Truck Repair: suspension/steering problem on 02 Taco, wheel bearings, wheel bearing

Question
Hey, Van 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
Hi John,
First jack it up with all 4 off the ground, and run it in 4X4, and see if it shakes that way.
It could have a bent steering arm on the spindle, puting it out of alignment.
Also, check the brake rotor to see if it was damaged.
Wheel bearings or a bent spindle is possible, but they are pretty stout, and also, I wouldn't expect a wobble, unless the hub is bent, which you should be able to see when you jack it up.

Van