2004 4Runner Sport V6, Dunlop AT-20 Grandtrek Tires

My tires were making noise, or so I thought, starting a couple of months ago. Just tread noise on the pavement. They were due for replacement, so when I had my tire store mount and balance two new tires, I also asked them to align the front end.

Tire noise still there... OK, some tires make noise, but I replaced them with the same ones that Toyota sold on the vehicle....

Noise is gradually getting worse.... again, just like loud tread noise.... constant, starting at any kind of speed at all... feel the vibration faintly now in steering wheel.... but nowhere else, ride is still smooth...

Noise goes almost completely away when I turn to the right, turning to the left does increase it a little.

Someone I know socially suggested a shot wheel bearing... In the 4Runner's they can growl instead of screech....

I'm not a mechanic, but I can do jobs like brakes, periodic maintenance... I have no special shop tools.... but have a fair number of good hand tools, stands, etc...

Anyway... anybody with suggestions on what I can do to track this down... if it is a bearing, which side? I'm confused as to whether I need a press, someone on a forum mentioned that Toyota changed the design around '04 to allow for simpler replacement...

Hey, if all I do is cinch the diagnosis and I end up taking it somewhere.... I'll be happy. How bad is this? can I drive it at all until fixed?

Thanx

 

Hey bro, I just had the same issue with my 06 tacoma. I have a 3" suspension lift, 1.5" wheel spacers, and 265-75/16 tires on it. I noticed a loud humming and my steering wheel was shaking a bit. I took it and had my tires rotated and while it was on the lift before they touched anything, I grabbed ahold of the driverside front tire and it clunked around like CRAZY. That bearing was SHOT!! I called my local Toyota dealership (Montrose Toyota in Akron, Ohio) and the service manager agreed that it was probably the wheel bearing and he said he'd cover it under my Certified Used warranty. My truck had 68,000+ on it at the time. They ended up replacing the bearing, hub, some kind of bolts, which they DID NOT cover, but only cost me $23. So, for sure, check with the dealer if you have any warranty left.