Another Vibration Issue...

But I haven't seen it listed through the search or TSB's.
First, this is a completely stock suspension. I have upgraded to 265/75/16 tires, but the issue was happening before the new tires as well.
I have noticed that the truck drives fine but, at higher speeds (75+) there is a high pitched, pulsating, vibration that can be heard and felt through the steering wheel. Also of interest, it's only when the wheel is turned to the left (switching lanes or curves in the highway).
The reason for the new post is that all of the other vibrations at this speed I've read about are after suspension upgrades. The other common reply I see is to make sure the tires are balanced. I haven't ruled this out, but the fact that it happened with the stock tires and the new ones seems too coincidental.
Any thoughts?

 

The front diff needle bearing will happen on stock suspension Tacos also. It is more rare, but still there. You will probably have good luck getting it swapped at a dealer being stock?

Mine has done it since about 4,000mi, but it is a pretty subtle vibration. If will definitely change if going left, right, or straight.

 

Test if it goes away in 4x4. That diff bearing can go out even at stock height

Edit @tonered you beat me to it

 

I dont think you are supposed to go 75 in 4wd...

 

You absolutely can - you’re just unable to /engage/ it above 62mph.

In the winter, 4x4 at highway speeds is near necessary. The ice and snow is more than slippery enough.

insofar as this test - as long as he’s on a relatively straight interstate, it won’t bind up at all

 

4Hi will engage at speeds up to about 60mph. After that, you can go as fast as you want. Of course, it isn't advisable.

In 4Lo for the MTs, it can hit the limiter in 6th which is nearly 60mph also. The ATs are limited to 4th Gear, I believe.

 

This is an SR5, 2WD. I'm actually at a dealer now for the 45,000 mile check up. I told them about it, but they wanted to charge me $160 just to diagnose the problem. I thought I would try the great minds here at TW for any probable causes before dropping that kind of money just for them to TRY and tell me what's wrong...

 

Oof! If you are 2wd, then you shouldn't have the front diff vibes due to the needle bearing. You have a lot less parts connected to the front suspension.

Given that, I would suspect a wheel bearing? That issue is very rare on the 3rd Gens?

Other than noise and vibes, the diagnosis is jacking that wheel and pulling / pushing the top and bottom to see if there is any play in the bearing.

Pulling / pushing on the front and back side diagnoses the steering ball joint.

 

Tire balance or wheel bearings

 

Thank you all for the input, I'll jack it up as soon as I get a chance to see if I can feel any movement

 

You're welcome!