What will cause a steering wheel shimmy at 60-65mph other than tires, rims, balance, front end alignment?

You've gone through three sets of tires, but are you still mounting them on the original wheel rims? I've read on other forums that people who have had this problem got rid of the factory rims and the shimmy went away as well, and some of them had also gone through 2-3 sets of tires like you, before fixing the problem with new rims.

I am having the same issue with my 2015 4Runner. As you explained above, I went through that process. Brand new tires and same problem. Toyota rep came out and road with me and said he didn't feel a thing. Well, he was about 250lbs (big and tall) plus the service manager about 240lbs and me 115 lbs. while they were in the car I didn't feel a lot of shaking/shimming etc... however, he said it was the tires. If we bought a Michelin tires it will reduce the shaking. I've been going through this since 5,000 service. Time for a class action lawsuit.

I am having this same issue currently. I have a 2017 SR5 premium. I was planning on ordering the black TRD wheels for the 4runner but they were on back order so I plasti- dipped the stock wheels at about 500 miles on the vehicle. I had no issues until the 5000 mile service. After the rotation I noticed a slight shake in the front end. It was not all the time and when it happened it seemed to happen between 55-65 mph. Most of the time right around 58mph. I thought that the plasti-dip may have cause the balance of the wheels to be off so I had them balanced by a 3rd party as the service dept made a mistake and told me that balancing was not part of toyota care. I drove on the new balance for about 2 days and the shake came back. I took it back to the 3rd party and again had them balanced. Again after a few days the shake was back. I have since been to the toyota dealer 4 times for the same issue. Initially, they told me it was due to the plastic-dip causing the tire to move on the rim. They marked both the tire and the rim. After 3 days the shake came back. The tire did not move on the rim. Every time I take it back the front tires are out of balance. Right now they have me on a different set of rims and tires. I can feel a slight shake, but not as bad. I'm interested to see what a couple of days will do. The past 2 occurrences have started approximately 2-3 days after the rebalance and directly following entering an interstate highway from a clover leaf. I thought I messed up with the plastic-dip, but I've found a couple of forums regarding toyota 4runners having tire balancing issues EXACTLY like mine and no forums regarding plastic-dipped wheels causing reoccurring tire balance issues.

I have the same issue with a 2016 TRD pro. Going to the dealer this week but your comments don't sound promising. I feel the wobble when driving and a bad wobble in the steering wheel when braking but only sometimes. Sometimes it almost feels like the vibration is coming from the center of the truck. Discount tire just rotated and said that they are in balance. Any answers or solutions would be helpful.

As fate would have it, I take my 2016 4Runner SR5 Premium back to the dealer tomorrow (in Gallatin, TN) where they have the regional service technician visiting from Cincinnati, Ohio to check it out (again). I almost have 36,000 miles on the vehicle and now discovering that heavy acceleration seems to bring on the shaking more and thereafter when I let up, going 65mph, I have a strong wobble/shimmy. If I'm unable to get it resolved this time, I plan to take the "Dispute" route offered in their Warranty handbook. I like the comment above from NoTOYOagain, stating "Time for a class action lawsuit." Thanks for the responses. It's helpful to know there are others out there having similar problems and getting the same rhetoric from the Dealerships.

I have the same issue on the 2018 Limited we bought just a week ago. I'm not a professional auto mechanic but I know its not normal for a car just to start shaking back and forth when I get up to 55-60ish. Called the service department and he basically tried telling me that its a common issue with the 4-runners but that its normal....yeah right. I made an appointment anyway for next week. If its a known issue why don't they disclose this before you buy it?

OK, so I'm seeing responses from No TOYOagain, GuruDH11Z, GuruD2QBY, and GuruZ4819 expressing the same problems that I'm having. Plus, they have the gamit of 2015 4Runner, 2016 TRD Pro, 2017 SR5 Premium, and the latest being a 2018 4Runner LIMITED. So, I was unable to duplicate the problem for the Technician from Cincinnati, Ohio. Yet, it continues and especially in the morning when I first take off and run it up to 65mph within the first 2-3 miles (heavy shake). Thereafter, it gets a little better. The technician states it's a "flat spot" on the tire(s). He said the way tires are made today without steel cords, they develop flat spots and it's "OK" to experience a little shaking the first few miles. Sorry, I don't agree with that and don't think other Toyota vehicles (Tundra, Highlander, Tacoma, etc) have that problem. This appears to be directly tied to Toyota and, as my son said when he rode with me, "Dad, it seems like a factory defect and only affecting a handful of vehicles." So, at this point, I'm going to file a DISPUTE with Toyota to get something else done...either fix it with a steering stabilizer or give me a trade-in so that I don't lose on my investment. The other thing, I ask those who are having problems if you would share your first name, city/state, and VIN number of your vehicle? My name is FRANK from Gallatin, TN and the VIN number on my 2016 4Runner SR5 Premium is JTEBU5JRT1G5290393. It now has 36,000 miles. I'm fed up with it and plan to trade for a Highlander or go with another vehicle if they refuse to put a steering stabilizer on it. Thanks, Frank

P.S. - I want to share your VIN number with Toyota to show that there are owners of other new 4Runners out there experiencing the same problems that I'm having. Who knows, they may finally do something if VIN numbers from five vehicles are put forward. They don't want this going for a safety review either. Do any of you have any sensation that there is also poor directional control and minute steering corrections needed when driving your 4Runner? Thanks again, Frank

I’m having the same issue with my SR5 premium that I bought last week. I have an appointment this Saturday to see what’s causing it. It’s not looking to promising from what I’m reading here.

I have the same exact issue w/ a 2016 Trail. Same vibration/shake at 60. Been to the dealer 4 times and now I have retained an attorney to submit a lemon law claim.

My name is Lisa Goldberg and just last week, 11/07/2017, I purchased the 2018 SR5 Premium Toyota 4Runner. When on the highway going above 58-60 mph, it’s like I lose control of the steering, I guess like Frank put it, poor directional control. I got VERY SCARED when I was driving! I had to go down to 50 mph on the highway just so I could have control of my vehicle. I have my daughter in the car with me at times and God forbid I get into an accident over this matter; and if this continues this could possibly lead to a car accident. I know the lack of control I had going 58 mph to 65 mph, I wouldn’t go faster got too nervous, and this is NOT NORMAL! I live in Florida, moving in two weeks to Delray Beach from Boca Raton, and my vin # is: JTEBU5JR4J5501898 I will do whatever it lawfully takes to have Toyota do a recall and put us in a safe vehicle! It’s not just my life in the car but my daughter’s life, too! You can find me and message me on Facebook @ Lisa Robin Goldberg ALL OF US ARE HAVING THE SAME MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE 4RUNNER! PLEASE LETS CONTACT ONE ANOTHER SO WE CAN DO WHAT LAWFULLY NEEDS TO BE DONE TO KEEP US AND OUR FAMILY SAFE!! Please don’t hesitate to contact me!! With enough of us, we can fix this! *UPDATE* After three attempts, as instructed by the gentleman I spoke with concerning the Lemon Law, if this issue is not corrected, I am filing a Lemon Law complaint. We only have one year from the day of purchase/lease to file our complaint.

This is so upsetting. I just purchased my 2016 2 weeks ago and have taken it back 2 times. Going for my 3rd on Monday. I can feel the shake going any speed but I can see it in on the steering wheel going over 60. Feels like something in the steering. I'm so bummed that no-one has found resolution.

Keep after the dealer (and Toyota) for warranty repairs but you may need to install a steering damper, this is not a fix, just a possible band aid. Somewhere there is slop in the steering and suspension gear.

I bought a 2015 Limited in May. It has been great until 2 days ago. Major shake in wheel at 60-65 mph. Going to Dealer on Saturday. I feel like I have some good ammo here with this thread that I will print and bring with me. Any other updates or solutions are much appreciated. Doug B. Rochester NY, (vin can be provided if and when needed)

I bought my 2017 4Runner Limited in Aug '17. It currently has 13k miles and I started feeling the shake in my wheel and floor within the last 5k. It has a rotating groaning sound and is most prominent between 50-60 mph while pressing the accelerator, but not accelerating...just maintaining current speed. If I let off the gas, everything goes smooth. The timing of my issue is possibly related to my first tire rotate at the dealership at 8k, but I can't say for sure. I brought it back to the dealership last week and they had nothing helpful to offer...said it was possible vibration from the viscous coupling on the fan, but Toyota wouldn't cover any work unless it actually broke. My issue sounds similar to others on this thread, yet I'm wondering if others have noticed an absence in the shake while coasting at the problematic speed?

Update on my post from 2 above - All Shaking gone. Was told it could have been a frozen piece of ice/snow on inside of wheel causing mis-balance. I have to admit that now that the 0 temps have warmed up and i got my car washed - I have not noticed it at all. Completely gone. So a happy ending for me....for now. Doug B. Rochester NY

I have a 2015 Trail Premium, at approximately 45,000 miles i developed a hard shaking in my steering wheel while braking. Took the car to Toyota and they said it was warped rotators, I had new rotors installed at 30,000 miles. After some arguments they agreed to replace the rotars for free. My car is now at 58,000 miles. I have developed a shimmy in my steering when I am braking but only at highway speeds, 55-70 mph. Took car into Toyota today and they said that they have to hold the car and have the shop Forman look at it, they also said they have to open a claim with Toyota as this is a repeat problem. I will update when I know more.

2016 4Runner owner here. Bought the car in Feb of 2016. Numerous trips to the dealership and numerous tire changes at Toyota’s expense and to this date the occasional shake and highway wobbling of the steering wheel and the car has no end insight. All said, when I threatened to open a lemon law case with the regional engineer he offered a Toyota Platinum warranty which covers the car up to 8 years and 100K miles for free and that’s the only reason I kept the car. Go ask for the same warranty or start planning on trading it in for a Subaru Outback, which is what I plan on doing. I love the car and the looks but the risk is high.

2018 SR5 Premium. Purchased last week. Less than 500miles! Steering shakes between 58 and 61mph. Seems to pull a litttle to right as well. Did not notice during test drive - but did not drive much at that speed during test. Hoping to get it back to dealer tomorrow.

2018 TRD Premium, purchased a week ago... Have not hit 1K miles yet and the steering shake is worrying me. I don't feel confident driving this random weaving machine down the road. Dealership already balanced my tires and adjusted my level lift and it's worse. Like others claim, the shakes start between 50 to 60mph. Others have claimed its an unbalanced drive shaft and that makes sense to me. I've driven vehicles before with an unbalanced drive shaft and speed is usually what causes them to vibrate.

I just purchased a 2018 4 runner and at 60-65MPH the steering wheel shimmy's. It's been back to Toyota 2 times, they said they balanced the wheels and did something to the tires. It did improve the shimmy, but it is still there, not as harsh as before. I haven't had this vehicle for more then 3 weeks and it is back at the dealer again. I really don't know what to do, since the dealer is making a million excuses and the steering wheel still shakes!!

Sorry for bringing this up again... just got back from two tire shops, phone call from bridgestone and a body shop. Everyone who has ever touched my car, aligned my car, rotated my car in some way has given me proof that everything was done to specs. I went through 80k tires in 20k miles. Completely bare. The guy at the body shop is old school and did the whole measure and string thing like they did back on the days to have to align cars... it's the rear axle. the rear axle is offset and crooked by over half an inch compared to the other side measuring from the same place on the front of the car to the middle of the rims. Have the same shimmy problem when i'm hitting around 65 mph. Called toyota, of course they blamed everyone else, didn't have an appointment open for weeks... told them i'm not going to buy new tires because the problem isn't fixed.. they said well you've already driven around on an unsafe car, whats another few weeks.... are you flipping kidding me?!?!? Called toyota 800 number... she didn't give two shits either. Makes a Honda look more appealing everyday

Forgot to add that it's a 2015 4Runner sr5 4x4

Update on earlier post- had shimmy between 58 and 65mph on 2018 sr5 premium 4wd. Had less than 500 miles when noticed it. Made appt with local dealer. Had the service guy ride with me so that he could see the steering wheel shake. They tried road balance front right tire two times with no success. Ended up replacing front tire with new one. Dealer was friendly and had us in and out on same day. Have not had any problems since. Have almost 6k miles now. Hope the problem doesn't return but if it does I will bring it back to my local dealer and go from there.

Oh my Gosh! I am getting these responses because I went on this site to find out if anyone else had this issue. I purchased my 2016 with 40,000 miles 7 months ago. I have been back to the dealership 7 times. Still no resolution. I basically have been told I am crazy. I have found it insanely hard to believe that a 30,000 vehicle should drive like it is an old jeep. I have had all the same issues as everyone on here. Can you tell me who it is you call with Toyota? If feels like it is in the steering column. Besides the shaking, it sometime feels almost like there is a cable that is going to break, or the steering column is not connected to the tires. It's very loose and unsupportive. I have had 3 road force alignments, a regular alignment, tires balanced, rotated... I was told they would do a vibration test yet never did. I was told they would get another 16 4 Runner for me to drive to see if it drives the same, yet never did. After the alignments, it seems a little better and then just goes back to the same, and gets worse. I would like to join in on the class action lawsuit and I would also like to find out how to go about confronting this with Toyota. Here is my vin number for the person giving them to Toyota. JTEZU5JR6G5111957. I was so excited to finally be able to afford a 4 Runner. Now I am so completely disappointed and beyond frustrated. Please help.

I’m having same issues as everyone else. I bought my 2017 sr5 4x4 with zero miles in March of 2017. I went for my 20,000 mile service and explained my issue and they said it was my brakes. So we went to change my brakes ourselves tonight and they’re fine. The dealership told me they were shocked at how low my brake pads were for only having 20,000 miles on it.

I have a 2011 4Runner. My steering wheel vibration (shaking) started a few years ago. First time I noticed it was when I put new wheels on. I have taken it to the Toyota dealership plus another mechanic. Neither could tell me what the problem was. I called a place today that specializes in Toyota's. They told me that it was likely the front inner tie rods. So I am going to replace them and see if that solves the problem. I will come back and let you know the outcome.

I have a 2018 SR5 purchased 2 months ago. We did upgrade the rims to the black Predator 20" rims and have the 285's Nitto terra grappler G2's. We started noticing the shimmy at about 4000 miles. Let the dealership know when we took it in for the 5000 mile service. They spent a day and a half on it and said they even opened a tech ticket with Toyota. Did the whole road balance deal as well. Toyota told them to drive others straight off the lot. Service manager said he drove 2 units. One with factory tires and rims and another with the same tires and rims that we have and both units did the shimmy at the 58-62mph range. Therefore Toyota determined it was normal operation. I call BS on it as a shimmy in more that one vehicle is not normal. Now we have it back and the shimmy is almost worse and the vehicle pulls to the right now. Its going back to the dealership this week to get looked at again.

I bought a 2018 sr5 premium 3 weeks ago and it is in the shop today for the third time today. I came across this forum and feel even more discouraged than I did. Today they are replacing the tires to see if this fixes the problem but I don’t have high hopes after reading this forum. I haven’t even made my first car payment yet. I feel as if I really messed up by making this purchase now!!

I have a 2015 4Runner Limited with just over 40k miles. Mine has a wheel shake at about 60 mph. I was thinking wheel bearings, but after reading this thread, thinking its another Toyota recall, but only after Toyota service techs piss off their required number of customers complaining about the issue by telling they don’t feel it, then they will release a TSB.

I had a 2016 trail with the same issues, 9000 miles. I got a lemon law attorney and filed a complaint. Toyota ended up buying my 4runner back after the first letter. They refunded everything paid. I thought it was very good customer service. So much so that I went out and bought another thinking I had a dud. Guess what? Same thing happens on my 2018 off-road. After this I am done with Toyota.

I have a 2017 Toyota 4Runner JTEBU5JR9H5470030 with 6500 miles on it and its been in the shop many times for the shimmy/steering wheel walk. I even work as a Finance Manager at a Toyota dealership. Toyota just blames it on the tires or the balancing or the alignment but won't take any accountability at all when all those get checked, fixed, changed and the problem still persists. They obviously either don't think it is real, doesn't affect enough people or they just don't care. For now I would tell you to stay away from the 4Runner unless they let you test drive for 6 months which we all know isn't going to happen.

@vermontmike would love to know who your lawyer was and what fixes Toyota tried. Thanks

Same story, 2015 SR5. Purchased 3/15/18. 37K mileage, the shake is at 58- 65mph. Working with my Toyota Dealer now, new tires when I bought it but it was at a Ford Dealer. I dunno where this is going to go, prob show my service person this thread just to save time on them going round and round on try to balance the wheels again.

I have a 2011, mine has the same problems as above. I've replaced tires, rims, shocks, struts, brake pads, and had them balanced and aligned and still shakes just the same. Don't put your money into trying to replace any of the parts I just mentioned because they're not the problem.

Yep, Same story. 2016 4runner Trail Premium with 12000 miles,bought in april of '18. Shimmy in sterring wheel @ 59ish mph. Had shimmy with original tires and wheels, have shimmy with Brand new tires and wheels. WTF, lets force Toyota to fix this issue.

Larry4rt that’s what I want is for Toyota to recognize the problem and fix it! I think it will take everyone who sees this to do what I did and register a complaint with Consumer Affairs, the BBB, Attorney General and Toyota

I also just purchased a certified used 2016 SR5 4Runner. When I drove it off the lot, it was perfect. Tires are or look fairly new. After 2k miles of driving, I am also feeling the shimmy and floating sensation when driving between 60-70 mph. I googled the issue and came across this string. Glad I didn’t waste my time and money with tires, balancing and rotation. My vin is JTEZU5JR2G5121739. I also was ecstatic to be back in a Toyota but now very disappointed.

IT IS NOT GOING TO GO AWAY, MY 2011 4RUNNER HAS 115,000 MILES ON IT AND STILL HAS THE SHIMMY. DOES ANYONE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ENGINE TICKING NOISE, OMG WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO THE 4RUNNER I USED TO LOVE.

2018 sr5 purchased in December 2017 I have noticed going over 50mph a wheel shake! It’s always the first drive of the day and the first time in the day that it has gone up that high of speed. After he initiall shake it will not happen again in that drive. So as you can tell This is going to be hard to show and prove to the dealership. This will be the second time my car will be to the dealer the first time was a clicking noise coming from the speedometer above 40 pmh now I wonder if these two are connected in some way.

Anyone find a fix for this?

I have recently purchased a 2018 TRD Off-road, it has the same wabble problem in the steering system. I feel hard (and exhaustive) to drive and control this thing while on highway, and I tend to think all Toyota sales/tech guys are just BS to cover up, this obviously is not just a tire problem, instead more like an 4Runner intrinsic steering system problem caused its specific design or configuration. In one word, one needs to struggle on highway to keep this truck in the proper lane position, while nowadays any car from well-known manufacturers give driver a good confidence on steering the vehicle and keeping the wheels on the precise position is piece of cake. Probably (like someone mentioned above) a class action maybe due to wake up Toyota.

I have posted about this months ago. I’ve owned a brand new 2016 4x4 SR5 with an XP package on it. Many visits to the dealerships and road tribs and wobble wouldn’t go away. As GuruJ97Z mentioned, this suv is extremely exhaustive to drive and control on the highway and I’ll drive anyone crazy! Not to mention the lack of confidence in the rain. Last month I decided to part ways with it and got a Subaru Outback and I couldn’t be much happier. The 4runner is a good looking toy to keep around for in town drives and local off roading and towing and nothing else, at least until they fix the underlying problem

2018 4Runner Limited. 8K miles Three visits to dealer to fix vibration (not shaking) of steering wheel when vehicle is accelerating and rpm go up. Service Director confirmed my concerns and is working with Toyota to see if there is a fix. Test drove other 4Runners and confirmed same feeling. After reading other post I don't see a fix in the near future. Best way for me to describe it is its like feeling and electric razor or toothbrush in my hands. Again, I only feel this upon acceleration. Oh and yes the wheels have been balanced three times. Otherwise, I love the truck but I can't live with this numb feeling in my hands. Seriously thinking of ditching this for another brand.

Find a good reliable tire store. Road Force balance, they will have to use the 6 pin flange plate with this. Most of the rims-wheels have to be balanced with lug centric pin flange plate, vs cone centric. Most dealer techs will just put the tire on the machine, and spin it. Not good., as the tires, wheels have to be indexed individually. I have had this problem with new 4Runners, 2013-2015-2018. The 2008 was perfect. I change all tires soon as leaving the dealer to Michelin LTX/MS, which used to be MS2's. Toyota reps usual answer is "cannot duplicate the problem". They are programmed to say this.

GuruTQ4FT: do the Michelin's fix the wobble? I have a 2017 SR5 and I've had the tires balanced and the alignment checked. I'm on my second set of thee LTX/MS tires on my Ram 2500 4x4 with no issues. If they fix the issue, I'll fight the tires that came on my 4Runner for a few thousand more miles then I'll switch them. We just put new tires on my wife's Highlander 2 weeks ago (130,000 miles and NEVER a shimmy) so we need to recover from them first.

Highlander. I did buy a 2018 Highlander, put the correcy size LTX/MS tires on it, perfect, up to 90 mph. It was the XLE-AWD. I traded it after 4 months, to another new 4Runner, just wanted the heavier frame under me. I cannot comment on the Dodge issue, only the Toyotas. My 2015 SR5 was perfect with this same tire. Here is the problem. The wheels used on the 4Runner/Tacoma are “lug centric” and are not the more common “hub centric” wheels like on most cars and light trucks. Hub centric wheels are centered on the vehicle hubs using the center hole in the wheel. That is kind of simple. On lug centric wheels the wheels are centered on the vehicle hub using the lug bolt holes and not the center hole. When the wheels are made and machined they are done so using the lug holes to mount the wheels to the machines that make them. The lug holes are the true center of the wheel and not the center hole. So, if the center hole is not in the true center you can understand how mounting the wheel to the balance machine using the center hole is not going to work very well. The wheel needs to be mounted to the balance machine using the lugholes. This is done with a flange plate adapter made by Haweka. The wheels used on the 4Runner/Tacoma are “lug centric” and are not the more common “hub centric” wheels like on most cars and light trucks. Hub centric wheels are centered on the vehicle hubs using the center hole in the wheel. That is kind of simple. On lug centric wheels the wheels are centered on the vehicle hub using the lug bolt holes and not the center hole. When the wheels are made and machined they are done so using the lug holes to mount the wheels to the machines that make them. The lug holes are the true center of the wheel and not the center hole. So, if the center hole is not in the true center you can understand how mounting the wheel to the balance machine using the center hole is not going to work very well. The wheel needs to be mounted to the balance machine using the lugholes. This is done with a flange plate adapter made by Haweka. The front ends on the 4Runner and Tacoma are super sensitive. If you have something that is just slightly out of whack you will definitely know it on these trucks. If you have a vibration and believe it to be cause be the wheels and/or tires, then you should not waste your time by going to a shop with old technology. If your time is as valuable as mine then you should find a shop with the needed Haweka adapter, a GSP-9700, and a technician that has a clue. The easiest way to find what you need is to go this web site and use their shop locator function to get a list of shops near you that has one. Next call the shops and make sure that they have the Haweka adaptor for your wheels. If they tell you that they do not have it or don’t need it, then hang up and call the next shop. Do not waste your time with them. If they are willing to spend $10,000 on the state of the art road force balancer, and not get a set of Haweka adapters to go with it then they probably are not smart enough to work the machine anyway. When you find a shop that has both items make an appointment and have them do a road force variation work up and see if you need to replace your wheels or tires and then get a good old-fashioned balance. The combination of the GSP-9700 and the Haweka adaptor should cure the most common cause of vibration in the 4Runners and Tacomas. This combination will give you the greatest chance of getting you vibration problem fixed on the first visit as possible.

Mount the tire/wheel assembly to the tire balancer as illustrated. When balancing the tire, ensure that the Road Force function of the balancer is turned ON and the "Haweka" type balancing adapter MUST be used when balancing these tires. (Refer to your balancer owner's manual for further information about Road Force variation measurements on tire and wheel assemblies.) This is necessary to ensure that the wheels and tires are match mounted (heavy portion of tire is matched with light side of wheel or visa-versa). Remount the tire and wheel assembly to the vehicle. Torque all wheels. Torque: 112 N.m (1,142 kgf.cm, 83 ft.lbf)

I just got my new 2018 4 Runner SR5.I noticed the steering wheel shimmy driving it home from the dealership after leasing it on Friday. It only has 146 miles on it! I cannot even begin to express how disappointed I am that this is a common issue. While I'm happy nothing is necessarily wrong with it, I'm still bummed that this is something I will deal with all the time. I took it back to the dealership today and was told by the technician that they "couldn't replicate the issue". Such a bunch of crap. Any dumb dumb driving it can feel it at 60- 63mph. Admitting there is and issue is another story. I sent my husband to go to the dealership to see if they'd be less dismissive with him compared to when a woman comes in and says there is an issue with a car. They told him the same thing. We will take advice given by GURUTQ4FT and get the tires Road Force balanced using the Haweka adapter etc. I'm crossing my fingers I can get my beast of a vehicle driving more like a beauty on the road.

The front ends on the 4Runner and Tacoma are super sensitive. If you have something just slightly out of whack you will definitely know it on these trucks. If you have a vibration and believe it to be cause be the wheels and/or tires, then you should not waste your time by going to a shop with old technology. If your time is as valuable as mine then you should find a shop with the needed Haweka adapter, a GSP-9700, and a technician that has a clue. The easiest way to find what you need is to go this web site and use their shop locator function to get a list of shops near you that has one. Next call the shops and make sure that they have the Haweka adaptor for your wheels. If they tell you that they do not have it or don’t need it, then hang up and call the next shop. Do not waste your time with them. If they are willing to spend $10,000 on the state of the art road force balancer, and not get a set of Haweka adapters to go with it then they probably are not smart enough to work the machine anyway. When you find a shop that has both items make an appointment and have them do a road force variation work up and see if you need to replace your wheels or tires and then get a good old-fashioned balance. The combination of the GSP-9700 and the Haweka adaptor should cure the most common cause of vibration in the 4Runners and Tacomas. This combination will give you the greatest chance of getting you vibration problem fixed on the first visit as possible.

I just purchased a 2018 SR5 on July 9th, 2018, only had 42 miles, at time of purchase, drove it on the highway home, and there was the shimmy. We took it in a week later, they said there was a bubble in the tire, and they had to massage it out. Two days later, I had the same issue, so I scheduled it for tomorrow, but now I'm not so hopeful that this will get resolved.

The standard answer from Toyota dealers, will be and has always been: "Cannot duplicate the problem" Toyota is the best value, of all and any cars and trucks, Honda is second. I have always bought 4Runners and Toyota pickups, still have them. Read my last post on what to do. It can be fixed. Bubble in the tire ? What a joke. They will put you off for months, till you get tired of going there. Get to a tire store that has the equipment described above. I would also switch tires to Michelin LTX/MS Defenders. You should never buy off the lot a vehicle with miles on it like that. It has been test driven, and probably the prospective buyers noticed the shimmy, declined to purchase. Then you came along, and did not know about this shimmy, which is inherent in some of the Toyota 4Runners and Tacomas. You should have ordered new and wait for it. The Highlander, XLE-AWD would have been your best bet. I have driven them, up to 95 mph, no shimmy or shake or vibration.

I took it in, they replaced one of the tires, and "fastened" one of the other tires because it didn't look secure. Not one person had touched the ties since they did last time, so I'm not sure why it wouldn't be secure. Anywho, the shimmy is still there, but now going 70mph, and I just noticed while driving it a few minutes ago, the wheels are squeaking. I'll be taking it back again this week and will let them know, if this continues, I'll be filing for Lemon Law action. How much does that entire process cost GuruTQ4FT?

My 4runner is a 2014 SR5 4 x 4. No shimmies in steering wheel at all up to about 65,000 miles. After replacing the tires at Costco, the shimmies began. After the third balancing, the shimmy is not as noticeable, however is still there at about the same speed to most everyone else is describing around 60 mph. Very frustrating, and it seems Toyoda has some explaining to do.

Just bought a 2018, and driving home on the freeways, noticed the problem. I noticed it with the stock wheels, upgraded them to aftermarket, still has the problem. It’s not the wheels or tires!

Same problem as described by many above. 2018 4Runner TRD Off Road. Ordered it and picked it up with 3 miles on it. It has a shimmy around 60 mph. Toyota service "cannot duplicate"...I just had a 2016 Tacoma TRD Off Road that did not have this issue.

2014 4Runner SR5 Premium. All stock. Replaced the stock Bridgestones with a set of 4 Michelin LTX MS from Costco. No shimmy until then. Three times back at Costco for a rebalance and just today the tech spun the wheel with tire and showed me 3.5 on one side and 4.25 on the other (unweighted). Both front wheels are bent. I only have 21k miles on her and have never been off road or done anything beyond pavement pounding. After the weights were applied it still shimmies but at different speeds than before. I'm shocked to learn that I have bent rims. I'm going to continue to research this issue and will report back. Thanks for the info.

Dealing with same issue. I have a 2012 4 runner almost 100k miles, I love my 4Runner other than the shake. I had a 2007 that did not do this. It must be something they changed when they changed the body style. Will give my VIN # also if needed.

This is second response, don't you guys read this stuff ? You have to get road force balancing, and the Haweka 6 pin adapter has to be use, as these wheels and tires are lug centric. Also, indexing will have to take place. Most important, get a techician that knows the machine. I am on my 4th 4Runner in past 10 years, the only good ones that did not shake were the 2008 and 2012. I always use Michelin LTX/MS tires, go straight to the Michelin dealer from the Toyota dealer. Toyota employees are only going to tell you, "Cannnot duplicate the problem". Don't you drive the 4Runner before you buy it ?

Add 2015 SR5 4Runner to the list. All the same issues.

I have a brand new 2018 SR5 4Runner. Same shimmy vibration issue at 55-60mph. Tires were balance two days ago. Still an issue! Mine has 800 miles on it! Frustrating.

2015 trail. Same problem. Started at 20k miles. Between 55 and 62 mph. New tired Grabber AT2 better but continues. After the power steering fluid warms up it resolves. I think it has to do with the power sterring pump. What a piece of expenssive junk. I am ready to sell it now

2012 SR5 - Experienced wheel hop at 60 mph and above since I bought it used with 95k miles on it a year ago and I am the second owner . I had the shop balance the wheels which ended up being slightly bent . The weights were way off . After balancing , there is a wheel shimmy at 53 mph and above . I didn't know that the wheels had to be balanced via the lug centric method in lieu of the hub centric method . I'm taking it back to the shop tomorrow and they are trying to find the correct plate .

I'd check the brake rotor, pads, shoe, caliper piston and see if they're warped or damaged/worn. It's definitely not the tires or rims. I have a 2001 4runner myself and they seem to be the problem

Toyota has an updated alignment spec which makes small changes in toe and caster which aids in suppression of wheel shimmy. Also, ensure whatever shop is doing the work balances the wheels after they're warm ( driven on) and make sure smart weight feature is off if their time machine is equipped.

Start with the most cost effective and simplest replacement which would be 80% of the time causing the shimmy. Pitman arm and Idler arm. My 1999 Limited 4Runner Pitman Even BROKE at only 20K miles. Then hand check tie rods...if the "wiggle" easily.. replace. All four components total (ie Mogul/TENNECO) would be under $110 if you install yourself.

Well hello folks, sounds like were all in the same bucket! bought a 2018 4 runner TRD premium "new" it does not even have 1800miles on it and it has been back 6 times for the same thing problem wheel shimmy at 60 to 65 mph, we have changed wheels from stock to TRD stock and same thing! we have changed tires from stock Dunlop AT20 to BFG K2O's same problem, i have moved wheels from front to rear and same problem...so this will save you some work. My local Toyota dealer is playing dum, we don't feel it! theres nothing wrong it's fine. Time to play corporate Toyota..ill keep you folks in the loop! thks.Marc

We have been buying 4Runners since 2008. We are on our 5th one, 4WD-SR5 2018. '08-'12-'13-'15'-'18, all 4WD. All have had the vibration except the '08 and '12. You can write and complain to corporate all you want. And get nowhere, they will wait you out. A rep will ride with you, the famous words are, "Cannot duplicate the problem" Same with the service department. I have explained the fix on here a couple times. You have to first, get rid of the cheap factory tires, and get new Michelin LTX/MS Defenders, or another premium tire you choose. Get to a shop that has Road Force balancing equip't. An experienced tech, (only), to operate. The wheels are lug centric, make sure the shop has the Haweka 6 pin adapter, (picture here). They will also have to index each wheel and tire. If you do not find a shop to do this, good luck. This should take care of you vibration issue, at least 80% better then what you have. I have been thru this many, many times with Toyota corporate, and the dealer network.

Toyota is not going to help you. We are on our 5th new 4Runner since 2008. All SR5, 4WD. Only the '08 and '12 did not have the vibration. The '13, '15' and '18 were very bad. You have to get to a tire store that has the Haweka 6 pin adapter, and a tech that knows what he is doing. The tires and wheels will have to be indexed. These wheels are lug centric. I woud recommend new Michelin LTX/MS Defenders. This can be fixed. You can leave your 4Runner with the dealer, they will usually answer you, (not all), "cannot duplicate the problem". I have had great experiences with tire shops, and paid myself. Good luck, it can be fixed. I have had the same issue with new Tacomas.

Do this, Drive it until tires are warm. Re-balance tires with smart weight feature OFF and make sure they use the TRD special service tool for the balance cone and the hunter adapter with the proper fingers as pictured above, then ensure they road force them and arrange them for " least vibration". Following that have the alignment checked and ensure the camber is -.2 degrees, caster is 3.3 to 3.5 and toe is proper, have them use the TRD PRO alignment specs as per the Toyota accessory instructions. Also, ensure there aren't any high road force measurements when they balance and if there are that they are phase matched or defective tires replaced.

Hi there. Not sure I'm posting in the right spot but i'm having a problem with a shimmy (rumble) sound on my 2013 Toyota 4runner. It has 160K miles. The rumble (almost like going over a railroad track) happens between 20 - 40 mph and then goes away. I'm being told its a fluid and transmission filter problem. I just dont believe it. any one have this issue?

I have had the same problem on my 2018 SR5 Premium with XP package. I have taken the thing back 6 times to get it balanced and it is still there from 50+ to 60ish....

I have the same problem with my CPO 2017 4Runner SR5 (between 15-20k miles so far). Steering becomes sloppy and keeping the car centered while highway (60-70mph) driving requires constant attention.

Just took home a 2018 Limited 4Runner with 11 miles on it. I noticed the shake at around 60-65 and googled the issue to find this forum. This is not something that is acceptable for any new vehicle, much less a $40k vehicle. I'll post again once I get it resolved.

I bought my 2014 Toyota 4Runner SR5 with only 900 miles from the Toyota dealership. From the very beginning I complained about a vibration coming from the front wheels that you can feel on the steering wheel. Every 5,000 miles when I took it in for it's routine service they claimed to have rotated and balanced my tires and performed an alignment and I still continued to have this issue. Eventually they blamed the tires and told me they were feathering which was the cause of the vibration. I asked how did this happen to the tires and was told from driving it with improper alignment. Well, if I bring it to you the dealership as scheduled and you align the wheels for me then is it not your fault? This song and dance continued until my warranty expired and the only solution offered to me was for me to purchase new tires. I currently purchased new custom wheels and tires and had a four wheel alignment done (not at the dealership) and continue to have the same issue. It's amazing at sow many customers have the same exact issue for years and years and yet nothing is done to rectify the matter. I'm seeing more frequently that there is no longer an accountability for bad production or service at any level... and this is because they continue top get away with doing what they are doing.

I am having the same problem .I have just drove 300 miles on my 2018 4runner. Its brand new.

After the third balance they found that a weight had fallen off. It drives great now. I would check to make sure when they balance no weights had fallen off.

Just joined the fun! I have a 2004 4 Runner Sport Ed. Had it about a year and a half now worked perfectly! One of the few vehicles that actually DIDN'T have a shimmy... until a recent 1000 mile trip. Out of the blue, I get the proverbial steering wheel shake and accompanied vibration. Then it disappears as fast as it came on. Happened a good 4 or 5 times on the trip. Yesterday after an episode at fairly low speed (40-50 mph) I actually saw the passenger front brake smoking leading me to believe a stuck caliper or bad brake hose. But after reading this thread I'm not sure what to think!

Same problem here, 60-70 mph. 2016 4runner 58000 miles.

Same problem here with brand new 2019 SR5. I have 1450 miles on it and the vibration occurs when doing between 60 - 70 mph. Taking it in to the service department next week.

Just bought a brand new 2019 TRD PRO 4Runner last week. Noticed the steering wheel shimmy the very next day at 58 to 64 mph. Road forced balanced twice at the dealer, they stated it was a bad tire. Then I purchased 4 brand new BFG KO2 tires, same size as stock, and still same problem. Had the new tires road force balanced at the dealer (all road force numbers were under 15) and the shimmy got a little better, but it's still there. Especially in the morning when I first drive it. I am very disappointed. Has anyone found a solution?

I contacted an attorney friend who handles class action suits and he gave my information to another attorney that handles as actions against major car brands. I’ll try to keep people updated if he contacts me.

2016 4Runner Trail Edition Premium. Entered service in 2017. 12000 kms(7200 miles). Intermittent vibration around 100kmh(62mph). Steering wheel vibration of about 1/8”. New TRD rims and BFG KO2s. Stock size. Went back to dealer for rebalancing after they had originally installed my new wheel combo. Vibration a little better but still present. VIN: JTEBU5JR3G5316119. Ray

2019 4Runner TRD Premium 1000 miles now, been having vibration since around 300 miles. Very disappointed having problems with new vehicle less than month old. Making appointment to take it in. Hope they can fix it. Vin JTEBU5JR6K5679961

GuruL8X5G UPDATE: My Toyota dealer did a complete Road Force balancing job and now it’s as smooth as butter. Thank you Toyota Villa! Get a Road Force balancing job and make sure their technician is doing it the right way. It’s a 2 hour job for the 4 wheels. Good luck.

2019 4Runner TRD Pro. Same issue mostly In morning very bad shimmy 59-62 and cruising at that speed. Been to dealer x4 got corporate Toyota involved. Everyone is trying to tell me that “all” 4runners have tho issue. I told them why was this not disclosed when I bought the car. Still fighting the fight but not looking good. Has anyone figured out that is causing this ??? And has Toyota helped anyone through this. Fuck Toyota right now and I have only Driven Toyota’s

Taking my 2019 off-road with 20 predator wheels in to the dealership tomorrow for the the shaking at 50-60. Bought it Brand new 28 miles, now 2000. I have wanted this runner for so many years, smfh!!!

Got brand new 2019 4runner trd off-road. Same problem. It started since 2500 miles. Intially it was not so harsh but it started getting worse. At the dealership now.. hope they can fix it. I want to find out, How to file lemon lawsuit and get back every penny?

2016 trail premium. 55-60 same shimmy as everyone else. Has KO2’s on it. Had it road force balanced and rotated with no difference. Tire shop said the tire was out of round which isn’t uncommon for 10 ply tires, however since we bought the vehicle with those tires on it, I suspect the type of tires will make no difference with the shimmy

Has anyone tried putting wheel spacers on and seeing if that changes anything? Thinking Spydertrax May make a difference

Just seeing this thread, but it’s like finding my soul mate. Bought my 2016 Limited 2WD in 2016 and have gone through 12 sets of tires and pissed off multiple tire shops across Atlanta. I was hoping to read about a fix related to the 4Runner, but it seems like the key is finding a tire shop who understands that it takes tire balance perfection to solve this problem

I bought a 2016 Trail Premium this spring and installed BFG TAs on TRD rims and ran into this problem. Like I’ve said before on this thread: find a competent tire shop with a competent tech who KNOWS how to properly use a ROADFORCE balancing machine. It’ll cost you more than a balancing job but it will get the job done. They balance match the rim with the wheel also while applying rolling pressure on the tire. Good luck.

bloozebilly@hotmail.com if you want to file suit against toyota count me in.1300 miles on 19 4 runner been back 4 times for a shimmy.lets do it! were goin to court!

bought brand new 2019 TRD Offroad.. Same problem. :( :( started since 3000 miles 5k miles now... they did balance the wheels around 4k miles, which reduced the vibration but it is still there... taking it back tomorrow.. going to ask for Road Force Balancing.. hoping that will fix it...

It's your driver side CV!!!! You need and Toyota 8 calm shell bushing by ECGS!!! If you have any slop what so ever in your CV cup on the driver side this is the problem. It's a problem with Toyota 4 runners, fj cruiser and the Tacoma extremely common.

I've had the same problem and I've done a lot of research before I bring it into the dealership and waste a bunch of time and money. I hit 65mph and it shakes but if I turn left the shake goes away and if I turn right the shake comes back. After further looking into it I was told to get under the truck and check the driver side CV cup and to see if it has movement and sure enough it's has far too much movement. This causes unbalancing and creates a shake in the steering wheel. ( It's not your tires, it's not your wheels and it's not tie rod ends) it's the bearing in your CV Cup where it attaches to the differential.

If we’re filing a law suit count me in!!! My 2015 4Runner has been doing this since our first service. It went away with new rims but it’s back ! Sabrinaleedonovan@gmail.com

2019 Toyota 4Runner SR% Premium with under 300 miles now. Vibration started on the way home the night we purchased it with only 15, YES - I said 15 miles, on the vehicle. We've had this vehicle for a week now and the dealer has had it 3days out of seven. The four days we've had it includes this past weekend when the service dept was closed. Same problem and now they want it back again. Needless to say I'm furious. This is my first New Toyota and this experience has not been exciting at all. Purchased from VANN YORK TOYOTA in High Point NC. Dealership said there is a service bulletin from Toyota about Dunlop tires causing the issue but from what everyone says on this post that's BS. Come on Toyota - get it together and own the problem!

Hey Levi, Got few questions : --Did the bushing fixed the issue? --Does installing it void the warranty on the truck? --How long have you had the bushing and --How much did it cost you to get it installed? Thank you

Mike from California. Same exact issues! 2018 TRD Off Road. Dealer (Victoria Toyota in Seaside, CA) did 20k service and resurfaced my front discs and installed new pads so shimmy stopped when braking. Now shimmys at 59-65 mph without braking. Brought it back. They wanted to charge me $80 for balance. I pitched a fit and they agreed to half price. When it was done they comped the whole thing. So I get home and noticed two of the wheels still had adhesive on them from removing the balancing weights. I cleaned it up and discovered shiny aluminum gouges on my black Pro TRD wheels where they scraped the old weights off. Un********believable! I managed to clean the glue off and touch them up. At least it was damaged on the inside of the wheel. Still has an intermittent shimmy. Hopefully we get some sort of recall.

Purchased a 2017 4Runner new in May of 2017. This truck had a “Southeast Toyota” package with 20” wheels and all-terrain type tires. The first time driving on the highway I noticed the steering wheel and the front end shaking. Took the vehicle to the dealer and they balanced the tires and gave it back to me with the "you are all good now" confident acknowledgement. I drove away but the shaking was still present. Returned back to dealer and this time they did a “road force” balance. And again I received "you are all good now" confident acknowledgement. I drove away again and still felt the vibration and shaking. I returned back to the dealer and they told me the tires were out of round and they replaced all 4. This time the shaking seemed to be minimal so I accepted this as the best their equipment could do and didn’t complain and thought I was being “sensitive” to the previous condition. I rotated the replacement tires at the dealership @5k,10k and at 15k I asked the dealer to verify the balance was still ok as part of normal maintenance. The dealer said they were out of spec and they re-balanced them. The dealer balanced the tires and gave it back to me with the "you are all good now" confident acknowledgement. Well…now the shaking has returned as bad or worse than when I purchased the truck. Brought the truck back, they did a “road force” balance. And again I received "you are all good now" confident acknowledgement. I drove away again and still felt the vibration and shaking. So the dealer found another "bad" tire. 5 tires were now bad on my new vehicle. By luck, there were some Toyota experts at the dealer while my vehicle was in for service. They all experienced the vibration and and shaking on my vehicle before and after the repair. Then the experts tested a new vehicle from from the dealer lot with the same wheel and tire package and they found that new vehicle has a higher level of vibration and shimmy than mine and they emailed me a document showing these results! Additionally, they sent me a 14 page service bulletin (SET-TSB-18-001) showing all the special requirement needed to balance their wheel and tires. So Toyota dealers are getting these vehicles from Southeast Toyota Distributors with "upgraded" equipment which adversely affects the ride quality and handling of the base vehicle. These two companies are protecting each other and providing outrageous "fix" documents for their products that the average tire shop cannot and will not follow. Think twice about the Southeast Toyota XP packages on your 4runner (275x55x20 wheels and Nitto Terra Grappler 2 tires) if you want a vehicle to drive without vibration, shaking or shimmying. I still cant believe that Toyota will allow the distributors to modify their products in a way that is detrimental to the performance of their product while charging the customers thousands of dollars to do it. Went through the arbitration process and "third party" sided with Toyota after Toyota specialists provided evidence that the vehicle shakes and vibrates. Toyota specialists agree that the tire and wheel package makes the vehicle shake but that is a "characteristic of the wheels and tires" furthermore, the "third party" judged that the shaking was not a safety issue and did not impede the use of the vehicle. So, my advice...stay away from any 4runner with the XP package with 20" wheels and tires if you want a vehicle that doesn't shake at 50 mph or faster. I have learned a very expensive and time consuming lesson with Toyota and the dealership. This entire Toyota experience has been a hassle from day one! This car has 500 hours on it and it was in Toyota's shop for 300 hours total. Awful car, worse service. Since Toyota will not stand behind their product, neither will I. Just traded in the 4 runner. Absolutely the best decision I could have made. I will never buy another Toyota and I will never step foot into that dealership again! What a relief to have that whole mess of a deal off my head. I highly recommend the same course for those of you caught in the trap.

Got wheel shimmy from 55mph-70mph. - Got new rims and tires, still there with road force balance. - Had a 2nd road force balance, they said it was off. Still vibration. - Had a 3rd balance at the dealership, still vibration. Also had them check into the driveline / rotors / tie rods for any broken parts. No luck. Please post if you figure out the solution. Only things that temporarily helped were the 3rd balance at the dealership and greasing the driveline, but it came back a few days later.

I have learned that it's the needle bearing cassette in the driver's side transaxle. Need to replace the bearing cassette with EGGS 8" clamshell bushing. This is a design flaw. Read reports of no issues after "fix" with 100k miles. I will wait until it's bad enough to install the bushing.

So, that’s fantastic we figured out what it is however, is Toyota going to pay for the repairs because it should be recalled. Any luck on that class action suit?

Got a 2016 SR5 with a slight vibration at the same speeds. Had alignment and balance done, but still persists. So has anyone else had success with the suggested clamshell bushing fix Levi mentioned? Also, where did you get the work done and if the dealer didn't cover it, how much did it cost you? Thanks!

My 4Runner is probably the oldest on here. It’s a 2007 with 140,000 miles. The same problem started a few months ago. Already changed struts, brakes and tires, balanced twice and aligned. Still vibrates at over 60mph. Not sure what else to do.

Just bought a 2019 with same shimmy at exactly between 61-65. Spent all day at dealership while they balanced them twice and rotated them. I got on interstate and felt it briefly but could not get it to repeat while salesman was in runner with me. As soon as I left dealership and went to tag office I noticed shimmy again at 60 ish mph. Going back tomorrow and insist on new tires/ and or wheels! I went through this with local Honda dealer and never did get it resolved.

I have a 2020 SR5 Premium that is doing the same as everyone above. Balanced twice and aligned once already. Still drives with a vibration. I have the factory bridgestones but I have a friend that changed to the Michelin’s and the problem was fixed. I went out to check the axles and the driver side is much more loose near the differential than the passenger side. This is inacceptable with a new vehicle.

SOLUTION: After taking 2019 SR5 Premium back two different times the dealer has finally fixed issue. They ended up replacing 3 of the original tires which I had requested the first few days after purchasing but kept hitting brick walls with salesman. They loosenef all the front end components and retightened, then performed a front end alignment. I had told them 5 times it felt like the front end was very slightly askew and the front tires were “hunting” laterally not vibrating radially, but kept getting “the alignments perfect based on the way it drives to me” from service mngr. I have driven it approximately 400 miles and it is 95% corrected. I can still feel a slight vibration but I think it’s as good as these tires and the 4runner design itself will get.

See Levi’s post above. I have an 18’ sr5 with an off- road package. Took it to the dealership around 10 times before my Toyota care ran out. All they ever did was rebalance the wheels. Never fixed anything. Finally found a Les Schwab that had seen the TSB and bought to tooling to change this bearing out for the sleeve. Huge difference in the ride quality. The bearing had flat spot where the rollers had caved in. Poor design and just not needed. Hope this helps someone!

Do you mind sharing which Les Schwab store? I'm in Schwab territory.

Burlington, wa. Should mention they also did a road force balance before the sleeve change. It helped but the sleeve was a big difference. It’s worth having both done. If that’s outside your location they could call. That location is helping another person with a 4Runner this week.

Thanks! When it starts acting up again, I'll look to Schwab's.

Guys, I’ve been in this thread for a while (since I got my ‘16 4Runner) and I am trying the clamshell bushing installation to replace the factory needle bearing at the CV axle. There was a ton of slop and I will report back whether this is indeed the problem we are all plagued with. You can watch the video of what I am trying here - https://youtu.be/BOvoM5irtEc? list=PLaX0YktJvGQuk-Xge30aZX- EXwvlKNUVK

As stated, I swapped out the stock needle bearing for the ECGS 8” clamshell bushing and now for the first time ever my 4Runner is smooth like butter! Since my front tires were badly cupped I rotated them to the back and that is the only shake above 73mph now. Before, I had the horrible steering wheel shake from 55-65 and it’s completely gone now! Like I said before, the only vib is from my cupped tires on the back now and still no steering wheel shake. Eventually I’m hoping the tires will smooth themselves out on the rear. All in all, it took me about 4.5 hours with no help and moderate mechanical skills. Watched a few YouTube videos about it first as well. Toyota needs to fix this. This was clearly a manufacturing defect.

Everyone needs to go to NHTSA and file a formal complaint. It's not hard to do, took me around 5 minutes. This steering problem is horrible! 2014 T4R limited AWD

Same problem 2019 4 Runner. Dealer rotated tires twice. Random steering vibration around 60 mph since new. Dealer says no problem or codes when they test drive it. VIN JTEBU5JR6K5689034

Look at KcGuru1980's post just above yours. With Toyota not willing to correct on there dime, this is the best avenue for reconciliation. Unless, of course, someone has found a better solution. I found a Les Schwab in northern California willing to install the bushing. I'm hesitant only because I would be their first install of the ECGS 8” clamshell bushing. The technician actually called ECGS while I was there to confirm and order the parts. Quoted me $238 without replacing seals. I told them that if I schedule the bearing replacement, I want all seals affected replaced as well. Again, hesitant. Don't really want to be the guinea pig.

You won’t be too much of a guinea pig. I did it myself and I’m super happy I did. Again, I’m no mechanic and the install went fine. Make sure they order their seal puller to take out the old needle bearing.

Thanks for the confidence Yotashimmy. It looks like NHTSA is investigating. Again, I encourage all with this issue to file a complaint with Toyota USA and NGTSA. I intend to follow through with these requests today. This is the email I received from them yesterday: U.S Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey SE Washington, DC 20590 Dear Mxxxxxx Wxxxxxx, I would like to request additional information related to a complaint submitted on May 01, 2020. The review process of your complaint can be completed more thoroughly when the following information is provided; some of which may be missing from your original complaint. • Any documentation you have related to your complaint, such as Repair Records. • Manufacturer Complaint (i.e. reference) Number, if you have already made a complaint to the manufacturer of your vehicle. If you have not, it may be beneficial to both our investigative efforts and the likelihood of the manufacturer addressing your specific issue. Should you choose to contact the manufacturer, we would greatly appreciate your complaint number. If you could please send the missing information to me via email at juan.aristy.ctr@dot.gov that would be preferable. It can also be mailed to: U.S. Department of Transportation NHTSA NVS-211 Room W46-403 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE Washington DC, 20590 If you have further questions, I can be reached via email. Respectfully, Juan Aristy Technical Information Specialist CyberBahn Federal Solutions, LLC c/o National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Department of Transportation direct line: 202-366-7176 fax: 202-366-3081 juan.aristy.ctr@dot.gov

I have a 2015 that did the same vibration issue around 35k miles and balancing the tires was not resolving the issue. I took it to Les Schwab and they installed recommended all terrain tires at a $1,300 dollars cost, back in 2017. It has now 92k miles and no issues thus far. I am very please with it. I have driven the runner to hell and back in 5 years. I do daily California highway driving at 85 to 90 miles an hour all the time and some dirt road trails on weekends, and I feel safe and confident driving it. I just learnt how to use the DOC and the noise it makes is not pleasant, but it is normal I was told.

A couple weeks ago I bought a 2016 4Runner SR5 Premium with 22,000 miles and original wheels and tires from a Toyota dealership. I did a short test drive and took it home that night - a 3-hour drive - it being "Toyota Certified" with a good warranty. Within a few days I noticed the steering wheel was turned to the tight a bit, the vehicle pulled to the right, and at highway speeds - 60 to 70 mph - the steering wheel would occasionally develop a shimmy or wobble. I say occasionally because it was not constant: some days more, some days less, some days not at all. I took it today to the Toyota dealership in my town and they did a great job aligning the vehicle and balancing the wheels. The steering wheel sits perfectly straight, there is no shimmy or wobble at highways speeds, and the vehicle tracks true and straight. I was expecting the worst after reading some of the comments in this thread, but can say I am thrilled with the results.

My PreRunner TRD had this problem, just like everyone describes, starting as you approach 60 mph. I also thought it was the tires, kept balancing them, even bought new ones. It was my rack and pinion bushings. Haven't had a problem since.

same issue as stated. 62-68 steering wheel shake. Started when I got new tires, Bridgestone Revo 3 and rims from tire rack. Several trips and 3 sets of tires. 2 reco 3, then Cooper. Same problem. I'll be filing with Toyota. If it's the bushings there must be a defect. 2016 4runner.

Hi, Jack here. I have same model. 2016, exact issue as you. Trying to find the reason as i am on 3rd set plus my snow set of tires and 2 sets rims. No solution yet. Has Toyota issued a bulletin. I cant find it but will contact Toyota with all these testimonies. Jack

I opened a case with Toyota USA. I went to my local dealer. They agree that it is more than tires and/or rotors. Because I opened a case, they must take direction from Toyota Corporate. The dealer opened a ticket with Toyota Corporate stating that they believe there is something more mechanical going on than just rotors or tires. So, they shaved my rotors (again) and did a road force balance per Toyota Corporate instruction. The dealer mechanic suggested NEW rotors to Toyota Corporate to no avail. Toyota Corporate, as explained to me won't authorize (or warranty) and aftermarket fix such as the ECGS clamshell bushing. However, the mechanic and service writer were VERY interested in the ECGS videos and tutorial on the problem. Bottom line: My 4Runner drives good now. Time will tell though. If I get the shimmy back (I think I will) then we'll go to the next level with my Toyota USA case. We may even see a Toyota version of the ECGS solution before long. We'll see.....I'm going the Toyota route over just putting the bushing in because I'm still under warranty. Otherwise, the bushing would have been installed by now. Hope this is helpful.

Same problem as everyone here. Installed the ECGS bushing and still shakes.

Have you tried the road force balance with the haweka adapter listed further up in the thread? I had some 10 ply tires on and it’s not unheard of them to be out of round. More for off-road than highway. Just a thought, as I’m not sure of your vehicles specific setup. Some have said that adapter with the road force balance has solved their problem.

UPDATE TO MY POST ABOVE: The highway shimmy returned 2 days after the dealer balanced my 4Runner. I did more research and learned about Hunter Road Force. I contacted Hunter and they directed me to Lexpert Automotive in Bonita Springs FL (they work ONLY on Toyota and Lexus). They did a Road Force balance and the shimmy is gone. GONE! Their report says the tires have slight flat-spotting and one tire is slightly out-of-round, but otherwise they "balanced well".

My tires are all season and not oversized offroad hummers. I should have a nice smooth highway ride. I went back to the tire shop and had them rebalance again, making sure they used the lug centric Haweka adapter. The tech wasn't able to balance the tires with that adapter and went back to the hub centric adapter. It still shimmies. I'm gonna find a shop that specializes in trucks and has the Hunter Road Force.

Same issue for me. 2017 SR5. Shimmies and shakes around 60-65. Balanced rotated. Rinse repeat. Same problem. I’m tired (pun intended) of dealing with this issue. Great truck otherwise.

@Casita1 Do you update with the investigation below? This is the email I received from them yesterday: U.S Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey SE Washington, DC 20590 Dear Mxxxxxx Wxxxxxx, I would like to request additional information related to a complaint submitted on May 01, 2020. The review process of your complaint can be completed more thoroughly when the following information is provided; some of which may be missing from your original complaint. • Any documentation you have related to your complaint, such as Repair Records. • Manufacturer Complaint (i.e. reference) Number, if you have already made a complaint to the manufacturer of your vehicle. If you have not, it may be beneficial to both our investigative efforts and the likelihood of the manufacturer addressing your specific issue. Should you choose to contact the manufacturer, we would greatly appreciate your complaint number. If you could please send the missing information to me via email at juan.aristy.ctr@dot.gov that would be preferable. It can also be mailed to: U.S. Department of Transportation NHTSA NVS-211 Room W46-403 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE Washington DC, 20590 If you have further questions, I can be reached via email. Respectfully, Juan Aristy Technical Information Specialist CyberBahn Federal Solutions, LLC c/o National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Department of Transportation direct line: 202-366-7176 fax: 202-366-3081 juan.aristy.ctr@dot.gov

I have not been updated, nor have I contacted them. I filed a case with Toyota USA. They worked with the dealer to resolve. The dealer did a road force balance with tire rotation. The vibration stopped. I have since had my tires rotated and a slight vibration can be felt intermittently at 68 -70 mph. This is very slight and not an issue for me. I am under warranty so if the issue persists or gets worse, I will bring back for more troubleshooting.

I filed a complaint with nhtsa also several months ago. I think we need to spread the word and get everyone to send a complaint so they will address it

What KcGuru1980 said!!! It's the best avenue, (as far as I can tell).

My 2011 limited does this as well. It also pulls to the left. I recently was told it was the struts so I had them replaced, tires rotated and balanced, alignment, the whole thing. It was okay for a day, then went right back to crazy shaking at 60 mph. Sometimes it is really bad. Other times not so much. It bothers me so bad though. I would give anything to have it resolved because I love my 4 runner!!

Watch ECGS (East Coast Gear Supply) YouTube videos on replacement bushing for left front. They have a link in their website.

This mechanic has the answer for all of you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg-hKIFdSMc

I’m having the same issue with my new 2020 XP package it only has 9000 miles on it ! It shimmy’s Also! Plus they are giving me a run around about my back rim ! It won’t hold my TRO hub cap it’s gone! They said my back rim could be defective, but giving me a run around about it I traded my 2016 forerunner no issues, but my new forerunner does shimmy at 65 miles per hr also!

Did ANYBODY installed successfully the ECGS bushing ??? Does it work ?

I did and it got 85-90% better. I am convinced that the remaining shimmy is from the terrible wear pattern it caused on my TA/KO2 tires.

Thank you Yotashimmy for your fast reply ! Very helpful to hear a real life experience. I just did mine and indeed it's a big improvement !!! Thanks again !

Bought a 2021 4Runner trd off-road and noticed this problem on the way home from the dealer.

I bought new Michelin defenders put on my 99 4runner limited and now my car vibrates every time I go above 60 mph. Took the car back and they did lug centric road force balancing and it still vibrating. They offered to let me switch out my tires and I switched to Continental Terrain Contact HT and now vibrating even worse than prior. Never had this problem until they put the new defenders and the continental terrains on. Does anyone know what could be causing the entire car to vibrate LOUDLY when going from 60-70mph? Didnt have this problem until I got new tires. I used to get a different version of the defenders prior to 2019-they no longer make them anymore. Now it’s the LTS M/S. Any ideas on what could be wrong? Bringing my car to toyota tomorrow and want to have an idea to know what to ask them. Any input would be appreciated. Thank you!

2021 TRD ORP bought new now with 1k miles and have this problem exactly as OP describes. Comes and goes with each tire balance\swap\etc. Worst just below or above 60mph.

Same issue for me - 2021 4Runner ORP. Intermittent shimmy and shake in steering wheel from around 55-62mph. Have had 3 road force balances, and 3 different sets of tires. The most recent road force balance had road force numbers of 17, 18, 9, and 10. Weight used was all under 4oz per wheel, with 2 only having .5 oz. really a frustrating issue that has me not enjoying the car as much as I should be. I’ve called around several places, and none are familiar with the Haweka adapter so that avenue doesn’t seem to be one I can try as of yet. I typically drive 15 miles or less to work, and the issue occurs intermittently, as stated. I’ve driven once quite a bit longer than that, and the issue didn’t seem to occur at all I the later stages of that drive. I can’t believe the tires would flat spot that badly - I’ve had other trucks with larger LT tires than my 4runner and have never had these issues.

2016 TRD PRO here, started to notice the infamous steering wheel shake just in the first few miles of driving back around 10-15,000 miles on the factory Nitto's. Changed to factory sized General Grabber X3's around 30,000 miles and still the same shake until I drove a few miles. About 50-55,000 miles on the 4Runner and it started to just shake between 50-58 mph. I have had multiple tire balances, alignment, flushed the power steering and have had the ECGS bearing installed. Guess what, it still shakes... Heaven forbid if I hit a dip while going around a curve, because it really shakes once I straighten the wheels out. This whole ordeal is sad, because the 2000 4runner I had started this around 170,000 miles, I had everything suspension wise changed and still had this same damn shake. Only thing that I never changed on my 3rd gen 4Runner was the pump and the rack & pinion, even though the rack receive new bushings and an upgraded spring. It seems all the 3rd, 4th and 5th gen 4Runner's along with the Tacoma's are cursed with this steering wheel shake at some point.

Everyone needs to report this to the NHTSA

I just found this site and related posts pertaining to the shimmy and related annoyance. First, thanks for all of legwork done by everybody! Is there any word on where Toyota stands with the repair(s) now? Before I start dealing with the Service Department, I want to make sure all of my ducks are in a row. Thanks.

I just reported this issue on my 19 4Runner SR5 premium on the NHTSA's site. I did my tire rotation & align twice already. So, at this point, is it a steering rack issue like one of the previous post mentioned with the youtube link? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg-hKIFdSMc

Lower control arms bad bushings cause the control arms to shift on the cam bolts which is connected to lower ball joints which is what the steering rack is attached to which hints the feeling of shaking and that can be felt at all speeds but most prominent at 45 to 70 mph which causes the wheels to wobble because lower control arms are shifting in a swaying motion from the front of vehicle to the rear of the vehicle .....

I have the same issue. 2021 SR5 Premium 8000 miles, shaking at highway speeds between 60-65. Sometimes its minimal shaking and other times its dangerous, especially when Semi-Trucks are to the right and left of me. Tires have been balanced three times and one alignment performed at Toyota Beaverton. I have BF Goodrich K02s installed. The service technician at Toyota tells me its a known issue with these tires. It is a known issue with ALL tires. I will not spend another 900.00+ on tires or any other Addon or Modification until I find a fix, if I find a fix. I've never had a new vehicle experience this. The more I research this, the more I see this has been an issue for roughly a decade. I understand that there are many variables, faulty upper and lower control arms, damaged rims, loose lug nuts, tire pressure, bushings, etc. etc. How can literally thousands of 4Runner owners approach Toyota with same issue, all over the country for the past 10 years and not understand that there "may" an inherent design issue? I've owned my rig for a little more than 7 months. Looking into lemon law a well. I can say this for sure, I'm never buying another Toyota.

I purchased a 2023 4runner Off Road Premium on June 2. I am now a month into ownership with 1,300miles on the 4runner. To make a long story short. I've had my alignment corrected twice, wheels balanced once. I'm intermittently get the steering wheel shimmy/wobble around 63mph. Dealership said they could not duplicate the issue. At this point, I am concerned, frustrated and regret the purchase of the 4runner. Obviously this is a known issue and one toyota has no desire to correct or make right. I've owned Toyotas before (corolla, camry, tacoma) but never a 4runner. I am displeased with the quality control as the wheels and alignment were out from day one.. I asked the dealership to do an alignment check as the 4runner pulled to the right during test drive. later, I was told everything was good to go. It was not. they never did anything but have someone else drive it and say it was fine. no check was actually done. I took ownership of this vehicle in good faith that everything was good. At this point I am considering returning to vehicle, even at a financial lose.