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Wobbly car. Warped wheels ?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by oliverm, Oct 1, 2022.

  1. Oct 1, 2022 at 8:07 AM
    #1
    oliverm

    oliverm [OP] Member

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    Hi Folks. I'm new on the forum and have a question.
    I bought a 2002 5 lug 2.4 Taco recently with the aim of fixing it up a bit and enjoy it.
    When I bought it I had some new tires installed. Even after new tires were fitted I'm getting a wobble at speeds of about 45mph to 60 mph.
    I took the car back to have the balance rechecked. The guys there showed me three of the wheels were slightly bent..... It wasn't much but they put the two least bent ones on the front of the car. I still have a minor wobble when driving but an improvement. Is it worth trying to find some more wheels or is this something that can be caused by maybe some other factor. Trying to find used 5 lug 15×6 metal wheels seems to be a problem. Plus the replacement wheels might not be any better. Is a bent wheel normal for steel wheels?
    Any thoughts welcome.
     
  2. Oct 1, 2022 at 10:30 AM
    #2
    Old green toyota

    Old green toyota Well-Known Member

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    Have you tried rotating wheels front to back? You will not notice the bent wheel as much in the rear.
     
  3. Oct 1, 2022 at 12:34 PM
    #3
    oliverm

    oliverm [OP] Member

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    I had a pull on the top of the front wheels...It definately clonks and wiggles back and forth at the top. I'm guessing upper ball joints. I should feel a little play with my hand on the ball joint once I've got the wheel off and rock the wheel if it's no good or maybe see cracked rubber sleeve and grease if I'm correct.
    And yes to old green toyota. The two best wheels are on the front.
     
  4. Oct 3, 2022 at 11:01 AM
    #4
    oliverm

    oliverm [OP] Member

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    Would this be top ball joints or the lower ones. How can I tell for sure ?
     
  5. Oct 3, 2022 at 11:13 AM
    #5
    Andy01DblCabTacoma

    Andy01DblCabTacoma Well-Known Member

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    No- get new wheels. It takes a good impact to bend a wheel.

    The only way to be sure is to pop the wheel off, get a pry bar and start trying to lever things around to actually SEE what moves. However, you should just replace both ball joints if they have an unknown to you service history. Any movement in the front end (ball joints, bushings, etc..) is cause for concern and immediate action.
     
  6. Oct 3, 2022 at 12:55 PM
    #6
    O'Silver_Taco

    O'Silver_Taco Well-Known Member

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    Run you an ad on classifieds here on forums.......tons of steelys get taken off for bigger wheel upgrades....
    Seen a guy that had 6 complete sets for sale ways back....

    So much so......there should be someone close to you.....if not try fb marketplace and craigs....
    there are so many of these trucks around its crazy......half arnt running....
     
  7. Oct 3, 2022 at 9:32 PM
    #7
    oliverm

    oliverm [OP] Member

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    Thanks for the replies. I'm learning as I go.
     
    wilcam47 and 5efvz like this.
  8. Oct 3, 2022 at 11:41 PM
    #8
    Diablo169

    Diablo169 ROKRAPR

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    You probably should read the whole post before replying. o_O
     
    Godzilla619 likes this.
  9. Oct 4, 2022 at 7:48 AM
    #9
    Old green toyota

    Old green toyota Well-Known Member

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    Good advice. That's substantially more helpful!
     
    Diablo169[QUOTED] likes this.
  10. Oct 9, 2022 at 7:07 AM
    #10
    oliverm

    oliverm [OP] Member

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    Well I've searched everywhere on here and can not find any 15"×6" 5 lug used steel wheels on here. In fact 15" wheels seem to be pretty rare. I already had new 15"×225 tires fitted on the apparently bent wheels I have and am stuck about what to do. Can I fit the 15" tires I am now stuck with on to 16" rims. I have no clue where to go from here. Help...
     
  11. Oct 10, 2022 at 6:53 AM
    #11
    old grouch

    old grouch Well-Known Member

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    No. 15" tires will NOT fit on 16" rims.

    Edit to fix stupid mistake.
     
    Last edited: Oct 11, 2022

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