Safety: Loose steering parts are a safety issue. Do not drive on tie rod ends or ball joints that show play.
Checks, in order
- Tire condition and balanceLook for bulges, flat spots and uneven wear, then have the wheels spin balanced. Cupped tires or a bent wheel can feel like a worn suspension.easy $ · under about $50
- Tire pressure and rotationSet all four tires to the placard pressure and check for a tire that is out of round. Rotating the tires front to back can move the vibration and tell you which end it is in.easy $ · under about $50
- Tie rod ends and idler armWith the wheels off the ground, push and pull each wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock. Any play here points to tie rod ends, the idler arm or the steering rack or box.medium $ · under about $50
- Wheel bearingsGrab the tire at 12 and 6 and rock it, then spin it by hand and listen for a growl. On 4WD trucks the front hub also needs correct lock and bearing preload.medium $$ · about $50 to $500
- AlignmentAfter any ball joint or tie rod work, get a four wheel alignment. A truck with a lifted or sagging front end can also pull or wander until the torsion bars are reset.medium $$ · about $50 to $500
Applies to: 1996 to 2002 4Runner with the 2.7L 3RZ-FE four-cylinder and the 3.4L 5VZ-FE V6, 2WD and 4WD, manual and automatic. Where a check only applies to one engine it says so.
Tools and parts for these checks
Links below are Amazon affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate, toyotadata earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm fitment for your exact truck before you order.
| ITEM | USED FOR | BUY |
|---|---|---|
| Steering stabilizer | Damping shimmy once worn parts are fixed (not a cure on its own) | Shop on Amazon |
| Outer tie rod ends | Replacing worn tie rod ends | Shop on Amazon |
| Pry bar set | Checking ball joints, bushings and tie rod ends for play | Shop on Amazon |
| Driveshaft U-joint | Replacing a worn U-joint | Shop on Amazon |
Other steering & suspension problems on the 3rd Gen 4Runner
More 3rd Gen 4Runner problems
- Frame rust, rotten rocker panels or rusty underbody (Frame & Body)
- Engine overheating or temperature gauge climbing (Cooling)
- Pink or milky transmission fluid, or coolant in the transmission (Transmission)
- 5VZ-FE timing belt service: when is it due and how do I tell? (Engine)
- Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank (Starting & Charging)
- Engine cranks but won't start (Fuel & Ignition)
All 16 3rd Gen 4Runner symptoms in the interactive troubleshooter →
General guidance from owner experience. Confirm torque specs, fluid capacities and procedures in the factory service manual. Brakes, steering and anything structural: if in doubt, have a qualified shop inspect it before driving.