I've got a slight but irritating steering wheel vibration in my 2001 4-Runner that has been difficult to cure. Bought the vehicle new and had dealer service for the first 30k. Through a cross country trip and 30 min. highway ride to the dealer for 30k service, no problem. The service, scheduled for 1/2 hour, mysteriously took over three hours. Returning from the service, noticed slight vibration. Returned to dealer who diagnosed as bad Bridgestone tire (not under warrantee). Sensing BS, I had independent mechanic install new Cooper tires, including spin balance. No great improvement, no suggested solution.

Whatever happened, occurred at the 30k dealer service. Looking at the repair slip I noted that it includes "lube axle shafts" which is a first time procedure for this vehicle.

Could they have damaged these axle's or reinstalled them incorrectly? I'm out of ideas and sure would like to fix this fine SUV which has otherwise been perfect.

 

My first impression was warped brake rotors. This is a well know issue with stock 4runner brakes.

but with it happning at the dealer i really don't know what the problem is.

 

At what speeds do the vibrations show up? It COULD possibly be a bent rim, in which case the dealership couldn't have done unless they test drove your vehicle for some strange reason. It could be warped brake rotors IF the symptoms only show up while braking.

 

I have the same issue, but it only occurs at highway speeds. This could be due to the oversized tires. It's not a major vibration, just slightly annoying. I haven't driven any other 4runners, so I'm not sure if it's normal.