Resonance in the steering wheel of my new 2014 LC

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C

Cabinetman

10 Year
Joined
Oct 24, 2014
Threads
3
Messages
43
First off, I really like my new Land Cruiser. I have wanted one of these rigs for a long time and I'm glad i finally pulled the trigger. However, I do have one small annoying issue.

The issue I am having is a buzzing/resonance I can feel in the steering wheel and gas pedal between roughly 1900 and 2100 rpm. I first noticed this the day i took delivery and now I can tell just by feel when I pass through this rev range. The buzz is not bad, but unexpected considering how smooth the drive line is otherwise.

I did some research and I have come up with some possibilities. It appears that back in '09 there was a TSB for a similar issue and the problem was linked to the transfer case. The fix was to replace the transfer case with an updated unit. Considering my Land Cruiser is a 2014 I have to assume that I have the updated transfer case so I'm hopeful my problem is not related to that TSB. The other possibility I found is exhaust drone. Apparently this is an issue with some 2014 Tundras as the exhaust was a changed for that truck in 2014. I haven't a clue if the Land Cruiser received a revised exhaust in 2014 like the Tundra, but I figured this could be the potential source of my problem.

Has anybody else here noticed this issue? If so, where you able to get it fixed? I'm hoping it is something minor as I just came out of a vehicle that had a problem which took forever to fix properly. I actually bought the Land Cruiser two days after picking up my truck that had been at the dealership for 30 days in a row getting fixed.
 
I can't comment directly on your problem, but I will say that 200s are known for being able to really "feel" road conditions through the gas pedal. I can personally attest to this. In another thread I read, a Toyota employee had commented on the issue, and stated the vibrating was just the nature of a 200.

Now, of course road vibrations and vibrations caused by certain RPMs are different, but do keep in mind that the 200 is known for picking up every little bump, rill, or rock.

As for me, I did not have steering wheel vibrations--only through the gas pedal. I have eventually gotten used to it.
 
No. My '14 is Lexus smooth which is what the 200s are known for. The Land Cruiser is built to a whole other level than the Tundra. Case in point, it's got a stainless steel exhaust.
 
I have the same thing through my gas pedal. I have taken it to dealer twice to check out. They say it's a balancing thing. Had it with stock rims and tires and same feeling now with TRD and toyos. I notice mostly when driving up hills and revs up a little. It is annoying and feel it should be fixed somehow if someone can diagnose.
 
codyaustin5 said:
I have the same thing through my gas pedal. I have taken it to dealer twice to check out. They say it's a balancing thing. Had it with stock rims and tires and same feeling now with TRD and toyos. I notice mostly when driving up hills and revs up a little. It is annoying and feel it should be fixed somehow if someone can diagnose.
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Bout the same here. I just thought it was a character mark / character flaw.

In the past I owned 2 Dodges...you get used to putting up with a lot. ;-)
 
ayaws said:
Bout the same here. I just thought it was a character mark / character flaw.

In the past I owned 2 Dodges...you get used to putting up with a lot. ;)
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I have been driving Ford F150s with the EcoBoost as well as F250s with the 6.7 Powerstroke. Honestly, none of my Fords had any resonance issues. Granted, there were other problems but nothing like what my LC is doing.

I think one problem is my new LC is so much smoother and quieter than my last truck so every little noise or vibration is amplified. I'm going to try and change my driving style to avoid 2000 rpm as much as possible, and see if the resonance changes as I add on some more miles. If not I will have the dealer look at the issue when I get my first oil change.

I appreciate all the replies. Please keep them coming if you have anything to add.
 
Nothing is perfect for sure. I really enjoy my LC and don't really care that occasionally the back seats rattle or the accelerator pedal vibrates at 2,050 rpm.

Yeah, it's an 80K truck but there aren't really any comparable vehicles out there...
 
ayaws said:
Nothing is perfect for sure. I really enjoy my LC and don't really care that occasionally the back seats rattle or the accelerator pedal vibrates at 2,050 rpm.

Yeah, it's an 80K truck but there aren't really any comparable vehicles out there...
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I definitely need to adopt your mindset. I'm way too OCD for my own good which can ruin the ownership experience for me if I'm not careful.
 
Keep in mind that the LC is AWD. Not sure if you last vehicle was AWD, but perhaps that is the resonance that you describe feeling in the steering wheel.
 
codyaustin5 said:
I have the same thing through my gas pedal. I have taken it to dealer twice to check out. They say it's a balancing thing. Had it with stock rims and tires and same feeling now with TRD and toyos. I notice mostly when driving up hills and revs up a little. It is annoying and feel it should be fixed somehow if someone can diagnose.
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This is exactly what I exprience - mostly when driving uphill. I do not think is a balancing issue as my wheels get balanced twice a year when I mount and remove winter tires. It's really annoying because I can't seem to get a diagnosis, and it makes me wonder if it's a sign of more/bigger things to break if I don't address it.
 
I prop my left elbow on the top of the door when driving. My 200 has harsh plastic there whereas my 100 was plush.

During a 700 mile drive this past Tuesday, my elbow became so uncomfortable that I stopped by a UPS shipping store and purchased some bubble wrap and packaging tape. 10 minutes later I had the bubble wrap secured to the top portion of the door. And seeing as how both the bubble wrap and packaging tape are clear in color, my modification (improvement) is not noticeable to the casual observer.
 
dukmon said:
I prop my left elbow on the top of the door when driving. My 200 has harsh plastic there whereas my 100 was plush.

During a 700 mile drive this past Tuesday, my elbow became so uncomfortable that I stopped by a UPS shipping store and purchased some bubble wrap and packaging tape. 10 minutes later I had the bubble wrap secured to the top portion of the door. And seeing as how both the bubble wrap and packaging tape are clear in color, my modification (improvement) is not noticeable to the casual observer.
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Love it!! LMAO. It's a truck, super heavy duty. LX has tons more sound deadening. I'm with you enjoy the beast and if something bothers you do a mcgiver on it. ;)
 
hound said:
Keep in mind that the LC is AWD. Not sure if you last vehicle was AWD, but perhaps that is the resonance that you describe feeling in the steering wheel.
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My last few trucks have had part-time 4WD (Ford F150 and F250). However, I have had a few full-time 4WD cars and SUVs in the past including a couple of Grand Cherokees, a GX470 and a Nissan GT-R.

The resonance seems to be getting better as I get some miles on the LC (I just passed 600). If the resonance stays at the level it was at during my last quick drive then I will be a happy camper.
 
GT-R

:bounce::clap:
 
OP please have dealer diagnose the issue and report back the resolution to help others here. New vehicle off the lot should not resonate. Even a 15k dollar new vehicle.
 
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