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Why is My 2007 Toyota Tacoma’s Steering Wheel Shaking at Highway Speeds?

Written by

Mia Bevacqua, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Automotive Subject Matter Expert at CarParts.com

Updated on September 29th, 2023

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Summary

A shaking steering wheel in a 2007 Toyota Tacoma is usually caused by wheel and tire problems. So check the balance of the wheels and tires. You’ll also want to look for other wheel and tire issues, such as a bent rim or out-of-round wheel or tire.
If the tires and wheels check out okay, I would take a peek at the wheel bearing assemblies because a worn wheel bearing or bent hub can lead to vibrations.
You can also narrow down the possible causes of the vibration by using a noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) analyzer. Low frequency (5-20 Hz) vibration issues are usually due to wheel or tire problems.

Q: I have a 2007 Toyota Tacoma. The truck has a minor steering wheel shimmy on the freeway when traveling above 65 MPH. What might the problem be?

– Al from Fresno, Califronia

A: Hi, Al. Vibrations felt through the steering wheel at highway speeds are usually caused by wheel and tire problems. So, the first thing I’d check is the balance of the wheels and tires. You’ll also want to look for other wheel and tire issues, such as a bent rim or out-of-round wheel/tire.

If the tires and wheels check out okay, I would take a peek at the wheel bearing assemblies. A worn wheel bearing or bent hub can lead to vibrations.

Check each bearing assembly for play by raising the vehicle, putting your hands at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions on the tire, and rocking the wheel/tire assembly. You can check the hub portion of the bearing assembly for distortion by placing a dial indicator on the flange, then turning the hub.

You can also narrow down the possible causes of the vibration by using a noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) analyzer. Low frequency (5-20 Hz) vibration issues are usually due to wheel/tire problems.

You can learn more about using an NVH analyzer for your smartphone by watching this video:

About The Author

Written By

Mia Bevacqua

Automotive Subject Matter Expert at CarParts.com

Mia Bevacqua has over 14 years of experience in the auto industry and holds a bachelor’s degree in Advanced Automotive Systems. Certifications include ASE Master Automobile Technician, Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technician, L1, L2, L3, and L4 Advanced Level Specialist. Mia loves fixer-upper oddballs, like her 1987 Cavalier Z-24 and 1998 Astro Van AWD.

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