Is this normal (re '04 land cruiser)

[ebod]

We've got a new 2004 land cruiser. It's driven mainly by my wife (I'll get it as a hand me down in a few years). While we only have about 3k miles on it so far, I must say we love it in almost every respect (except MPG and it's a bit under-powered). Quality in every little piece is way better than the quality in the American SUV's we were used to.

I've noticed that when turning the wheel at slow speeds, I get a vibration that I can feel in (i) the gas pedal and the brake and (ii) through the wheel. It's hard to explain, but this vibration doesn't feel cheap or even like it's not supposed to be there. It's just a different feel from what I am used to. As I feel it at slow speeds on dry pavement, I don't think it's the traction/stability control kicking in. Perhaps it's just a by-product of the Toyota's full-time 4wd.

I'm hoping that, even though my description is vague, some of you guys can tell me if this is normal and, if it's not, what I should be looking at (really have the dealer look at).

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

 

[mtycruiser]

Whatever it is, have the dealer take a look at it, it is under warranty. Post what they tell you it is

 

[uzj100]

My '99 with 90k miles has never done what you describe. Definitley have the dealer check it out.

uzj100

 

[tabraha]

Don't the newer LC's have variable ratio steering? Perhaps it is something to do with that. Just a shot in the dark though.

Tad

 

[ELLTEE]

I'm assuming you know that you should not lock the center differential and make sharp, slow turns on dry pavement? That will give you a vibration, as the tires try to slip against high friction, and it can get expensive.

LT

 

[e9999]

you just gave $10K profit to Toyota. They'll bend backwards for you for a bit. Milk it for all it's worth, just don't expect too much as far as results.
I would take it in if only to be sure that it's in the records as having started early on.
E

 

[Jim_Chow]

My guess is you're center diff is locked? Make sure the light isn't on. It adds a lot of strain to the drive train on dry pavement since the front and rear driveshafts are forced to turn at the same rate by the locking mechanism, yet the front and rear wheels travel a different distance when turning. This extra distance naturally turns the driveshafts at a different rate, so something has to give. Usually, the strain is built up in your drivetrain until you turn the opposite direction. On part-time 4WD vehicles (center diff is always locked in 4WD mode), the sympton is one isn't able to shift back into 2WD until the strain is relieved. I've even noticed this on high-traction dirt roads when making a sharp turn!

 

[cruiserdan]

you just gave $10K profit to Toyota. They'll bend backwards for you for a bit. Milk it for all it's worth, just don't expect too much as far as results.
I would take it in if only to be sure that it's in the records as having started early on.
E

Eric,

The dealer did not do anywhere near that well on the transaction. He won't starve but he can't retire either...

ebod,

I suggest that you pay a cordial visit to your dealer and say just what you said here and ask if you can take another one for a spin to verify if it is indeed the way they are or if yours is the odd duck.

If yours ends up being different you will have the perfect vehicle to point at to say "Makie mine so it drives like that one"........


D-

 

[e9999]

Eric,

The dealer did not do anywhere near that well on the transaction. He won't starve but he can't retire either...%$#@^

snip


D-

Dan, I was referring to TMC, not the dealer, but that good will should percolate down a little bit, even at dealerships that are nowhere close to being as hip to Cruzahs as AmToy...

E

 

[ebod]

I took it to the dealer. They said that they didn't notice anything abnormal and suggested that it might be the traction control (even on dry pavement at slow speeds). They also documented it so that if problems arise later, there's a clear record.

I'm not driving with the diff locked (unless the lights on the dash are switched backwards or something). Perhaps I'll lock the diff for one or two turns just to see if the feeling is at all similar. I do, however, think that the diff lock button is placed poorly. It seems like you can hit it with your knee.

Next time I'm there (e.g., for my 5k mi oil/tire/brake service), I'll see if I can drive another cruiser to see if it's got the same feel.

Thanks for the input (and any more is, as always, welcome).

 

[Pitbull]

I have a 2004 4runner V-8 AWD and it feels the same. I think its the AWD with the torsen sensing differential. Other owners have noticed the same thing. It almost feels like a limited slip differential doing its thing. I get it first thing in the morning when I back out and make a slow up hill right hand turn. I do not notice it often if the 4runner is warmed up. I figure I have a 60K mile warranty and if it's really a problem it will get worse and/or cause a problem before the warranty is up. Not a big deal. Let us know if you get this defined. Dealer tells all of the 4runner AWD owners that this is normal, what a surprise

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

ebod: Your dealer's insane. If it was traction control caused, your ACTIVETRAC light on the dash would blink every time it activated and until it stopped activating. You didn't meantion that so....they're nuts. Also: The first time ActiveTrac lit up on my truck (off road) it startled me because it's obvious to all that it's working.

The 100's don't have a TORSEN diff so.......hmm on the 4Runner comparos? I would not expect to find out that it has anything to do with Permanent4WD. That's a tough one. Mine's been smooth as silk.