Steering wheel vibration 45-60mph

I have an issue I need help nailing down the cause.

I have a bad drivers side bearing and possibly the passenger going as well. With that said I have an issue I believe to be non related but I could be wrong. I plan on replacing both bearings next weekend when the parts come in.

At speeds above 45 with vibration getting worse into 55-60 the steering wheel can move 1-2 inches in vibration/wobble call it what you will. It almost feels like one of my or several of my tires are not round. Imbalanced tires? Alignment?

If I look at the bed of my pickup you can see it moving up and down as well. I have checked all the bolts on the bed it's snug.

Do you think this is from the bearings?

 

I had this issue a few months back and could really feel it from the front end on the freeway. I did the bearings first since they were making noise at high speeds, this helped a bit but didn't fix it. I talked to a jeep buddy of mine who said to check the tie rods, I watched a few YouTube videos on how to check them and found quite a bit of play in them. Dealer wanted $250+ for each side, I bought the parts om Amazon for about $40 each and replaced them in an afternoon. Followed up with alignment and wheel balance, problem solved. Still get a slight shake but it's most likely the over sized tires. Check your tie rods, and good luck!

 

Major did you have a constant vibe once it started, with mine it will start go away and then start back up randomly.

 

Mine does this as well. I've replaced the bearings in the front on both sides, new springs and shocks, steering rack bushings, and countless RF balances and alignments... still shakes.

I've come to accept the fact that it's by design for these trucks.

 

Mine seemed to be related to my speed, it would start up between 45-60 mph then it wold smooth out come back around 75-80 mph. If it is the bearings you can definitely hear them, sounds like a loud drone coming from the front end.

 

Ok sounds like could be both for me, the front left has play when checked at 6 &12 . I'll check the tie rods tomorrow. Thanks

 

OEM Hub-centric Wheels? Get them balanced and make sure they use the Haweka Adapter. If they don't know or have one take it some place else that does use it.

If after market wheels make sure they are Hub Centric. If they are not get the proper hub adapter rings.

 

This is interesting, had no idea this could be an issue. I'll have to check my wheels.

 

This has been an issue with Toyota's for as long as I can remember...

 

Thanks I'll check this as well

 

Tie rods seem good. Need to check the balance now.

 

That's good.

I ordered some hub centric rings. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

Spacers?

 

https://youtu.be/D3dl3XTl3FY

They appear to help center your wheel on the hub from the center instead of from the lugs.

 

Ah I see, I'm still running stock wheels.

 

Oh, you shouldn't have that much vibration I wouldn't think unless there was indeed an issue. So I think you're on the right path with checking parts and balancing.

 

Update:

I replaced my drivers side hub/bearing. Pretty much fixed all the vibration. I still plan on another balance and alignment check. The bearing didn't have much play at all when jacked up but it sounded like a pepper grinder when I spun the wheel.