I have a Toyota Highlander 2007 Limited V6 edition. Recently I noticed that the engine vibration gets into the passenger compartment slightly. On visual inspection, no engine or transmission mounts are bad and also no check engine light. The vibration reduces after the vehicle has fully warmed up
Also, I noticed some bump steer when I go through bumps or potholes and I also feel the pull while holding the steering and it feels like it is coming from the front passenger wheel. This also translates to rougher and bumpy rides and some level of vibration in the cabin when I go through not to smooth roads. On visual inspection, I cannot see any worn or damaged bushing and no play on the wheel when I do the 3-9 and 12-6 tests. Even When driving at highway speeds and on smooth roads I can feel some level of very slight pulsing vibration coming from that wheel, most times my passengers do not feel it
Note: when I look at the front left wheel it feels like it has some Camber.
Any idea what I should be checking?
Thanks
When was the last time you changed the spark plugs? The tires could be the culprit (when driving), how many miles are on the tires? When was you last wheel alignment? The fuel filter may need to be replaced if its getting clogged up.
I have checked all of those, tires have less than 5k Miles. When I first noticed it I had the alignment done and it improved it but did not eliminate it.
I tried changing the plugs during my last oil change, I did change the front set of plugs but found it difficult to access the backset of plugs. They are under the intake manifold.
So, I reckon the plugs might have something to do with it because I somethings feel some strain on the engine when I try to accelerate. The strain reduces when the vehicle has warmed up really well
Perhaps the tire is out of balance, easy to do by hitting a few potholes. Fuel filter and plugs are the easy things to check here. Also check for vacuum leaks and the air filter. How old is the battery? Could be lots of things but hopefully it's one of these.
Alright,
Will an OBD scan show if the problem is from the spark plugs?
I actually thought so about the tires and I changed that particular tire. Will go for a wheel balancing and alignment and hope it improves.
Thanks
A basic OBD scanner no (unless you had a check engine light), a dealer level scanner will give a lot more info. I would just change the plugs anyways if they have over 100K on them.
Thanks @Saranac12
The bump steer got fixed by an alignment and tyre rotation. However the hesitation and ever slight vibration(i feel this in the steering and through the floor of the cabin) I still feel even at highway speed which i thought is due to engine power loss did not get fixed.
I had my spark plugs changed, my injectors cleaned and air filter changed. Took an interstate trip of about 200miles and I still have the same issue with what I feel as hesitation to accelerate. It only gets to really pick up at way higher revs than it usually does. normally without exceeding 2500 - 3000 rpm i get to speeds of 60miles plus very easily but not i have to rev to over 4k rpm.
Doing some digging I am seeing information that point to transmission issues. I hope that is not the case. What do you think guys?