Steering WHeel Shake Only When Turning, Bad U-Joints?

I get a shimmy in the steering wheel always when making a decent sized turning at speeds above 40 mph, but it never really shimmys any other time. Couldn't find anything on here, but on other forums it was a consensus that the u joints were bad. The previous owner of this truck had the carrier bearing and a u joint replaced so maybe this truck just eats them every 25-30k miles?

I'm going to the dealership tomorrow to get a rotation, balance, and alignment, so I'll have them check the drive shaft as well, just looking for input

 

You have 08 TRD sport right? If yes when was the last time you changed rear diff fluid.
If you dont remember, replace it with regular 80w90 Lucas and see if you getting vibes again. I get the same thing what you describe when its time to replace my diff fluid. We both have Hino LSD in rear diffs and that thing chews true fluids in order to work.

 

i only got the truck a year ago with 68k miles (now has 74k) so idk if the last guy ever replaced it. I'll ask them to check that too

 

Could be a wheel bearing going out on the front end. Often times they will wobble worse when they are under heavy load from weight transfer while turning. Jack each front tire off the ground and grab a hold of it and see if there is play in the hub... this will tell you right away you have a wheel bearing going. The mileage wouldn't be too far off for a bad wheel bearing on the 2nd gens either.

 

ya that makes sense since it really is noticeable when making left turns at speed rather than right turns...

 

Check the right wheel first than! If you are going to have to replace one, might as well do both though.

 

i don't have a jack so i can't check myself, just have to have them check it tomorrow. If it does need replacing then idt thats covered under warranty and i don't wanna get raped at the dealership so i'll just have a very reputable toyota speciality shop do it.

 

You should be able to use the factory bottle jack on the lower control arm. Just be very careful... could save you some diagnostic charges.

 

That can cause a vibration in the rear but not a steering wheel shake. Still does not hurt to replace the rear diff oil.