Good Vibrations Gone
Q: My 2003 Toyota 4Runner V-8 Sport has two annoying traits that Toyota won't correct. First, when coming to a stop, completely stopped, or upon brake release, there's a pushing sensation like a clunk. Secondly, there's a slight vibration in the steering wheel, console, and armrests when the vehicle is under load at about 1200 to 2000 rpm. I also can feel it when the vehicle is stopped in Drive, foot on the brake, A/C on or off. Under acceleration there's an accompanying moaning or groaning sound. Although Lexus has issued several TSBs for the 4Runner's sister vehicle, the Lexus GX 470, Toyota insists these are "normal operating characteristics" of the 4Runner. My local Toyota dealer test drove, acknowledged, and documented the problems, but since there are no TSBs, can do nothing.
A: We'd hoped Toyota would've come out with something by now, but we couldn't find anything, either. Lexus TSB # DL001-04 refers to a driveline clunk when coming to a stop, with a new propeller shaft (part #37110-6A480) used as a fix. This pertains to 2003 and 2004 Lexus GX 470s built prior to a certain production point. While it sounds like the same condition on the same platform and drivetrain, there's nothing published that applies the repair to the 4Runner. And then there's Lexus TSB # ST004-04 dealing with a steering vibration and/or front driveline "drone" on the GX, which we experienced on the GX and the 4Runner when they first came out. This repair kit involves a vibration damper installation on the front differential and an intermediate shaft and slip yoke replaced at the steering column. We spoke with the folks at Toyota communications when the problems first came about, who say there haven't been enough complaints recorded on the Toyota side to warrant a TSB. Your best bet is to speak with the Toyota zone service manager who handles the dealership where you bought the vehicle. Be nice, have a friendly approach, and explain the situation. See if he can perform the Lexus TSBs on your Toyota in an attempt to correct your problems. Perhaps you can work something out.
Alex Gives Buying Advice
Q: My wife and I are thinking of trading her small car for an SUV. We have narrowed it down to a 4Runner or a Lexus RX. It'll be driven a lot of highway miles, but we need the extra room for the things we like to do.
A: We always side with quality, reliability, and overall performance as opposed to bells, whistles, or saving a buck. That said, you're on the right track by narrowing it down to Toyota/Lexus. If your wife is the sporty type who enjoys getting to places in the backcountry, go with a four- or two-wheel-drive 4Runner. It's one of the toughest out there, yet comfortable for highway use or lunch with the girls. However, most women seem to prefer the more plush travel in an RX 330/350. It's a little smaller, priced a bit higher, and you can't really do any trail exploring with it like the 4Runner, but there's a reason for the high volume in RX sales. It's a soccer-mom-functional SUV with the Lexus brand of luxury for under $40K, and the front-drive model gets about 25 mpg on the highway--not to mention the care you typically get at the Lexus service department. Personally, we'd go for the 4x4 V-8 4Runner, tack on a TRD supercharger, a TRD suspension lift, big off-road tires, and 4.11:1 gears--but that's just us.