Need Good Mechanic in Northern VA Area-Front End Vibration

[Bat Masterson]

I have recently purchased a 96' FJ80 and am trying to find a good mechanic in the warrenton, va area.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Also trying to diagnose a front end vibration that occurs when I drive at speeds over 60mph. I just replace 4 tires with Dunlop Grandtek's and had them balanced. Also had to go back and add valve stems to all 4 after the fact as they were all dry rotted. Not sure if this through out the balance. Springfield VA dealer replaced tires and also said they did a front end alignment.

I took it to my local shop and they checked the front end for anything loose, did wheel bearing test, inspected entire front end without any issues noted. Everything was tight.

My hum sounds like it's coming from the right front wheel/axle area and occurs at speeds of 65mph and higher. The local mechanic did not hear it when he test drove it twice but is definitely there however minor.

Questions:

-Would a good balancing and alignment be the cheaper way to go (using a hunter system). I bought the car used from Springfield VA and do not want to deal with these guys again.

-I have heard that pinion bearings may also be the cause of the noise and if that they may still be bad even though the front end checked out.

-Everything else appears to be ok...just want to solve this problem. No shimmy from braking or pull at all. Brakes are about 50%.

Thanks for your input...Dave

 

[Romer]

I would do the alignment first. I am assuming they checked the tie rods?

You might want to look at the Drive shaft PM thread in the maintenance section. Could be your drive shafts need to have the U joints replaced and the shafts balanced.

 

[Bat Masterson]

Romer,

Yes...they checked the tie rods and apparently all is well.

I heard that Hunter alignment/balancing is about $80 so that is a fairly inexpensive step. I do not have any confidence that the service department did the balancing or alignment correctly.

I appreciate the input on the drive shafts, I'll read that post.\

Dave

 

[Bat Masterson]

Taking my LC into Ourisman Toyota in Fairfax VA tommorow morning for a phase tire balancing on a Hunter system. I figure it's worth it for $50 to try that based on the symptoms and recommendations.

Ourisman was recommended based on some other posts here...keep you posted.

Dave

 

[Bat Masterson]

Just returned from Ourisman Toyota Dealer in Fairfax, VA. They test drove the vehicle and found the shaking/vibration to be due to poor tire balancing. They used the hunter system and the problem was resolved. No vibration or shaking at speeds above 60mph and overall ride has greatly improved.

Total cost was $120 for balancing all 4 wheels. The mechanic that worked on my vehicle also went for a test drive with me and I drove. I drilled him with as many questions as i could think of and apparently he also works on a lot of these 80 series LC's.

Only other issue noted was slight vibration at idle which is apparently caused by bad engine mounts. I will now research that to find out approx cost. Not a major issue now that I know what that is.

So...if you let the dealer buy your tires they may buy the cheapest garbage out there and you get stuck fixing their mistakes(Springfield Toyota). Caveat Emptor.

Off to happy motoring in the beastie...

Dave

 

[Romer]

Thanks for posting the answer and glad it's resolved

 

[Bat Masterson]

Romer--thanks for the advice. You're first hunch was correct!

Dave

 

[Bat Masterson]

Update--vibration still there after taking it out on the Highway today. I thought the problem was fixed but high speed vibration and low end vibration still there. Started new thread under engine mount vibration.

Dave