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A rattle is felt through the steering wheel.

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Old 01-12-2008, 12:10 AM
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A rattle is felt through the steering wheel.

When I am driving my 4Runner over continuous bumps; a rattle can be felt through the steering wheel. It's almost as if something feels loose and it kind of feels like a clunk. It feels like it's coming from the left wheel. Any idea what this could be? (or if it's even a big deal) I just recently got all my upper and lower ball joints replaced since the old ones were pretty worn (if that has relevance to this). This weird rattle was especially felt before I replaced my ball joints when I would go off roading up trails the steering would be really loose and less responsive when going over consecutive bumps. Now since the new ball joints, the problem seems lesser but is still there. Sorry for the long awkward post.
Old 01-12-2008, 01:33 PM
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check the colum and make sure your steering shaft is straight. also have a front end alignment done and see if that helps is it still ifs
Old 01-13-2008, 07:15 PM
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My truck still has the IFS. I just recently got it aligned and the problem persists.
Old 01-13-2008, 07:28 PM
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It would be helpful if you let us know what year your 4Runner is.

In '96 Toyota changed the steering configuration.
Old 01-13-2008, 07:41 PM
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if its pre 96, check your idler arm. Those things always wear out. Also check your wheel bearings
Old 01-15-2008, 11:27 AM
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mine is a 99 lmt 4wd and shakes from 65 to 72mph. new tires, new rotors and pads and a fresh alignment. still no change. shake is the same in neutral, drive and under braking. IFS by the way.

Last edited by 4RunnerNeal; 01-15-2008 at 11:32 AM.
Old 01-15-2008, 07:34 PM
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Ive heard and felt the same thing in my '91 but i have checked everything in the steering and cant find it. I also only feel in in 4wd.
Old 01-15-2008, 09:52 PM
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My truck is a '92.
Old 01-16-2008, 10:18 PM
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my '05 Tacoma does it too

I took it to the stealer and they drove it with me in the car and ....

"could not duplicate".


So, I am assuming it's something loose that is meant to be tight but the stealer will not be looking for anything to fix.

I hadn't noticed it until I started really driving the truck around corners fast on a local highway like an Xrunner might be driven.
Old 01-18-2008, 02:16 PM
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man this shakin gets old.
Old 01-24-2008, 04:56 PM
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It could be a bad tire; check them all for flat spots & broken belts first. Check your steering dampener/stabilizer, I replaced my old original 95 issue with an OME from TRD Parts & it quieted the death wobble down, mine wasn't that bad to begin with but I'm obsessive compulsive so it drove me nuts, some will say that's just putting a band aid on a problem but I say if it helps...then yours was weak & needed replaced. Then check to ensure the spindle is lubed & the CV's are good. All this is assuming that the alignment & balance on the tires is correct & it might not be.
Old 01-24-2008, 05:36 PM
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My van did that and it was the tie rod ends
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