OK, I acknowledge that this question has been put out there, although I can;t seem to find much on the subject. Here goes. I have a 2001 stock 4 Runner Limited with 61k on it. I just bought it used. I notice that when I am traveling at higher speeds, say 50 mph+, and hit a decent sized bump the sterring wheel will shake a lot more than I think it should. When any vehicle hits a bump at high speeds you will feel the result of hitting that bump in your car. I will call this recoil (like a gun). In most vehicles you will feel 1 recoil and the vehicle settles down. In my 4 Runner, you may feel 3-4 recoils. It's like the energy created by hitting the bump is continuing long after hitting the bump. My experts tell me that I need new front shocks and I will try this, however, I have read other threads theorizing bad balancing and out of round rims. These other threads scare the $#@! out of me because it sounds like even Toyota could not figure it out even after acknowledging the issue.

Has anyone experienced this and if so, how did you resolve it. A

 

The balance and rim problem should show itself without hitting any bumps, no? Mine did a little bit of that prior to replacing shocks at 85K - though it was more like over 60and hitting crappy bumps and holes ont he parkway...

 

Sounds like the underdamping that occurs when you don't have shock absorbers.

 

I'd check the streering rack bushings. I had the same problem with my 99 4rnr at about 58k and brought it back to the dealer under warranty. They ended up replacing the whole steering rack and bushings. After that no more shaking steering wheel.

 

if you feel it in the steering column, it is the steering rack and/or bushings. there are several writeups on replacing the bushings. search "steering rack bushings". youll be happy to konw that the parts are under $20

bob

 

Thanks Bob, and to twice baked for asking the exact question that's been on my mind.

Here is the thread and some links:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...+rack+bushings

http://www.keystonekrawlers.com/Mods...eeringBush.htm -- tech write-up

http://www.suspension.com/toyotapickups.htm

 

Also check to make sure that your lower control arm bolts are still very tight. If they're loose, put some blue locktite on them before you crank them down. You'll be able to tell by turning the steering wheel from lock to lock and looking at your LCA.

Had a very similar problem with my truck that was just recently fixed by checking that.

 

Well, I went and got new struts and shocks today. It appears that that solved the problem. I will check back and keep ya all posted.

 

twice baked,

I have that same problem with the shakey steering on my 2001 (just bought a few weeks ago) and I was wondering if it was the ball joints. The reason I thought this was because when I added my 4runner to my MSN Autos I go this update

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pr...ls/results.cfm

Here is the info off the link

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
TOYOTA / 4 RUNNER 2001-2002

TOYOTA / SEQUOIA 2002-2004

TOYOTA / TACOMA 2001-2004

TOYOTA / TUNDRA 2002-2004

Type: PASSENGER CAR
Recall Number: 05V225000
Summary:
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ISSUE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SURFACE OF THE BALL OF THE JOINT MAY HAVE BEEN SCRATCHED. THE BALL JOINT MAY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENESS, RESULTING IN INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.
Consequence:
THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
I'm not sure if this can be the soultion to our shakey steering problems.


Anyone who knows more about this recall please chime in as I do not want to start a new thread as I think it would be a duplicate if half baked's.







.

 

That might not be the entire problem or the proper fix.....maybe you have worn ball joints/tie-rods. This is so easy to check.
......Takes you and somebody behind the steering wheel. Just have the steering wheel person wiggle the steering wheel back and forth while you look under there and watch each joint move....sloppy joints are so easy to discover this way.

 

It's official. I got new front struts and rear shocks and the problem is gone. Indeed it must have been the shocks/struts underdampening. It drives great and the vibration is gone.

I purchased Monroe Sensatracs.