Intermittent suspension vibration
 

Purchased 94 Camry SE from 1-owner, only 130K. Immediately took it to Toyota to replace timing belt, water pump, valve cover gaskets, new plugs, tranny flush. While there, technician found R/F axle boot had split, so replaced with "aftermarket" from O'Reilly's due to waiting period for Toyota axle. Also repaired wiring from ABS on that wheel. Within 2 weeks, here is what happens: After initial start, after 12 miles of highway driving @ 60 mph, steering wheel starts to vibrate, sometimes I can hear a sound like the L/F tire is "slapping" the pavement, (New tires and brakes installed when purchased). This will continue for 20-30 miles, then it goes away. Should I stop at a stop sign and start again, it immediately begins the same vibration, (not always the slapping), then smoothes out again. Called Toyota dealership and they suggested wheel bearings, but wanted $1700 to replace, (4-wheel ABS). Found parts aftermarket and replaced. Same thing still happens, just not as frequently or for as long. Have visually inspected bushings, etc., but still don't know what the problem is. Any help? Thanks

Any change if you apply the brake?

Have you inspected the rear suspension also?

Try replacing the L/F tire with the spare or rotating it to another location.

Raise the L/F tire, grab at the 3 and 9 o'clock position and shake tire. Check for excess play. If not sure compare to the R/F tire.

No change when braking. Checked front wheels, no play, very tight. Forgot to mention ABS light has been on hard since all of this started. Have not rotated tires yet. Thought I might have them all broke down and rebalanced. This car drove great until the R/F axle was replaced. That is the only major change that could possible have an effect. All bushings and motor mounts look good front and rear.

Try rotating the tires around and determine if this changes things.

The car did not have the vibration until 2 weeks after the repairs? How many miles later was this?

The problem started AND the ABS light came on at the same time. Might be vibration shook the wiring loose or somehow damaged the sensor. The shop should be able to read the codes stored in the computer and from this pinpoint the problem.

Did the mechanic do anything to the left front (or other tire locations)?

One issue is if the boot was split dirt can enter and grease get out. The result is if the problem is not caught quickly the CV joint becomes damaged, a new boot will not fix this. A bad outer CV joint can cause vibration.

Vibration started <1000 mi. after repair of axle. ABS light was intermittent at first, then came on hard at roughly same time as "intermittent" vibration started. Technician believes split boot was found quickly as there was still grease in the boot and not much spray. He showed me the damage. Entire R/F axle with new boot was replaced, not just the boot. My plan is to have all tires remounted, rebalanced and rotated, then take the car to Toyota to have the ABS problem checked. Will report back. Thanks.

You or your mechanic can download the ABS codes as follows:

Find the small box labeled diagnostic in the engine compartment, typically on the passengers side shock tower.

Open the box, remove what Toyota calls a short pin (electrical jumper). Connect a electrical jumper wire between terminals Tc and E1. Turn on ign switch. Any codes will be flashed out via the ABS light one number at a time. Example: 1 flash, pause, 1 flash = code 11.

Finally got it fixed. After replacing the struts, and wheel bearings, found out the front calipers were locking up. Only found this out after a 300 mile round trip that fried the left front brakepads and rotors, and leaving tons of dust on the wheel. Should have taken it to the dealer a long time ago but now this car rides like a dream. Replaced both front sides just to be sure. Bushings were OK. Thanks.

I did the ABS check with a paperclip and found the code to read the right front sensor was bad. Replaced the sensor and light immediately went out. Tech had a hard time getting the sensor out of it's hole. Love the Camry. I'm sold. Getting rid of the Mopar pickup and getting a Tundra.......

Great!