Alright so i have a 99 4runner that still shakes down the road at speeds over 60mph. ive been trying to fix it for the last year and have replaced the shocks, sway bar links, Steering Rack Bushings, Tires. Also Ive had it check out by two different mechanics. The sway has gotten so bad that if it does it you will smack your head against the windows. I have noticed that it seems like its fine as long as you have pressure on the steering wheel (either moving it left our right slightly) it doesnt shake but if you just hold it still it goes crazy. Also their is quite of bit of play in the steering well probably 2-3" each way of center. Could the rack and pinion be shot? Or any other ideas?

 

have you checked the tie rods, ball joints, control arm bushings?

 

Every 4runner I've driven has always had VERY tight steering with ZERO play in the steering wheel. It sounds like something is worn in the rack and pinion unit which is very uncommon.

You might want to try and put the front end up on jack stands and have someone hold the steering wheel while you grab each tire and try to turn in it and out on its steering axis and check for any slop.

Also you don't have anything noted in your signature, is your 4runner bone stock or lifted, ETC. Also is it mostly a street rig or you do much off roading ?


FOG

 

FWIW, I personally replaced the entire steering rack (hub to hub) on my 4Runner three years ago. Hell of a job and I only did it because the play was within the rack.

No real off-roading and about 140,000 miles at that point. I purchased a new Toyota rack for about $800...


Andreas

 

Have you checked your u-joints?
My girlfriends pickup did the same thing until finally rear drive shaft fell off, we had no idea it was a bad u-joint.

 

un-balanced tires??

 

What happens when you take it in for alignment? what do the techs say? Tie rod inners okay? What about the outers? ball joints look good?

Off the top of my head- it does sound like your rack. Shop online they can be had for a lot less than $800, but that does sound about right for a stealership.

But confirm first before throwing more money at it. Truck is where? give more details as suggested in your signature so people can be of more help.

 

Its a stock 4runner with 265 75 r16 wheels and a supercharger. I havent done any crazy ofroading but it has been off pavement. My tires have been balanced and when i did an alignment last month they didnt say anything about the rods being shot. Also when i took it to the mechanic he checked all that stuff and said it was rock solid. oh and im in denver colorado

 

did it help at all?

 

What condition are your tires in? Also maybe your front drive shafts are out of balance or something.

 

Tires are brand new. so my buddy had problems with his drive shaft and u joints and its not that knid of vibration but instead its more of a side to side motion like someone is shaking the car

 

at 200K miles I am sticking with the rack diagnosis.

Hope I am wrong and it is something cheaper. Please,please have those ball joints checked or better yet just replaced to be safer.

 

I am a little amazed that no mention of steering rack bushings has been made. Lots of threads and a cheap DIY. Certainly worth checking before going internal on the rack. Just climb underneath and see if the rack moves as some one turns the wheel.

 

steering rack bushings already replaced per original post

 

check engine mount

 

Ok when you say you replaced the steering rack hub to hub--Does that really mean everything connected to the hubs

Ball joints, Tie Rod ends...etc.....

I would also take it to a GOOD alignment guy--a proper alingment for our trucks should be about $200.

My suggestion--find a guy who races and ask him who sets up his suspension......It sounds like your front could be soooo off from the rear that it is causing it to "slip sideways" if that makes sense

AND when you get the alignment done get a 4wheel alignment to make sure all those angles are right!!!

Balance wheels with the proper adapter also--we are lug centric--not hub centric

 

I thought there was no adjustment on the rear?

 

there is no adjustment in the rear

 

there isnt--but it will help determine your thrust angle-----or uncover some other problem!!! Like blown lower or upper link bushings, bent frame, somebody setting up the front suspension like a 10lbs water head----etc....

What i am getting at here is look at the whole picture--if it is good then you can mark it off the list and move on

 

alright guys dont give up on me... you think the coils be shot? I did look at the bump stops and their not quite shinny but you can definitly tell that they have been rubbing.