79 Series steering shudder

This is a 2006 4.2 TD we are talking about.

Steve

Has splits with Desert Duellers that have done 40,000km. There is some chipping. Most of the usage was on dirt roads and tracks. Wear seems to be fairly even. The wheel aligner had a close loook at all four tyres and didn't comment about anything being out of the ordinary.

Steve

Who was the aligner...Toyota or a 4WD specialist?

Have you swapped the tyress from front to rear to see if the shudder changes?

That way you can start to eliminate tyre issues, but then again you can still have harmonic imbalances but they come and go despite everything.

Matt.

Wheel alignment was done by a 4wd and truck specialist. Toyota apparently did a front to rear swap when they balanced the tyres. They are usually reliable (I mark filters etc so I know they have been changed) so they are likely to have done as they said.

Intersting you say harmonic as that is what I thought off when it first turned up. It always starts small and gets more severe. Before the damper was changed it would get severe.

Steve

7.50R16 Desert Dualers f36 r 42 unloaded. Have tryied other pressures. Have had same wheels and tyres on for last six months and this only started about 4-5 weeks ago. Toyota, balanced and rotated the wheels with no effect. The suspension is bog standard (except for the steering damper now). Has not clipped a curb that I can think off. Has done 55,000 ~ 35,000 on dirt and tracks.

Steve

Ok that eliminates a few possibilities.....

with all the suspension stock the 4wd aligner should know the correct settings for the 79 on stock rim/tyre and no lift.

If balance is fine and the shudder doesnt change if the tyres are moved position then I would be looking at the vehicle.

The harmonic Ive seen in a few old 31 10R15 that basically the tyres balance up fine but small imperfections can get into harmonic and that shakes the car quite badly.

How bad are we talking...small shudder or is it quite severe? The aligner might be looking a the specs and while they are in tolerance....can still be at opposite ends of acceptable and together...can cause vibration and caster shakes.

Did you get a report from the aligner to see what the actual readings were... I mean a solid axle 79 can only adjust Toe...Steering Axis Inclination, Camber, Caster and Toe out on turns are all built into the axle? Apart from installing offset bushes in the control arms... a small shudder might have to be lived with!If it is severe and you have ensured its not the wheels and tyres...that would be my next step...find the specs, and decide if its WORTH going further!

Matt.

The shudder is much reduced with the new damper so I would say it is now minor. It bugs me it is still there and it always worries me it may be a symptom of something else bigger. I have the report at home I'll take a look tonight. I don't think the numbers were at the extemes.

I am going to replace the tyres before the next trip so if it is a harmonic issue it will hopefully disappear.

You will only get a ford or holden ute over here ;)

Do they come with buckled wheels too.... or will I have to do that myself LOL

Not buckled just Bald ha ha ha

Usually notice when the tyres are warm. For example noticed on the weekend after driving for over an hour. It has always been worse when things heat up ie oil in steering damper.

I have more chance of understanding women your problem is far to complex. How long has it been like this?...silverback

Has only been noticable for 4 -5 weeks (two months max). If you work out women you should write a book about it. Best seller over night I would think!

Tyres are 2 years old. The rim is usually marked so the split is put back near its original position.

Thanks Andrew I'll try that. They have had a fairly hard life so anything is possible.

Steve

And while the wheels are jacked up, check for any play in the wheel bearings.

I'm getting the wheel bearings done at the service next week.

Yes that did occur to me :-)

Well bearings are due so will have a look. Thanks for the tip.

Steve