Steering Wheel shake

have a 2008 v6 2nd gen w/ 150,000 mi on it

at speeds above ~55 the steering wheel wobbles at times. it comes and goes completely randomly with no change in speed or road conditions. I've replaced the wheel bearings, and it has brand new tires that were balanced. The coming and going makes me think its not a bad balance.

it used to have wheel spacers on it and I read on here that those could cause this issue. removed them, and the shake went away for a couple hundred miles, but now it is back

any idea what could be causing this?

 

still could be the tires. Some places only balance their wheels up to 45mph. I found this out with my wife's old Highlander when we took it to pep boys. I had to search for a place that would balance them up to a higher speed to get it right.

I've used Costco for the past several tire changes and have had no problems so far

 

Actually the coming and going can suggest balance as the wheel/tire change relative rotation position and move in and out of harmony. For balancing, did they do this?
suoo2-96.pdf

 

My work truck was doing really bad. I’m talking 1/2-1 1/2” worth of shake. This morning I had to bring it to a tire shop, picked up a screw and had a slow leak. So they did their repair, rebalance, aired up all the tires. Now it’s still there but less than 1/4”.

 

If your vehicle has TPMSs in them they could have broken one on install or one may have broken upon itself. It happened to me and the TPMS continued to work until the battery died. It was never severe, just an irritating and annoying steering wheel shake and I took it in twice to have it rebalanced. Once the battery died it was easy for the shop to find.

 

Some tires just do this, I find also worn suspension can cause this. Ball joints are old and tired, subtle play in suspension will allow for shimmys.

Also as the rear sags, the weight lifts off the front suspension making it more susceptible to issues.

 

What type/size tires and any lift? I would also look into failing wheel bearings if they have never been replaced.

 

Are you running aftermarket wheels?

 

The only issue I've had with Costco is balance. I just got a new set of Michelins on, and had to take it back because of shimmy at 55 to 70. They gave it the usual were so busy, you need an appointment shit, and I went angry man on them. Took it in, and they managed to "squeeze me in" The manager of the time balanced them and surprise, they ride smooth as silk now. He also took several ounces of weight off from the previous balance. This is about the 3rd time over the years with Costco that the balance needed redone. Other than that, no issues.

 

The universal joints in the steering shaft are sticky/binding would be my guess at that year & mileage

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...steering-shaft-replacement-and-review.544954/