Harmonic vibration (1 Viewer)

[Beachcomber Bernie]

OK guys (and gals), I’ve reached the end of the internet and need to go to the well on this one.

New to me 2015 with 75k. First 5k were stellar. Now I’m hit with random vibration attacks that we can’t replicate on demand for Toyota.

Straight road
Freeway speeds only
Tiny vibrations start and increase over 30 seconds till it feels like a rumble strip
Vibrations are speed related, not engine
At vibration max it’s just like a rumble strip.
Felt throughout cabin and especially steering wheel
Braking and e-brake has no effect
Shifting from D to S to N has no effect
Has happened in and out of cruise control
Slowing over to the freeway shoulder reduces vibration frequency
Vibration stops at 20MPH
Pull back on to freeway with no vibration... till next time
No dash lights and Toyota says no codes were thrown

There WILL be a cash prize for the puzzle solver!
Don

 

[outdoorsman]

It could be the Torque Converter “shudder”. It shouldn’t be happen in such low mileage...but it can.

I would double check the ATF fuild level. The procedure is kind of a pain.

That is my best guess based with what you stated.

It is definitely drivetrain related. What is the service history? Has someone been monkeying around with anything on front end? Wheel bearings,axles

 

[Union]

Wheels out of balance? One of the weights fallen off?

 

[Beachcomber Bernie]

It is definitely drivetrain related. What is the service history? Has someone been monkeying around with anything on front end? Wheel bearings,axles

Great service records on this truck.

The vibrations started not long after the 70k service. What could Toyota have bruised while they were ‘servicing’ me?

 

[outdoorsman]

Do you have the service record for what they did?

70K service could mean anything depending when it was in there last.

 

[KLF]

When was the last time the driveshafts were properly greased? Might also take a look at the U-joints.

 

[EverywhereBear]

I would make sure the tires/wheels are balanced. I love the work my Lexus dealer does, but they can’t seem to get tire balancing correct the first time. I change tires off rims every 6 months - all-seasons to winter tires. Often right after a tire change the vibration is back. I take it back to the dealer - they rebalance and all is good.

 

[TeCKis300]

Since it's correlated with speed rather than engine rpm, I would tentatively rule out the driveline.

It's much more likely something in the tires or suspension.

Your description leads me to believe it's in the suspension. Something loose, or there's play somewhere.

Reason is that you vehicle is generally smooth. And when something excites the suspension in the right way, that's when the vibration sets in. Perhaps a bushing or link is worn/bad/loose. So when the vibration sets in, it's just deflecting and vibrating within that bad joint. Could even be the shocks or the wheel itself not on tightly (hope not!).

Since it's coming through the steering wheel, I would further narrow it down to the front axle.

Check all suspension/bushings/links/bolts. Also check steering rack.

 

[Beachcomber Bernie]

Thanks everyone!
Going back to Toyota tomorrow with this screen-load.
Will post the next chapter soonafter.

 

[Beachcomber Bernie]

I need to close this one and while I’m embarrassed, I hope this can help someone else in the future.

It was wheel balance

What confused me was that the symptoms (above) presented like an electrical switch and not mechanical. Coming from an FJ60, I suspected one of the many electronics the were somehow contributing.

This summary of the story just left me scratching
5k smooth miles
70k Toyota service which included tire rotation (excluding spare)
Symptoms present at random a few days later
Toyota puts 60 mi on it but can’t reproduce
I reach the end of the internet and post here
Take it back to Toyota for a check and balance - All 4 wheels off by 40g!
600mi later and no symptoms

Lesson here is always start with and eliminate the simple answers first.

 

[tbisaacs]

Glad it wasn’t something serious!

 

[gaijin]

Thanks for reporting back - glad you got it sorted.

 

[Union]

Glad it was super simple. Glad I could help.

 

[SWUtah]

Got my BFG A TKO 2’s at discount tire since I get free service at the Lexus dealer I’ve been letting them rotate them but they don’t balance when they rotate are still running smooth and wearing evenly but the next time I’m just gonna take it at discount to have them rotate and balance and tell Lexus to keep her hands off of them. Thanks for the feedback