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Intermittent vibration above 50 mph

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by 4runnerdantheman, May 2, 2021.

  1. May 2, 2021 at 9:32 PM
    #1
    4runnerdantheman

    4runnerdantheman [OP] New Member

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    Vibration above 50mph usually means u joint right? I think something else is wrong. A u-joint vibration problem would go away if i took my foot off the gas and stopped accelerating ( while remaining above 50mph). The vibration i am experiencing now is different, it vibrates even when just coasting, above 50 mph. To make the problem weirder, it is an intermittent problem. It doesnt do it all the time. Any clues? please. thanks, Dan
     
    Last edited: May 3, 2021
  2. May 2, 2021 at 10:51 PM
    #2
    Moon Landing

    Moon Landing AFFTC 1967/68 Eddies Air Patch

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    I wouldn't rule anything out until it has been thoroughly inspected. Have you checked all the mounts?
     
  3. May 3, 2021 at 2:16 AM
    #3
    Toy4X4

    Toy4X4 New Member

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    Welcome from Wisconsin!
     
  4. May 3, 2021 at 11:49 AM
    #4
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Yeah, a u-joint vibration usually goes away when coasting. You can get a clunk when putting it in drive or reverse too.

    So how did you rule out the brakes/wheels/tires? Those are the first culprits.

    Seems like a few people have found the drive shaft, if it has a rubber insert in it, can go bad.
     
  5. May 7, 2021 at 7:47 AM
    #5
    mousemeat

    mousemeat New Member

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    could also be tires / rotors/etc out of balance....as well
     
  6. May 7, 2021 at 2:00 PM
    #6
    markmb45

    markmb45 New Member

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    I had the exact same issue. It was a u-joint. Replaced it and all is well.
     
  7. Jun 6, 2021 at 11:50 AM
    #7
    Ambush

    Ambush New Member

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    If the u-joint does not help, it could be your driveshaft out of balance. TRUST me I have been through this with 2 of 4runners. They make the shafts with this RUBBER piece in it and there is no way to replace it. They get out of balance. It is SOO annoying.
     
    SlvrSlug likes this.
  8. Jun 8, 2021 at 8:41 AM
    #8
    Justthemechanic

    Justthemechanic New Member

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    A loose rear differential pinion nut can cause a vibration.
     

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