i just got a 95' 4runner 4x4 its got 170,000 miles and is in ok shape but needs some work. my first problem is a vibration in the front. i jacked up the front and you can grab the right front tire at 12 and 6 oclock and there is a good bit of play. i have taken the rotor off of the spindle but now i dont know how to tell if its a bearing or the shaft. any one know please help.

 

Greetings,
Are you sure it's a bearing and not a tie rod? To diagnose a bearing the best advice that I can give you is to put your rig up on a rack and put it in drive, get under there with a mechanic's stethescope you will be able to pinpoint the bearing: "Warning: Don't try this at Home!" If it were to be a bearing sometimes you can diagnose it be turning the wheel by hand and some times you can feel it, I'd really check those tie rods though!

Good Luck,
Harry

 

thanks, what about the play in the wheel, is this normal?

 

The play could be from bad balljoints, tie rod ends, idler arm or pittman arm. Wiggle the wheel and look and turn it slightly back and forth and look under the truck for stuff moving that shouldn't be.