98 Runner vibration at 65-70mph

[Learysghost]

I started noticing a vibration at 65-70mph that gets worse if I go faster. I got the tires balanced and rotated but vibration is still there. Wondering if it could be the trans or a U-joint. Anyone?

[Brian R.]

Balancing those wheels can be done incorrectly. The 4Runner wheels need to balanced in a specific way, otherwise they are not really balanced. They need to be balanced lug-centric, as opposed to hub-centric as is done in many tire shops. This may be the source of your out-of-balance.

The FAQ thread is your friend, see here.

[Cbpcop]

Morning Leary

Brian is right on the mark - if those things aren't balanced just right you're going to get vibration/shimmy. I've been through the U-joint thing twice now and if that's it, the vibration will be fairly low frequency and you'll feel it throught the seats, floorboards, and the shifter if you rest your hand on it while driving though those speed ranges. Be advised, a damaged or failing u-joint may not always be readily visible so take your time with inspecting those. Good Luck.

[OzzyO]

I had that happen also, in my case the front square skid plate wasn't securly bolted, after I tightened them up everything was fine but it was acting exactly the same as yours and would only vibrate at higher speeds. I have a 94 4runner auto v6.