98 taco problem

So since last couple years since I got new tires for my truck, since spring I let my dad drive my tacoma and up until 1 week ago, I started to drive my truck again. Its a stock 98 taco xta cab v6. No upgrades or anything just have 235/75/15 duratrac wheels and I have no idea how long its been but since I've started driving it 1 week ago I notice at low speeds below 25mph the front end shakes, almost sounds like its the axles but 4wd isn't even on. Talked to a friend and he said it might be axles and/or rear differential. So I took it to a guy down the street that used to be a mechanic and he put it on the lift and said it could be the front struts going out casing the noise and vibrations as the front tires have uneven wear. Where as the rear doesnt at all. So his guess from just lifting the truck up and not testing anything out besides driving the car, its the front struts.

Anyone else have had this problem or know what it could possibly be? Note: This truck's suspension etc.. is stock and nothing has been changed really much since it came out brand new from the factory.

REAR TIRE:



FRONT TIRE:

 

I know what it's like asking a question, needing other's help and seeing that your question has been read but not replied to.

I'm not sure I have a definitive answer, but here's where I'd start:

First, I'd ask Dad as gently as possible if he remembers anything out of the ordinary that might explain it. That's the easiest and most obvious clue...

Second, I'd do the cheapest diagnostics I can - in this case, I'd move my front tire to the rear and the rear to the front and drive it again to see if ANYTHING has changed. If so, that will isolate the problem to the wheels and tires. Tires go out of round. Wheels get dinged and damaged and they can shimmy too. Switching tires/wheels in this way might show something...You never know.

If everything is the same and you're stuck scratching your head, I'd get underneath and inspect the connecting bushings and look to see if there's any visible damage to the tie-rod ends and the steering linkage. Grab it and shake the hell out of it looking to see if there's any is loose or bent or if there's an alarming amount of free-play in the steering/linkage assembly.

That's....I....can't....Um....nothing else comes to mind. I'm shaking my head. I'd try to do that first. If you're lucky, something might jump out at you. Good luck. Let us know what you find, okay?

 

I'm not sure what is causing your shaking but have a couple thoughts.


First, looking at your pictures, when was the last time you had your tires rotated and balanced? The wear you are seeing is normal for tires that haven't been rotated. Your front tires tend to wear the outer portion quicker than the rear because they take more load when you go around corners.



If that doesn't help, I'd look at the brakes too. Does this shaking happen all the time, or is it worse during braking?

 

Dont rotate your tires at this point why ruin the other two (not sound advice) you need a good alignment shop to inspect it. Ball Joints tie rod ends or control arm bushings will be where the problem is.

 

First - done that and I don't know if he is being serious about not noticing or not. LOL I'm a freak so I pay attention to every little thing.

Second - I was thinking about doing that but I thought about it and don't want to risk ruining the two rear tires too. But what you say is true.

I am going to have to get it up on a lift and have to inspect again or have another mechnic take a look at it. Maybe someone who knows more about trucks or if possible toyota trucks.

Truth be told, not once since I've had them installed 2 yrs ago. But I usually do it every 5-6k miles. Its just passed and I need to take it in to get it done. But it shouldn't be that bad would it? If you look at the picture of the front tire, look at the middle threads its like every other (right, left, right, left, etc..) has wear but the others are fine. First truck so now that you mention outer wear from more load around corners does make sense. The shake doesn't happen when braking just when speeding up or cruising around 5mph-25mph-ish.

Yes that was my thought so thats why I kept the tires where they are at. I just thought about that and will be taking it in soon. Thanks!

 

If anyone on here is from Spokane and wouldn't mind helping me out, let me know.

 

I think I have it figured out. I been away and busy with work so I never got around to taking the car to an alignment shop but I drove it yesterday and it actually starting to seem the noise is coming for the front diff. Sounds grinding, vibration, etc..

 

Some obvious stuff here, but not mentioned, so far.

Do you have manual hubs? If so, verify that they are in 'free-wheel' position.

Do you, or your Dad, maintain proper tire pressures? Should be at least 30psi.

Anything leaking up front?

Check your front diff fluid level.

 

Not sure how bad it shakes, but mine did that from like 30-45 mph, corrected it by balancing the tires.

 

I dont know if the truck has manual hubs or not. Yeah I always maintain proper tire pressure. Nothing is leaking that I know of and havent seen. Will check it out.

 

It shakes from 5mph - 40 or 45 mph..

 

I just wanted to say, if I'm looking at the right truck from your previous posts, if you don't have manual locking hubs your axles will spin even if not in 4wd

 

If your front hub looks like this, you have manual hubs:

 

Alright when I get a chance I'll take a look at it.. I haven't been able to get around to fixing the truck but Its been parked for a couple months now so we'll see when I get some time to check it out.

 

ive had that problem before and it was a warped rim maybe check them out inside and out

 

Check your wheels one of them may be warped I've had that problem before check them inside and out

 

If you are sure that the vibrations and grinding are from the front diff, check out this thread.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1s...1st-gen-4x4-front-diff-bearing-vibration.html

In my experience, cupping of the tires indicates bad front suspension.

 

Will check on that. Thanks

I am not 100% sure its from the front diff but reading that thread sure really makes me think that is the problem.. I'll have to spend a weekend to find out whats really wrong..

 

Some times tires develop flat spots if they sit to long under inflated. I would check tire balance first. Then I would take to alignment shop. If there's a front end problem the shop usually finds it.(ball joints,tie rods,etc,bushings,etc.)

 

Yeah I am just playing the guessing game.. Called and schedule a appt for tires rotation for my dad to take the truck in today. Next is alignment shop and if they don't find the problem.. Taking it to Toyota for them check suspension.