I have a vibration problem with my 2001 4 runner 4X4 so I crawled under to take a look for anything that may be worn. I only have 55,000 mostly street miles on it so I would not expect much wear.

I did find that the rear drive shaft that fits into the transfer case has a little play when moved up and down and left and right (Not pushing or pulling in and out).

What else could be causing the vibration, I get vibration at around 30 mph and from 65 to 73 mph.

I am thinking a bearing is worn and is causing the vibration. Anyone have ideas or suggestions? Is this a easy fix, are special tools needed? Maybe it doesnÆt need fixing?


Another question. Replacing shocks. I know the rear shocks are easy but what about the front shocks? 90+% of my driving is on the street so what is a good shock to buy?
55,000 miles, do they need replaced?

Thank you for your help and suggestions
Don

ummm re-balance the tires?????

Tires have been balanced and rebalanced, second time at Toyota dealer. No help at all.

first off.........you need to describe the vibration.
Is it in the steering wheel.which would be wheel,tire, front end related?
Or do the seats in your car vibrate which could be a bad tranny mount or a rock lodged between a skid plate and the frame etc....of course just an example.

a better explanation is needed. Kenny

I feel slight vibration at the steering wheel, most is felt in the seat.

I did not say this in my first post but the exast pipe has broken two times where it is welded into the muffler, yes the vibration is this bad.

I am very concerned the vibration is the result of the slop I found at the transfer case out put shaft, where the rear drive shaft goes into the transfer case. If anyone has any experience with this I would like to hear from them about replacing the bearing procedure. It looks like I may be able to remove the drive shaft, take the cover off the transfer case and then replace the bearing. Experience, suggestions ideas?

Don

I'd check your rear wheel bearings and axle shafts first...

Dude...........if that exhaust thang is due to the vibration, then just bring it to a shop or a Toyota Dealer.
Simple.........and it sounds like it would be worth every cent you spend. Kenny S>

Today I decided to take my 4Runner to the shop and get this problem corrected. The shop agreed with me that it was the transmission output shaft bearing and replaced the $30.00 bearing and charged me $70.00 for 1 hour labor.

The vibration problem is now 100% corrected!!

I suggest anyone with vibration problems look at the drive shaft for excess play. Do not only check in one position, move the truck rotation the shaft slightly and check for play.

I see many posts that talk about vibration but mostly read about wheel balance and wheel bearings; this is another thing to check for.

Rides like new!!

Don