.. Purple metallic or pearl, I'm not sure yet.
    I've had a similar issue when my husband had his Mazda Protege. It would vibrate around 55 mph, and I mean the entire car would shake. It turned out to be a bent rim. If it turns out to be the issue, don't you run to the tire shop for a new one. You should know that, after taking off the tire, the rim can be fixed with a good hammering. Hope this helps!
     
    Last edited: Nov 30, 2016
  5. Dec 9, 2016 at 5:55 AM
    #5
    4thgen-mg

    4thgen-mg New Member

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    I'm having the same issue. it's definitely not a wheel issue. it only happens between 35-40 MPH under acceleration. I'm going to try changing fluids in the entire drive train first. the Truck has about 140K on it and they've probably never been done. My only other guess is maybe a u-joint but I figure the fluids are probably long over due anyway.
    Please post if anyone finds the answer to this.
     
  6. Dec 9, 2016 at 8:16 AM
    #6
    giarc1234

    giarc1234 New Member

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    None yet. Just purchased it.
    Your issue sounds like the dreaded transmission rumble possibly. Do a search for "4runner transmission rumble" and do some reading. I bought a 2006 recently (luckily I bought a warranty) noticed this and took it in and they are replacing my torque converter. There are other possible fixes out there but I had the warranty so took it in.
     
    ToyotaKat likes this.
  7. Apr 10, 2017 at 4:31 AM
    #7
    4thgen-mg

    4thgen-mg New Member

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    So just an update on this..
    I finally took the truck in. (Needed tires) I told my mechanic about the transmission rumble and to.
    1. Change all the fluids
    2. Fix the leaky valve cover gasket.
    The response was.
    Ok but we won't change the tranny fluid only top it off if it needs it. As changing it sometimes does more harm than good..
    At the end of all of this. I got..
    1. New tension pully
    2. New timing belt
    3. New serpentine belt
    4. Valve cover gasket
    5. two new tires
    For $1500..
    Now, I get a stutter when idling in reverse or starting from stop.
    It seems worse when the car is cold..
    Other than "it's time to find a new mechanic" what do y'all think about the stutter? Feels like the 4wd is kicking on and off to me..
     
  8. Apr 11, 2017 at 8:47 AM
    #8
    RonT4R

    RonT4R New Member

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    Damn, I'm glad I do my own work and everything is good after.
     
    4thgen-mg likes this.
  9. Apr 12, 2017 at 4:03 AM
    #9
    4thgen-mg

    4thgen-mg New Member

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    Turns out it was poorly installed pickup coil.. I wish I had the time to do my own work.. not convinced the problem is completely gone yet. But things feel a little better so far.. if things hold with the drive train my next task is the rear suspension. So I'm officially taking suggestions on bushings and any recommended upgrades..
     
  10. Apr 12, 2017 at 4:14 AM
    #10
    RonT4R

    RonT4R New Member

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    I pretty much rebuilt my 4Runner, new shocks, bushings, all fluids, both front CV axles, three brake Calipers, two front brake rotors and a rear axle seal.
     
  11. Mar 1, 2019 at 5:35 PM
    #11
    Jay cutty

    Jay cutty New Member

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    Mines did the same. Had my diy mechanic friend checked it and replaced the spark plugs, now its good. Hope it is the same as mines
     
  12. Mar 9, 2019 at 1:24 AM
    #12
    Jay cutty

    Jay cutty New Member

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    Nevermind mines was the torque converter kicking intoo early. Like it skips 3rd and 4th gear and goes to 5th gear, so it vibrates till it picks up on the that gear.
     
  13. Mar 5, 2023 at 4:04 AM
    #13
    Kim4runner

    Kim4runner New Member

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    Accelerator sensor probably stuck or needs replaced. This happened to mine and I had them check that. Mine was stuck and stopped vibrating after it was fixed. ( Took about a minute!)
    They told me I probably needed new tires( one year old with plenty of tread left)
     
  14. Mar 6, 2023 at 6:48 AM
    #14
    GreatWhitePig

    GreatWhitePig New Member

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    All I get is this little box?!
    Came here to say this. Swap out transmission fluid but no high pressure flush.
     
    Libagui and xtremewlr like this.
  15. Mar 16, 2023 at 12:00 PM
    #15
    red-brian87

    red-brian87 New Member

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    I have the same issue had my tranmission flushed I need to get the drive shaft checked out I could really use a cheap fix
     

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