I have a 1990 4runner, 3vze, 5 speed. I know for a fact my right CV joint needs replacement (it's torn.)

Here's the problem, when under a load (in gear, under power) it vibrates pretty heavily. By 70, it sounds like a loud roar and it vibrating heavier. The second I take my foot off the gas, it goes away. As soon as I put it in neutral, it goes away.

Is this just the CV? Or is there something else going on here? I mean, I have auto hubs, are they just not disconnecting?

Help


Thanks

You guys got me through my headgasket job! I owe all of you who posted a big thank you!!! Without Yotatech I'd still have that dang engine apart.

 

Check your u-joints and even drop the driveshaft and check the t-case output nut and the diff pinion nut. Sounds wierd but I have encountered three customers over the last week where those nuts had loosened.

 

I will do that. What am I looking for? Just a loose nut? I mean, this just started today. Granted I just put on some 31's....

 

When you un-bolt the 8 bolts that secure your driveshaft, you will see a large nut at the t-case and diff, you dont have to tighten them, just wiggle the drive shaft and if the output and input move, remove the driveshaft and tighten the nuts. I can take pics in the morning, a little tired now, so sorry if my explanation sucks. Im off to bed, catch ya in the morning.

 

You dont have Auto Hubs. You have Auto-Disconnecting Differential (ADD). '89 was the last year for Auto Hubs on 4runners. Your CV axles are locked to your hubs all the time, but the two sides are not connected until you put it in 4wd. Its doubtful that at torn boot will make the vibration, but not entirely impossible. Are the tires balanced? lug nuts torqued properly. When was the last time you rotated tires? Seanmarse covered lots of other good areas to look. Good luck.

 

seanmearse - Looks like I'll be dropping the driveshaft tomorrow. It's snowing today and the wife has other projects for me.
Toyota4x4907 - Got it, that actually makes way more sense. The tires are brand new. I've literally had them a week. Checked the torque on the lugnuts, they're fine. This thing is only doing the vibration when under power. So it has to be drive train related. When it's just rolling there is no vibration

 

Did you wiggle the driveshaft?

 

Currently the truck is sitting in the driveway that has about a foot of snow. So not yet, I'm not really up for getting that cold at 8:30. I'll be checking it here in a few. Front to back? Side to side? How much play is acceptable?

 

The less the better, not rotational movement, but up, down and side to side is not good. Hang on im going to run out and get some pics for ya.

 

Thanks a bunch. As soon as I shovel the driveway I'm going to swap cars and pull this one in the garage to check it.

 

No movement from these at all.

 

U joint replacement time. Anyone have any nice tricks to get these things apart? I some play in them. Ski season is here, this is my "ski taxi," I'd rather fix it now then later.

 

Use a small socket as a bearing punch with a hammer and a large diametre socket to catch them in. Don't forget to remove the spring clips on the bearings. Hooke's joints can be a real PITA to get apart but this should make it easier.

e: You can also substitute the hammer with a vice, just make sure the sockets are aligned.

 

Ya know, while I'm down there working on this. Another thing I'd like to address while I'm at it. My front end whines like a school girl when I'm in 4 wheel drive. I mean, I'm assuming it's the blown CV, but is there anything else I should check while I'm down there ripping things apart?

 

My 94 $runner did that for like 2 months and some clicking in 4 wheel drive, it went away. Never found out what it was.

 

Ok, U-joints replaced. Driveshaft aligned. Still making the vibrations. Any thoughts?

I did some more research while driving.
1) It has to be going about 30 or greater to make the vibration noticeable.
2) The vehicle must be under power (in gear, foot on gas)
3) The instant I take my foot off the gas, it stops
4) I have ADD (not me, my truck)
5) I still have a visibly torn CV joint, I have no idea how long it's been like this, I've only had the truck a matter of weeks
6) My rear-end was warm to the touch after a 10 mile drive (not mine, the trucks.. I don't have heated seats)

Any thoughts?? This is starting to **** me off. I miss my smooth running $73 car (sold the old tires and rims for $300, bought the truck for $300 with a blown headgasket... fixed that for $73)

 

Wait, is it an auto?

 

That was dumb, just re-read the first post, you check the large nuts when you removed the driveshaft right?

 

Yeah, not an auto. Yes I checked the nuts, they were all tight

 

and you have checked all the fluids (diff's, trans, t-case? Checked the wheel bearings? I dont know, im at a loss.