03+ 4Runner/GX470, & 05+ Tacomas 4th gen 4Runners & 5th gen trucks

2003 4th gen Front end shimmy

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Old Jun 12, 2005 | 04:28 AM
  #1  
cervesa33's Avatar
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From: Naptown, Maryland
2003 4th gen Front end shimmy

Has anyone else had problems with their 4th gen front end? I noticed a few weeks ago that at highway speeds 60-75 my steering wheel had a bad shimmy. I took it into the dealer to have the wheels checked for balance. They found both front wheels were out of balance. Well 2 days later I was out on the highway and the shimmy is still there.
I read an earlier post stating there was a recall for ball joints on 00-02 4runners and 02-04 Tacos. I don't think that ball joints should fail with only 22k on the vehicle. I will be taking it back in on monday for another inspection.

Has anyone experienced this issue with their 4th gen?

Thanks in advance.
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Old Jun 12, 2005 | 05:42 AM
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Boaz's Avatar
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From: Virginia Beach VA
go get them balanced again, they did not balance them correctly.

Also do you have the OEM dunlops? they totally suck and are hard to balance from my experience.
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Old Jun 12, 2005 | 06:42 AM
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From: Loob na kubo kubo ko
I second the balancing solution. If the wheels are balanced and are properly mounted, maybe your tires are out of round. It's rare I know but.............

When I put aftermarket wheels and larger tires on my 03 Runner, I was trying to figure the same thing you are. I took it and had it Road Forced and a few shops attempted to balance them but all failed.

The one shop manager who road forced it said, "occassionally, the tires are out of round." (just a thought)

My Solution was:
I took it home and put my wheels on by hand. That solved all of my vibration issues. I'm still running those tires and wheels today. Nearly 50,000 miles later. I've rotated them a half dozen times. If I miss my center, it shakes. It's happened a couple of times, but I just loosen the lugs and retighten them again.

BTW: Do you still have the factory wheels and Dun's?

Doug

Last edited by 02Runner; Jun 12, 2005 at 06:48 AM.
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Old Jun 12, 2005 | 09:19 AM
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From: Naptown, Maryland
Thanks for the replies

I still have the factory 5 spoke wheels and bridgestone dueler h/t's. I will see what the dealer says after I take them for a ride.

Thanks.
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Old Jun 13, 2005 | 02:45 AM
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From: Loob na kubo kubo ko
Wow, that surprises me.

I'm anxious to hear what they have to say.

Doug
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Old Jun 13, 2005 | 10:15 AM
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From: West Virginia
cervesa33

I was sure you were going to say you had the dunlops. Mine came with the dunlops and the dealer replaced them (300 miles on the truck) with 5 new Michelins cross terrains. That cleared up the shakes for me and they are quiet on the road and good in the rain not that great in the snow, a fairly good street tire i would say but once they are gone something better will go on.

Good luck getting it fixed and dont let the dealer try and screw you on it either.
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Old Jun 13, 2005 | 10:46 AM
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From: Texas
Good luck and let us know what you find out!
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