Ever heard of a 4runner steering wobble?

Ok, bad joke. Literally hundreds if not thousands of posts about this.

But, I'm getting conflicting data and I'm betting some of you professionals can help in my quest to correct this. If it's not obvious I'm suffering the 63-67 mph shake so prevalent among these vehicles. But only sometimes.

1. Factory trail wheels with Michelin's didn't shake.
2. Aftermarket wheels with same tires did.
3. Had different place balance, same result.
4. Put trail wheels back on and no shake.
5. Put TRD Pro wheels on with Nitto RG's (stock size). Shake.

Notes:
1. No odd noises or behavior that would lead me to think it was the needle bearing issue or bad alignment (but it does tend to sway on the highway more than I'd like). I do have an alignment printout but nothing looks out of the ordinary (caster at 3.1). Stock shocks.

2. After I've been driving several miles (>15) there's not much if any shake (so it must be the tires warming up and rounding out?)

3. In cold weather (<40F) I get no shake. In fact it drives great (so it must be a bushing somewhere that has not deformed in the cold weather?)

Or...are the soft SL rated tires on a heavy suv deforming overnight in >40f weather and take time to round out during the first drive?

As a long time member of way too many car forums, if I'm posting a question that has already been well explored, then I've reached a point where I'll try some crazy ass suggestions. But I know it's not a lost cause at this point.

Thanks in advance to anyone who offers up a suggestion.

 

Sounds like the wheels are a problem.

 

I think only bias ply tires can get noticeable flat spots that quick.

 

Did it to me with factory tires and factory-sized KO2s on trail wheels. Bumped up the tire pressure a smidge and problem went away. For me, anyway.

 

Well, I don't think the tire load rating has anything to do with it. Your stock tires would have been SL and you didn't have problems with them, so I doubt it would be the issue with new tires. Sounds like something with the wheels.

 

It sounds like you need to get a road force balance done. Totally different then a regular tire balance.

https://danthetireman.com/blog/article/what-is-road-force-balance

 

Yes sir, I had this problem with my brand new TRD PRO.
I thought its because TRD Pro stuff are fixed here in USA at lesser quality than other models directly from Toyota factory in Japan. (I could be wrong). I paid my own money to correct the wheel balance issues and alignment issues vs going back to Toyota for warranty.




Pic from TRD JON when 2021 Luna Rock just landed in USA. Seems like they come with steel wheels, regular tires, no TRD skid, no roof rack, no badges, maybe no slight lift with Fox shocks? (Again I could be wrong)

 

Thanks everyone.

Wheels were checked for roundness since we already dealt with that problem on the other wheels. They've been RF balanced twice using the haweka plate.

If it was the wheels, would the shake go away after several miles though? And wouldn't an out of round wheel give me vibes at all speeds? Thing drives great after driving a bit.

And I don't know if this is another clue, but this is the most sensitive steering vehicle I've ever had no matter the wheels or tires. I can run over a small rock and the wheel quickly snatches to that side.

 

Doesn't shake when using Trail wheels...why not go with those? IMO those are superior wheels anyway, but your pick - no shake or find a fix...

 

They're gone.

 

I was commenting on posts when members try to buy TRD Pro wheels selling Trail / TRD ORP wheels as TRD Pro wheels are skinnier so no good for bigger tires like common 285/70R17. Looks like balancing issues can be one other reason not to buy TRD Pro wheels? (maybe..)

 

I’m running Pro rims with 285-70-17 and no issues after 21k miles.

 

I only meant to say they do not meet the approved width for 285/70R17 sir. Please Please don't misunderstand, I'm not trying to talk bad about your 4R, just sharing info what tire manufacturers specify.

Falken Wildpeak AT3W data sheet;


BFG KO2 data sheet;


Toyo Open Country data sheet;

 

You are correct, that’s why I’m wondering if I will run into trouble when it’s time to replace the tires.

They were installed by the dealership when I purchased the 4Runner. Maybe it’s a ploy to ensure I return to the dealership when it’s time to replace the tires.

I wonder if anyone on this forum has been in this situation replacing their 285’s on Pro rims.

Since I don’t drive much anymore, the tires will probably dry rot before the tread wears out.

 

To be honest, even though I have a maintenance background, when I bought my 4Runner, they had a couple of display models with the setup I got (Ready Lift SST, Pro rims with 285’s) and I did no research. I thought it looked cool and told them that’s how I want mine.

I did ask if the modifications would have an ill effect on the vehicle and the warranty and they said “no” so I said do it.

I’ve clocked just over 21k miles so far and happy to say that I have had zero issues thus far.

They have a couple of techs that do all of their in house mods and they do a lot of business.

I guess I got lucky because I know we’ve had others on this forum where things didn’t work out so well.