chef_ray

Hi,

My 1998 4Runner has started to vibrate & growl. I can feel the vibration start at around 15-20mph but at 60mph, the vibration gets worse and growling gets louder. This is only in 2 wheel drive...

It started shortly after I changed the tires. The u-joints are less than a year old!

I did hear a ticking noise at the front end of the truck and then it started to vibrate when the ticking noise disappeared. I didn't get a chance to investigate. I don't know if there is any correlation with the ticking noise and vibration!!!

Does anyone have any ideas... front axles, front transaxle, wheel bearings?

One last question... If I can't figure this out, should I take my truck to the dealership where they "SHOULD" be able to diagnose the problem or an independent garage that might know a little about Toyota's?

Any suggestions, help would be greatly appreciated...

hross14

Info please--3.4 or 4 banger? Manual or automatic--4wd or not..what have you done to it lately? Any problems in the past?.......

okie81

You may have thrown a wheel balance weight seeing that it started shortly after you changed the tires

kmcaprice14

maybe something with the CVs... if the problem goes away in 4wd when they are under load. I would inspect them...

chef_ray

4 banger, Automatic,4x2. I just had put four new tires on. Down sized to 195's. Better Gas mileage.

hross14

Doubt that--i would go with CV's--just check them out and make sure they are ok--check the bolts.

Then look at your rear suspension and see whether all the bars are as should be (straight and bushings not worn).

Also check fluids--general condition of front suspension. Take off wheels and see if the hubs rotate smoothly with some frinction.

My take is it sounds like for whatever reason the pinion angle maybe off or bearing is going out somewhere. Pinion angle being off would be caused by the suspension bars being bent or bushing really worn out.....

It is always hard to tell when you dont have the vehicle around to check out

chad99

Is it real or imagined ?

hross14

is you truck going through menopause?

98Straight4

I too have a 98 4x2 4 banger. Mine's got a 5-speed and while it runs like a dream the vibrations between idle and 2500 rpm as well as during freeway speeds worry me. And TBH i wanna get rid of em.

These vibrations feel like they're coming from the engine/tranny from the intensity when in gear and neutral. The stick vibrates fit to make your hand numb.

I'd love some advice to try and dampen or remove the vibrations. I got it scheduled for a full check up and tire balance this weekend however anything i can get a head start on would be great.

Thanks all!