My 1999 4Runner has had an intermittent vibrationwhen the brakes are applied for the past 20K miles. The vehicle now has 100K miles. The vibration is coupled with a low groaning noise. It sounds like it is coming from thedriver side front brake. Until today nobody has been able to diagnose the cause. Today I was told the sound/vibration is coming from the rear driveshaft. Apparently a u-joint is bad at the transfer case. I was also told that the u-joints can't be replaced so the entire driveshaft will need to be replaced. Can this be true? On my past 4X4's replacing a driveshaft was not a big deal.

 

To bandritch: [8D]I have had my front u-joint replaced, so it can be done. However they said both were replaced but I doubt it. Be advised above 70+ miles per hour my driveshaft is now unbalanced and produces a hum type of light vibration. I think my rear needs replacing now, as I have some light clunking going on (even while coasting at 15 mph with the engine off). This is on a1998 4 runner.

-nawlins

 

warped rotor by chance too? Worth getting it checked out before spending money on things you might think it is when you can elminate what it isnt...

 

I am having a similar problem with my 1999 4Runner. I replaced the front rotors and pads a few months ago and I just replaced the rear drums (pads are still good) yesterday and the problem got worse! It is my wife's daily driver and she puts maybe 5,000 miles a year on it. When the brakes are applied there is asignificant shaking. The problem only got worse after the reardrums were installed.Does this mean the problem is coming from the rear? Could it also be the U-joint?

 

If you want to check for u-joints, when your coming to a stop put it in neutral and then apply the brakes and see what you get. U-Joints almost never show their problems braking, its usually from a stop then going (clunk) or vibes when driving (gas on).