Steering Column Repair: vibration, front end vibration, axle shaft

Question
I have a 2000 Celica w/80,000miles.  I had to brake hard at 90mph and it caused a front end vibration.  It feels like a front tire has a bump for every rotation.  Meaning the vibration increases with speed.  I have rotated the back tires to the front to see if there was any change.  It did seem to improve the vibration but hasn't gone away.  The tires I moved to the front are brand new and the tires that were on the front only had about half the tread left.  The vibration can also be felt in the steering wheel.  I am not sure if this is connected but at around the same time the vibration started I began to notice a noise in the steering column only when i turn right.  The car has to be under a load to make noise, it will not do it if just turning the steering back and forth at idle.  The first couple time i heard it I thought it was my keys settling, so thats what it sounds like.  It is quiet and does not do it everytime I turn right and it doesnt seem to matter how hard I am turning.  sometimes it does it at a slight turn and then not at a hard turn or visa versa.  Thankyou for your time.

Answer
Hi amber:
90mph!!!?  My oh my, that's too fast for street driving.
Anyway, it sounds like you have a bad front axle shaft or front wheel driveshaft bearing (CV joint) going bad.  That's why you don't want to be doing 90mph.  If that were to break apart or lock up, we wouldn't be talking.  Your car would have lost total control and the wheel would have launched.
It didn't get damaged by your braking, they just go bad over time and with 80,000 miles on it, it's overdue.  

Have it checked by a reputable suspension shop and be prepared to spend about $700-$900--the axle shaft alone is @ $585.00 (each side)

Good luck & safe driving

Doug