4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: suspension/steering problem on 02 Taco, steering stabilizer, wheel bearing

Question
Hey, Mr. Brandt, Question for you..

I drive a 02 double cab 4x4 Taco with the 16" stock alloy wheels and MTR's. I recently hit some road debris with my left front tire and after it sliced through my MTR's it also took a chunk out of the alloy wheel. I downgraded to the Toyota steel 16" wheels, since replacing that one wheel was over $500 so I didn't have much choice. Now with new MTR's and the steel wheel I get a wobble from the left front tire when going faster than 50mph. The wobble will increase in intensity the faster I go. I took my truck back to the shop that mounted the tires today and they say it was a little off balance. They balanced it again and I was on my way. I tested the problem on the way home and noticed it still wobbles as before. I am thinking now that there is more damage, possibly wheel bearing, shock, tie rod, etc. What do I look for, and more importantly what is your opinion on what is causing this, I do not see any visable damage to the steering components.

A similar problem happened to me before in my '87 Toy running 35x18.50 MTs. After replacing a number of steering/suspension components it turned out that the pittman arm was bad. Any information is greatly appreciated, last time it cost over $600 to finally resolve an $80 problem.......


Answer
John,

You didn't say what size tires your are running, but anything 33" and larger can be a real bear to balance, especially if they are used.  This type of problem can be due to a bad shock, bent axle, or a bad steering stabilizer, along with any of the steering components, as you have found out in the past.  One thing that you might try, is to rotate the tires yourself.  If you do this, and the wobble changes, or seems to go away, then  you can be fairly sure that it is an unbalanced or out of round tire, or a bad rim (yep, new rims can have problems too).

Some companies can do a tire balance with the tire mounted on the vehicle.  This way, they can see if there appears to be a mechanical problem with the bearings, or the shocks.  A front end alignment by a reputable shop should find any steering problems that you may have.

Wish I could tell you more, but without being there and physically checking it out, all I can do is give you a few suggestions.

Good luck,

Carl