Vibration prob, and it's not my tires

[rickw77]

I've lived with this highway-speed vibration every day for 3 years. The original owner sold me my 99 Landcruiser with only 47,400 miles because the slight vibration in the steering wheel was driving her crazy and the stealership couldn't fix it. I've tried 3 different brands of tires on the front, alignments, and done inspection of all bushings and suspension components. The steering wheel has vibration that is even visible, probably a 2 degree rocking back and forth. I've read all the archived posts here, and no-one else observed what I have... the vibration is not noticeable when on a curve, while changing lanes, or while driving in a high-winds situation. Grooved or rough pavement also makes the vibration "go-away". Sounds like a steering component or bearings or ? that is loose but can be forced back to proper position with the force of lateral movement? Help. help. Rick

Alternately: if anyone knows a good suspension shop in the Dallas area...

 

[lc98v8]

Just an idea,, the other day I had steering wheel vibration when I do sudden break at high speed and have been told by the tire shop that it has nothing to od with tires, alighbment and asked me to change the steering bushings!!, have not done it yet!!,,,this is the first time I get such problem!>>but it started after skimming the front rotor...I hope it is not the FRONT Bearings!

please don't rely on the look of things...I am not a mechanic but I think I understand what you are going through..Your landcruiser is about 9 years old and as start and if I were you I will go ahead and replace the steering bushings, the front wheels bearings, the front and rear stablizers,,,

 

[TRFCSUX]

Hey Rick

Does your rig pull to one side while driving or just vib,and did you try tires all the around or just in front?Also who did your alignment,some shops suck at alignments or some techs anyway.I had to go to toyota to get mine half way decent,starting to notice the vib your talking about and it doesnt make me happy either.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

 

[100 TD]

A difficult one I'm sure, but fortunately the cruiser is not a human being and has replacable parts so I expect someone should be able to fix it. Finding the person who knows their stuff is the hard part. The steering rack would be my thought first up (without being able to test drive and examine myself)
Has the rack be removed and inspected for correct preloads and bushes etc. This is the first place I would start if EVERYTHING else has been checked correctly and there in no play in any suspension parts or wheel bearings. Maybe a second hand rack off a wreck with low miles may be available? When you drive a curve there is load on the rack so if it is bushes etc. it would most likely not be there when load was on the rack. My 0.02