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Ever heard of a 4runner steering wobble?

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by BourbonNcigars, Jan 26, 2022.

  1. Jan 26, 2022 at 5:45 PM
    #1
    BourbonNcigars

    BourbonNcigars [OP] New Member

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    Ok, bad joke. Literally hundreds if not thousands of posts about this.

    But, I'm getting conflicting data and I'm betting some of you professionals can help in my quest to correct this. If it's not obvious I'm suffering the 63-67 mph shake so prevalent among these vehicles. But only sometimes.

    1. Factory trail wheels with Michelin's didn't shake.
    2. Aftermarket wheels with same tires did.
    3. Had different place balance, same result.
    4. Put trail wheels back on and no shake.
    5. Put TRD Pro wheels on with Nitto RG's (stock size). Shake.

    Notes:
    1. No odd noises or behavior that would lead me to think it was the needle bearing issue or bad alignment (but it does tend to sway on the highway more than I'd like). I do have an alignment printout but nothing looks out of the ordinary (caster at 3.1). Stock shocks.

    2. After I've been driving several miles (>15) there's not much if any shake (so it must be the tires warming up and rounding out?)

    3. In cold weather (<40F) I get no shake. In fact it drives great (so it must be a bushing somewhere that has not deformed in the cold weather?)

    Or...are the soft SL rated tires on a heavy suv deforming overnight in >40f weather and take time to round out during the first drive?

    As a long time member of way too many car forums, if I'm posting a question that has already been well explored, then I've reached a point where I'll try some crazy ass suggestions. But I know it's not a lost cause at this point.

    Thanks in advance to anyone who offers up a suggestion.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  2. Jan 26, 2022 at 6:37 PM
    #2
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

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    Sounds like the wheels are a problem.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  3. Jan 26, 2022 at 6:59 PM
    #3
    BionicRandy

    BionicRandy New Member

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    Lots of goodies
    I think only bias ply tires can get noticeable flat spots that quick.
     
    LandCruiser and Thatbassguy like this.
  4. Jan 26, 2022 at 7:04 PM
    #4
    Chris In Milwaukee

    Chris In Milwaukee New Member

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    Did it to me with factory tires and factory-sized KO2s on trail wheels. Bumped up the tire pressure a smidge and problem went away. For me, anyway.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  5. Jan 26, 2022 at 7:06 PM
    #5
    Trail Runnah

    Trail Runnah New Member

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    Well, I don't think the tire load rating has anything to do with it. Your stock tires would have been SL and you didn't have problems with them, so I doubt it would be the issue with new tires. Sounds like something with the wheels.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  6. Jan 26, 2022 at 7:20 PM
    #6
    GrantA

    GrantA Enjoying God’s creation

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    Thatbassguy likes this.
  7. Jan 26, 2022 at 7:47 PM
    #7
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    Yes sir, I had this problem with my brand new TRD PRO.
    I thought its because TRD Pro stuff are fixed here in USA at lesser quality than other models directly from Toyota factory in Japan. (I could be wrong). I paid my own money to correct the wheel balance issues and alignment issues vs going back to Toyota for warranty.

    upload_2022-1-26_20-39-15.jpg


    Pic from TRD JON when 2021 Luna Rock just landed in USA. Seems like they come with steel wheels, regular tires, no TRD skid, no roof rack, no badges, maybe no slight lift with Fox shocks? (Again I could be wrong)
    upload_2022-1-26_20-44-36.jpg
    upload_2022-1-26_20-46-29.jpg
     
    BionicRandy, GrantA and Thatbassguy like this.
  8. Jan 27, 2022 at 6:07 AM
    #8
    BourbonNcigars

    BourbonNcigars [OP] New Member

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    Thanks everyone.

    Wheels were checked for roundness since we already dealt with that problem on the other wheels. They've been RF balanced twice using the haweka plate.

    If it was the wheels, would the shake go away after several miles though? And wouldn't an out of round wheel give me vibes at all speeds? Thing drives great after driving a bit.

    And I don't know if this is another clue, but this is the most sensitive steering vehicle I've ever had no matter the wheels or tires. I can run over a small rock and the wheel quickly snatches to that side.
     
  9. Jan 27, 2022 at 6:49 AM
    #9
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

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    Doesn't shake when using Trail wheels...why not go with those? IMO those are superior wheels anyway, but your pick - no shake or find a fix...
     
    Trail Runnah likes this.
  10. Jan 27, 2022 at 7:56 AM
    #10
    BourbonNcigars

    BourbonNcigars [OP] New Member

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    They're gone.
     
  11. Jan 27, 2022 at 8:08 AM
    #11
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    I was commenting on posts when members try to buy TRD Pro wheels selling Trail / TRD ORP wheels as TRD Pro wheels are skinnier so no good for bigger tires like common 285/70R17. Looks like balancing issues can be one other reason not to buy TRD Pro wheels? (maybe..)
     
  12. Jan 27, 2022 at 8:24 AM
    #12
    Slopemaster

    Slopemaster Slope Survivalist

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    I’m running Pro rims with 285-70-17 and no issues after 21k miles.
     
    kmeeg[QUOTED] likes this.
  13. Jan 27, 2022 at 8:38 AM
    #13
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    I only meant to say they do not meet the approved width for 285/70R17 sir. Please Please don't misunderstand, I'm not trying to talk bad about your 4R, just sharing info what tire manufacturers specify.

    Falken Wildpeak AT3W data sheet;
    upload_2022-1-27_9-31-18.jpg

    BFG KO2 data sheet;
    upload_2022-1-27_9-29-47.jpg

    Toyo Open Country data sheet;
    upload_2022-1-27_9-38-3.jpg
     
    Slopemaster[QUOTED] likes this.
  14. Jan 27, 2022 at 9:33 AM
    #14
    Slopemaster

    Slopemaster Slope Survivalist

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    265-70-17 Ridge Grapplers, TRD Pro rims, 3M precut bra, N-Fab nerf/steps
    You are correct, that’s why I’m wondering if I will run into trouble when it’s time to replace the tires.

    They were installed by the dealership when I purchased the 4Runner. Maybe it’s a ploy to ensure I return to the dealership when it’s time to replace the tires. ;)

    I wonder if anyone on this forum has been in this situation replacing their 285’s on Pro rims.

    Since I don’t drive much anymore, the tires will probably dry rot before the tread wears out.
     
    Last edited: Jan 27, 2022
    kmeeg[QUOTED] likes this.
  15. Jan 27, 2022 at 9:44 AM
    #15
    Slopemaster

    Slopemaster Slope Survivalist

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    265-70-17 Ridge Grapplers, TRD Pro rims, 3M precut bra, N-Fab nerf/steps
    To be honest, even though I have a maintenance background, when I bought my 4Runner, they had a couple of display models with the setup I got (Ready Lift SST, Pro rims with 285’s) and I did no research. I thought it looked cool and told them that’s how I want mine. :)

    I did ask if the modifications would have an ill effect on the vehicle and the warranty and they said “no” so I said do it.

    I’ve clocked just over 21k miles so far and happy to say that I have had zero issues thus far.

    They have a couple of techs that do all of their in house mods and they do a lot of business.

    I guess I got lucky because I know we’ve had others on this forum where things didn’t work out so well.
     

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