The Toyota 4-Runner is one of the best SUVs on the market today. With that being said, there are still a few issues that pop up from time to time that should be addressed.
Our expert team of advisors often get phone calls with one question in particular from Toyota 4-Runner owners.
“Why is my 4-Runner shaking?”
The most common diagnosis of a shake on a 4-Runner is a tire vibration.
Due to the off-road capabilities of the Toyota 4-Runner, it is common for mud or snow to get caught inside the wheel and cause the tires to be out of balance.
This type of vibration will be felt in the steering wheel or your seat as you get up to speed. If it goes away when you come to a stop, then you know it is caused by a part that rotates when driving.
Toyota 4-Runner with dried mud stuck in the wheel and tire tread.
Tire Cupping – Using the wrench as a straight edge. Notice how the tread depth is slightly uneven.
Any vehicle with an unusual vibration or shake is cause for concern and should definitely be looked at by a certified Toyota technician.
Now don’t panic too quickly; many vibrations are a minor repair and an easy fix. That being said, it is still very important to get it to your Toyota mechanic to avoid any problems.
Another common vibration we see with the Toyota 4-Runner is an engine vibration caused by worn engine mounts.
Toyota 4-Runner engine mounts are made from heavy natural rubber. As your engine operates, it creates normal vibrations due to all the rotating and moving parts. Toyota uses rubber engine mounts to attach the engine to the frame so that the driver does not feel the engine vibrations.
2005 Toyota 4-Runner Passenger Motor Mounts
Toyota OEM Motor Mounts
The rubber portion of engine mounts are exposed to high heat and a lot of force when operating your vehicle.
Over time the rubber deteriorates, causing excessive movement of the engine, leading to the driver feeling vibrations, shakes, or even clunks if it gets bad enough.
This is not something you want to ignore. Allowing the engine to move around more than designed will lead to many other problems if left for too long.
If worn mounts are left alone for too long, it can cause leaks in other systems due to pushing or pulling on fittings. We have even seen extreme cases where it causes engine or transmission damage.
Although I just gave you two examples of why your Toyota 4-Runner could be shaking, there is a list of many other reasons you could be experiencing this.
Brake Pulsations
Engine Misfires due to worn tuneup parts
Transmission Shudders due to poor fluid quality or improper level
Suspension play due to worn components
And the list goes on…
I recommend getting your 4-Runner into your trusted repair shop as soon as possible and having a specialized Toyota mechanic do a full inspection.
“What does it cost to do a full inspection on my Toyota 4-Runner”
Here at Shadetree Automotive, we start with a $135 full inspection.
This is where we will address any noted concerns, along with looking over the entire health of the vehicle.
This inspection includes:
– Our service adviser having a quality conversation with you and noting any concerns you may have for our Toyota mechanic.
– Our Toyota mechanic performing an extended test drive to duplicate your concerns while also testing all systems on your vehicle.
– A full underhood check- Battery test, air filter check, check levels and quality of all fluids, look for obvious leaks, check belts and hoses, then take pictures and make notes of all findings.
– A full under-vehicle check- Check tire measurements, check brake measurements, check all steering and suspension components, check all drivetrain components, check exhaust components, check for obvious leaks, check levels and quality of all fluids, then take pictures and make notes of all findings.
– A fully scheduled maintenance check– Check service history and note all services due or coming due based on age and miles. This is typically spark plugs, cabin air filter, fluid services, timing belt (when applicable), fuel filter (when applicable), etc.
