shakey steering wheel, anyone else or suggestions?

[jpless]

So my steering wheel tends to shake a lot above 65mph, sometimes it shakes less around 80-85, but there is normally a shake at high speeds. I thought maybe it was the alignment since I had found out I hadn't done one in about 2 years so I got that done (great deal from a toyota dealership, $99 for 1 alignment a year as long as i own the car, as opposed to $79 for a one-time alignment). However, the steering wheel still shakes. Could it be the steering linkage cable or something?

Additionally, I've seen some steering stabilizers and recently my t4r has been jumpin/swerving to the side when i hit potholes and stuff and I was wondering if anyone knows more about them. Do they work well? What is involved in installing them? How much would it cost? Is it worth it?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Have a mechanic check the play in the rack since it could be a big reason for the shake.

BTW - Firestone offer unlimited alignments (realistically one a month hasn't caused any problemswith them which I did all summer last year) for $140 for the life of the car which is great for those who off-road.

 

[2000t4r4wd]

Where did you last have your tires balanced at? That could be your problem. If you search yotatech or here I'm sure you will find a ton of info on steering wheel shake

 

[02sport]

I'd also think its a tire balance issue. check if the dealership has the hunter gsp9700 machine along with the haweka lug adapter. my 02 did it from day one, but the dealership i bought it from could'nt get it right. another dealership had the hunter machine and got it smooth as glass. 3rd gens are really finicky with tire balancing. this sums it up

 

[bonson]

shake

I have a front end shake on a 00 SR5 4WD with new Dunlop tires and an alignment. The align was done by Toyota dealer & I went back & they say its the tires to blame.

 

[T4RUSAF]

After I installed a set of BFG's on my rig i noticed the same shake. I had an alignment done the day after I got my tires installed. I took it back and had them rebalance the tires again and it the shake went away. Its prolly that I think

 

[phlite]

I have a '96 sr5 4wd and also have a similar problem at speeds of ~60mph. Once I reach 60, the stearing wheel starts shaking, it gets a little better at 70+. I'm thinking either it needs alignment or balancing. I'm going to wait till I put my new rims and wheels on, then get it aligned and see how it fairs.

 

[bonson]

In my case the Toyota dealer blamed the new Dunlop tires that were installed at Discount Tire. I havent verified and could just be balancing, but I can say that there are many many things that it could be. If you are installing new tires or other components anyway, then get it aligned and see. I have seen issues with wheels, tires, alignement, brake issues, missing shims, steeering rack, tie rods, etc. on various vehicles I have had.

If you get larger wheels and /or tires you will likely get even mroe shake