My 2006 4Runner Limited (V8) has 232,000 miles on it. Runs great.

Just recently started a mild vibration (±1000 miles on it since it started). Happens when going over 30 mph and seems to get worse when I turn to the right. It feels like I'm driving on a rumble strip created by a dozer track. Only happens when I am accelerating or maintaining my speed. Stops when I let off the throttle.

I checked the U-Joints. Had oil/fluids changed on the rear axle and gear boxes. No excessive metal was found in the fluid. The front gear box fluid was black. Oil change place (jiffy lube type place) said they couldn't change the transmission fluid.

It drives straight with no pull to left or right, so I think the alignment is OK No uneven tire wear visible yet.

I drive it a lot in mud, but clean underneath as well as I can. Yesterday, I pulled off the skid plate and cleaned out the mud lodged above it.

I'm guessing it might be a CV joint. I had one replaced a few years ago because the rubber boot had broken off.
Is there a way to tell if a cv joint is going out?

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks
Bill

 

Got it fixed. The front left CV joint / axle and wheel bearing were bad. CV joint boot didn't look damaged until the day I took it to the shop for repairs. When my mechanic took the CV off, there was no grease in the joint. The axle splines were almost gone.

Running great again. This 2006 4Runner has been a great vehicle. I drive on coal mine operations about every day.