Steering Wheel shakes at 45mph and up, why?

Tiny
SKYHIGH2317
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
  • 171,000 MILES
1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 3.4L V6 Automatic

Bought it with this problem and this is what I've done some far to solve it with no prevail:

*4 New tires(31" mud terrian)and Wheels with balance and alignment
*Shocks
*Steering Gear Bushings

Everything has been installed professionally.

My mechanic thought it was the steering gear bushings but it wasn't. All that did was eliminate any play in my steering in general. The car drives fine. You only feel/see the shake in only the steering wheel while driving at 45mph and up. All I can find online is in regards to "while braking" and that's not the case.
My mechanic said that it could be my Tie Rod Ends? He said he noticed 'some wear' on them but 'nothing to be concerned about really.' Or to add a Steering Stabilizer. I looked online and came to the conclusion that this particular model of 4Runner doesn't have a stabilizer and they don't make one for it either.

What do you think is the problem and how do I go about solving it?

Thank you,
Ross
Saturday, February 25th, 2012 AT 1:25 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
You can check the tie rods by having the wheels on the gound. Start the engine place a hand on the tie rod shaft then have someone rock the wheel back and fourth short rapid strokes check both sides. If the bad you will feel play or popping. If one side is bad replace all the tie rods as a set.
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Saturday, February 25th, 2012 AT 1:43 AM
Tiny
SKYHIGH2317
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Is that the obvious problem at this point or could there be other factors involved?
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Saturday, February 25th, 2012 AT 2:25 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Bent rims axles tie rods start by checking the tie rods like I told you.
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Saturday, February 25th, 2012 AT 3:09 AM

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