Funk_Runner

As I am planning a major road trip for this summer, I would like to get all issues with my 4runner in check. (just fixed the blown HGs)
I am noticing a small vibration in my gear shifter (auto 3.0) while coasting or accelerating at 35mph. The shifter rattles a little - sounds like the ashtray or something plastic on plastic, but I am pretty sure it is the shifter.
I checked the driveshaft for play, but didn't really find anything.

How should I check the driveshaft? I'm going to lube it up (thanks Bob- http://www.4runners.org/articles/zerk/) as regular maintenance, but don't think this is the problem.

Driveshaft? Transmission mounts? Bigger transmission problems? Gearing? (I had been running 285's w/ stock gears for 9,000 miles and didn't notice any vibration - from the tranny - prior to the new tires)
What do you guys think?

regularguy412

Are you sure the sound is coming from the shifter handle? My 92 3.0 Auto sometimes makes a little buzzing / rattling noise. I notice the low buzz more often when I'm sitting at a stoplight -- shifter in Drive. Doesn't seem to matter if the O/D is off or on,, or if the ECT button is off or on. I believe that buzz comes from the shifting solenoids in the valve body. I don't know if it is cause for alarm, but I've driven the 4runner over 35,000 miles and no problems.

My tranny also makes a kind of a 'loose rattle ' sound when going down the road. It's not very loud and I have to turn the radio off and listen for it , to hear it. I don't have a clue what might cause it, but , once again, it's been that way for a long time.

I don't think any of the noises on mine are caused by the drivetrain or tires.



Mike in AR

darthgk

Sounds like tranny mounts worn, but uneven tire pressure, wheel balance, alignment etc need to be checked also. It is one of those things causing vibration, just that mounts worn and you are really hearing it in the shifter. Does Steering wheel shake?also when you increase tire size, the slightest imbalance of the front end gets amplified. Hope this helps.

Funk_Runner

I watch the tire pressure. I am a bit out of alignment, but feel this at 55mph. I dont think they are related - I am getting the recall w/ alignment right before I hit the road trip. Wheels are balanced.
I'm thinking it may be the mounts and would replace them before leaving. How can I put them to the test?

darthgk

truck is 92, i would be willing to bet mounts have lost their effectiveness. Unless they have been changed recently. How about steering linkage? Any thing that causes vibration will transmit to worn mounts. You can live with any of these problems, the car will vibrate, but if you can't live with shifter noise start with the mounts. There is no test. They are elastisc and will crack and harden over time.