I went up into American Fork Canyon today and was on one of the dirt roads when a guy passing the other way commented "Man it looks like that left front tires about to fall off!" I watched it with my head out the window and he was right. The tire was wobbling horribly. I can tell the whole hub is moving with it...so its not a question of being on completely or not. The steering's also been seemingly looser and looser recently. Somethings obviously worn out or just plain bad.

Is it possible its the ball joints that are causing this or what would be the most likely culprit for this?

 

OH SHOOT!!!

Dude, don't be drivin' that rig ANYMORE like that.

Your wheel bearings are loose. I can practically 100% guaranty that's what's going on there. The spindle nuts have backed-off and need retightened. The bearings might still be good. I've had to retighten one side on mine once. The same symptoms you describe.

 

So...how exactly do I do that? I'm kind of in a college dorm right now so I don't exactly have anywhere to work on it.

 

Nevermind I looked it up. Its not that hard at all, but since I dont have any way to work on it I guess i'll take it down to a shop around here. It couldn't be more than 30 bucks

 

If you did...you'd need to remove the hubs first. Then you'll need a 54mm Toyota spindle nut socket(or equivalent, most 54mm sockets should work). Remove the outer nut and the lock washer. Next, with the socket and torque wrench, tighten the inner nut to 18 ft-lbs.. Check the pre-load is between 6.4-12.6 lbs., then insert the lock washer. Tighten the outer nut to 58 ft-lbs.. Check that the bearing has no axial play, then bend one tab on the lock washer over the inner nut and one tab over the outer nut. Install hub and wheel. Done.

Now you know....

 

Haha thanks. I was thinking of getting them repacked too, thats why I'll probably just take it somewhere

 

Smart.

The repacking is quite a chore really. I hate doin' it.

Not to mention the hubs. Most folks struggle with them on their first try. Stupid little things called "cone washers", mucho headache.

 

Oh trust me...I know what you're talking about. I put the manual hubs on myself so Ive had the full "cone washer experience"