I've been having a vibration right at 15mph that resonates through the 4runner. Speed up it goes away, slow down it goes away. Really feels like it's coming from the drivers side front.

Jacked up the a-arm and grabbed the tire at 12 and 6 then shook back and forth and there's definitely knocking / play in there. Nothing at 9 and 3.

That wheel bearing was done about 6 months ago.

What are the chances that the wheel bearing is loose?

Or is it more likely the ball joints?

Really can't tell and I'm dumb at this stuff.

 

Just tried another method that I read:

But a pry bar under the tire and cranked up on it. The ball joints didn't budge.

Checked the ball joints while rocking back at 12 and 6 and they weren't moving at all.

This should point to the wheel bearing? Right?

 

And to finish up my own post....it was the wheel bearing. Dang thing was loose!

Bearings looked good. I patted myself on the back for coating the cone washers in anti-seaze; they came right out.

Went through the 41 ft. lb., rotate both ways, loosen, 41 ft. lb., rotate ect. Ended with 23 ft. lb torqued and then locked in with the washer and outer spindle nut. Torqued that down to the same spec.

Hopefully it won't loosen again. Any cause for that?

Also my front tires, new, are shot. They rumble while rolling them off the truck. The backs are quiet as can be and they were ran at the same pressure.

Guess an alignment and pray the rotation evens them out.

 

i had a similar wheel bearing problem, it ruined the tire... it was weird, because the tire appeared to be somewhat evenly worn.

if i remember correctly, the lock washer has to be folded over in both directions, so that it won't loosen up.

 

Yep, lock washer folded over on the flat in both direction to cover each spindle nut.

The driver side I did, but the passenger side was done by a shop. Both sides were loose. I tightened them to the torque wrench specs that a few step by step guides listed. I bet now that everything is broken in that they stay put.

Luckily my tires aren't too bad. I'll just stick to my regular rotating and I'm sure they'll wear even again.