I will preface this by stating that this is not an issue of loose wheel bearings trigging ABS system to grab a tire. This one has @2001LC and I somewhat stumped. I've also gone through most of the VGRS related threads and found good info to inform investigation but no conclusion yet. Paul has had the truck for the day and we'd like pick the forum's brain to see if we're on the right track.
2003 LX - pretty heavy with lots of bits and bobs.
Symptom: While driving at almost any speed over 20mph, the steering wheel will start to shake, then "violently" jerk the vehicle to the passenger side. It will then settle a little, shake more, then repeat. If you stop the truck and let it settle down, it will take a brief hiatus before starting again. It also seems to get worse the longer you drive at speed. It is unsafe to drive in this state and I had it towed back from Glenwood Springs.
What We Know:
So with all that said, the front end suspension components seem to be in good shape, leaving only the PS system/VGRS to be the culprit. As there are no VGRS codes and light is OFF, we are guessing malfunction of the VGRS actuator on the intermediate shaft, but don't have a way of verifying. Does is seem like this guess is on the right track? Anyone with a similar experience?
And further - this part is EXPENSIVE. It looks like some folks have replaced the intermediate shaft with the LC parts and they fit, but VGRS light remains on dash and inconclusive if this affects ABS, TRAC, etc.
Looking for any advice here before forking out 3-4k on a guess.
Thanks!
2003 LX - pretty heavy with lots of bits and bobs.
Symptom: While driving at almost any speed over 20mph, the steering wheel will start to shake, then "violently" jerk the vehicle to the passenger side. It will then settle a little, shake more, then repeat. If you stop the truck and let it settle down, it will take a brief hiatus before starting again. It also seems to get worse the longer you drive at speed. It is unsafe to drive in this state and I had it towed back from Glenwood Springs.
What We Know:
- Wheels bearings/knuckles were rebuilt by @2001LC about 2000 miles ago and were checked again today at his shop. Still tight.
- SPC Upper ball joints were replaced in May.
- 1 new 555 lower ball joint replaced during last knuckle rebuild and the other tested to be ok.
- LAND CRUISER steering rack put in by Slee in 2020. Steering always felt heavier after rack was replaced, but seemed to function ok. No leaks currently and ATF flushed once per year. Tie rods seem fine. VGRS light has always turned on at start and turns off as expected.
- Fresh Wheels and tires put on last week. Alignment also performed. I drove it to Grand Junction and issue presented on the drive back. Thought it could have been an unbalanced wheel but that doesn't seem to be the case. Control Arms bolts are tight.
- VGRS Light remains OFF. Paul plugged into tech stream today and it showed no major errors. He also unplugged the VGRS ECU, took for a test drive, but problem remains.
So with all that said, the front end suspension components seem to be in good shape, leaving only the PS system/VGRS to be the culprit. As there are no VGRS codes and light is OFF, we are guessing malfunction of the VGRS actuator on the intermediate shaft, but don't have a way of verifying. Does is seem like this guess is on the right track? Anyone with a similar experience?
And further - this part is EXPENSIVE. It looks like some folks have replaced the intermediate shaft with the LC parts and they fit, but VGRS light remains on dash and inconclusive if this affects ABS, TRAC, etc.
Looking for any advice here before forking out 3-4k on a guess.
Thanks!