Steering and engine vibration?

Hi everyone, thanks for having me here.

I'm about to buy my first 4runner on Monday. It is a limited 2018. I am so fortunate and grateful to get one!


Question

I'm buying a used model at a Toyota dealer and I reported a couple of issues, one was a bit of rust behind the license plate and one more concern with the steering wheel feel when accelerating.

The one thing I've noticed is when I accelerate I can feel the engine very very small, i dont want to call it vibration, maybe just feeling the engine working but it pulsates up the steering.

Is this normal? I tried a different 4runner today and could sense it too but I dont think it as pronounced.

Anyway if someone just says that's the way they are then I'm good and won't worry.

I did tell them to look into it so the Toyota dealer mechanics will be looking at it.

Any feedback welcome.

Again thanks for having me!

 

Congrats on the new ride, and welcome to the forum.

 

Not normal.

 

Thanks Landcruiser.

So I'm clear, 5th generation limited t4r will have almost no slight shaking / slight engine feel in the steering wheel under hard acceration?

 

There shouldn't be any noticeable engine vibes. These trucks are known to have a bit of steering shake around 60-70, especially if the road isn't perfect.

Does it vibrate during off the line acceleration?

 

None whatsoever.

I’ve had mine since February 2013.

 

Thanks, I didn't notice any vibration from a stop but then I wasn't flooring it. I was able to replicate when I was already at 30-40 and I accelerated harder.

I tried a second 4runner limited 2019 and it did the same thing today. I am new to 4runners so it seemed like it's just the way they drive?

I am supposed to close a deal on a used 2018 limited on monday and I told the dealer to fix it.....from what in reading on this website it seems the Tacoma's have this as a common issue but I haven't seen much with the 4runners.

I am prepared to walk away from the deal if this isn't fixed and this isn't normal for 4runners

 

Is this a full-time four-wheel-drive Limited?

You might be feeling a little bit of the drive train through the front wheels which a rear wheel drive selectable 4x4 won’t have.

 

If you're feeling the same thing in another truck, it may be something you're just more sensitive to than others. Some are bothered by slight vibrations, some are happy as long as the truck runs and drives down the road.

I've gotten used to the vibration on the freeway, but I have noticed it on multiple trucks. I might try to adjust caster to fix it down the road

 

Yes it is full time 4wd Ltd.

I'm new to trucks/4x4/in general so maybe it's just me.

I also test drive a Honda pilot right after, absolutely nothing even close to a vibration at all - granted a totally different car - but it still gives me pause for thought.....


So are you saying it's nothing to be concerned about?

 

Probably nothing to be worried about, coming from a pilot you'll definitely have more "truck manners" that you'll notice. Going from essentially a large unibody car to a 4wd body on frame truck.

I think you'll adjust quickly and learn to love the ride, hitting driveways and speed bumps isn't really a concern anymore

 

Thanks

I really love the 4runner just dont want to be buying a lemon.....I have always heard they were extremely reliable. Just making sure


Thanks for everyone's feedback on this!

 

If you arent sure about it, dont sweep it under the rug. There may be nothing wrong with the 4runner, but you have to realize it will feel and ride much different than a unibody. I’d suggest you go on several long test drives to make sure you like it.

i personaly love the way my runner rides. It’s nothing like our 18 Highlander. The 4 runner is like a big cushy boat. If you dont like that, steer away from body on frame, and stay with unibody.

 

Thanks yes overall I like the way it drives, this was the only thing and I wanted to bring this up here in the event I was making it an issue even though there is nothing wrong.

It is why I tried a second 4runner test drive to see if it could be replicated there too.

The dealer mechanics will be looking at it and getting back to me tomorrow and I'm expecting an answer like "we couldn't find anything wrong". Of course they would say that as they want me to buy it!

 

Welcome from Arizona!

 

Thanks!

Arizona is on our list of travel sites once Covid lifts!

Sorry I should have said I'm from Ontario Canada!

 

It's hard to know what you're experiencing just from this post, but FWIW: I bought a 2020 Limited new. There's a very slight vibration through the steering wheel at certain RPMs. In the driver side floorboard too. I find this completely normal / not surprising. These vehicles are not "refined." It's a big engine with BOF vehicle construction and (thankfully) old school hydraulic steering that communicates information from the road etc. If you're used to a car with electric power steering, which is in most cars these days, then you're probably used to having a very numb / isolated feel from the steering wheel.

Also, others on the forum have posted similar experiences.

That said, I think you're wise to have the dealer check it out before purchase. Few of us around here trust dealer service departments, and we all know the frustration of having real problems that a mechanic "cannot duplicate," but it's at least worth a shot and perhaps shows the sales guy that you're not a pushover.

Best of luck with it and please let us know how it goes! And with pics if you buy it!

PS, I'm not even conscious of these particular vibrations anymore. I only noticed them because someone else on the forum had expressed a similar concern.

 

Thanks for replying, what you write does put my mind at ease somewhat. It's just difficult to articulate in writing.

I've scoured this forum however maybe I'm using wrong terminology but I didn't find anything widespread.

Again it's by no means a big obvious vibration, I'm just over sensitive as the car is used and a lot of money....

Question is do I walk away if they say they can't find any issue? There is still warranty on the truck and I could walk away if I wanted to. But this is the one I've been waiting for months.....

Again just looking for some self assurances....thanks again!

 

No prob hope it helps. What are you driving now? Might help to know what you’re comparing this 4Runner to.

in any case, I’d be reassured if this truck has no accident history and seems to have been properly maintained. I’m assuming it doesn’t have an unusual amount of miles for a 2018. And like you said it comes with some warranty.

 

I too have an extended warranty. Rather than start another thread, I thought I would go ahead and ask a related question.
Mine is a 2016 stock SR5. when I start it, at an idle, I hear a slightly audible soft taping noise, which seems to go away when up to temp. Wondering if this might be normal? Heck, my 98 3rd gen Limited 3.4 idles quieter than the 5th gen.

By the way, congrats countfloyd in advance. Not trying to hijack your thread.☺

 

Yes very normal.
The start up on the engine is very loud compared to other vehicles.
1st thing .. Check you oil level (just to be sure you have plenty).
2nd thing. Watch The Car Care Nut videos on youtube. He goes into details about 4 runners that you never knew about. He speaks about the loud engine startup in one of those videos.

 

I'm driving a dodge caravan 2012. It has smooth type steering, no engine feedback at any time even when I hit the gas hard.

This truck is one owner, no accident history as per carfax, 54,000 km and there is still bumper to bumper warranty and power train left.

 

Cool. Yes the 4R steering etc would def feel different than on the Caravan, even though at that MY it's unlikely to have electric steering.

Anyway, if you like the truck and the price I'd go for it and not worry about a little vibration. Espec if it's not accompanied by shimmying / lots of vibration at highway speeds. Even then that's prob just wheel balance (these trucks are known to be sensitive to balance)

 

My truck is basically brand new (1050 kms) and I get the slight vibration in the steering at 100-110 kmph. My 2017 Tacoma never had it so I was a bit surprised my Japanese built 4Runner does but it seems it's more of a quirk than a real issue.

 

I think it’s because of the all wheel drive in the limited. I have a 18 also and I notice this. I’ve just chalked it up to the all wheel drive characteristic.

 

And ill bet its you, and there isnt anything wrong with it. Just my .02

 

It took me awhile to adjust and now I don’t notice it! These things are built to last so I wouldn’t worry too much about it. If you had a mechanic look it over and say it’s ok then don’t look back and enjoy the best SUV you will ever own!!

 

Well I bought it today.

I asked for one of their service techs and they gave me a 20 year veteran. We went for a drive and he confirmed that engine response through the steering is just what a 4x4 feels like. He told me it was totally normal for a 4runner.

Other things he said

4runners never come into the shop with major issues unless the owner did something to it

Not uncommon for brake calipers to seize

It's a gas guzzler

Other than that he said they are very reliable. He said there was a reason the Taliban used them in Afghanistan!

Anyway I'm now a proud owner of a 4runner.

Thanks to all of you that responded!

 

The Taliban seal of approval?