Hello,

I have and 88 runner that I thought needed 2 new front wheel bearings on each side. Well I got it apart easily until I got to the adjusting nuts. They were hand tight. Well I just tightened them up and no more play. (Except fot the tie rods) Well I took it for a test drive all happy thinking I just saved a bunch of money and it was fine until the more I drove. Barely any vibration at first then it kept getting worse. Now it's back to normal. Were it was before I took anything apart. Do you think you know whats making the vibration. It's worse in a left turn, right turn it's fine, smooth. The right tie rods and steering have more play than the left side. That's all that move, no ball joints or any slop there. Please help it's very annoying.

Thanks

 

Well is it 4wheel drive? And what adjusting nuts? There is a recall on the pitman arm if memory serves right?

 

Jack the truck up so the front tires are off the ground. Then pull/push on the tires.. if there is play is the wheel bearing. The wheel bearings dont take much preload.. did you adjust with a manual?

Next is to see if you can get each wheel to move left right w/out the other.. but you already said you have bad tie rod ends.. replace those...

 

If the tie rods are loose then It needs new tie rods and an alignment. Also check the idler arm. It is common for the bushings in those wear and cause play in the steering system. That might be the play you are seeing on the right side. Here is a link to a page about that:

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/idler/