4runner help

hey my GF has a 2004 4runner sport edition. it has aftermarket 20in rims and slim line tires. the problem is that when you get the car up to about 55-60 mph, the steering wheel starts to shake very badly. it shakes back and forth so bad that you cant hold the wheel steady without it shaking your arms harshly. we took it to the local shop and they said it was a bubble in the tire, from hitting a pothole or the such, so we replaced the tires, it helped alittle bit but the shake is still very noticeable and is still a concern to me.... anyone have any suggestions?

 

Wheel bent?
tire balance?
does it have stock style lugs holding it on?

 

Maybe since ur tire got a bubble from hitting a pothole ur alignment is off. Also your wheels could not be balanced correctly.

 

it has the stock lugs on the rims, and the tires were balanced when they were mounted..have had an alignment done also, how could you tell if the wheel was bent other than looking closely at it??

 

There is a few ways but none are easy without a wheel balancer.
or with the tire off.
normally they bend on the inner side, if its bent enough to feel that strongly it probably noticeably bent by eye. if u can get it in the air and spin it and watch the wheel from the inner side.
another good thing to try is rotate the wheels to the rear and the vibration in the steering wheel will go away but u might feel it in your seat if its in the rear.
if u still feel it in the steering wheel after rotation its not your wheels or tires, the issue more likely suspension

 

the bubble in the tire will do it.. replace that tire asap...

 

read the whole thing first

"we took it to the local shop and they said it was a bubble in the tire, from hitting a pothole or the such, so we replaced the tires, it helped alittle bit but the shake is still very noticeable and is still a concern to me.... anyone have any suggestions?" Quote from original post