2006 Scion TC Suspension

Hello -

Was it doing this prior to replacing the tires and why did you replace the tires.

Hello -

The vehicle is pretty new... But things can go wrong.......

Tires are usually the cause... Not properly balanced. If they were old and doing this that would make sense. New that is odd. Were they bubble balanced or high speed balanced?

I understand it was doing this prior, but did you have the shake right after the new tires were put on or a few days later?

Hello -

I reviewed all the TSBs for the vehicle and there doesn't appear to be any specific to the Scions having this problem. . ..so. . .. . .. . .. . .. . ..

These are the things that can cause a wheel shimmy. Tires worn or improperly inflated or out of balance. You say they are new though.

Shock absorber that is worn, the wheel alignment is out. . .. . .

Ball joints that are worn. . .. . .. . .a worn hub bearing. . .. . ...loose or worn steering linkage or steering gear out of adjustment.

Depending on how the old tires were worn can also give an indication on the problem. . .. . .i.e. just the inside was REALLY worn or just the outside etc. . .. . .. . .

A warped wheel can also do this. . ..have you hit a curb that you know of?

Now, based off of what you said you may have a combination of problems. One, if you did not have the shake after the new tires were installed and now you do, you may have thrown a weight from the wheel. Sometimes you can look at the wheel really close (outside and inside) and actually see a clean spot where the weight was.

As said above and you said, yes a blown strut can cause this. . ...if you have oil around it then it is probably blown.

My suggestion is to first, look at the wheels really good for a thrown weight. Take them and get them rebalanced. . .. . .high speed.

See if that fixes it. If it does then you knew that was the problem.

Next if that was the problem then you need to look at replacing that strut. A worn strut will affect your stability and tear up your tires (new ones currently) and wear out other front end parts. So I would have them replaced. . ...rear too. . .. . .. . .

If the tire balance doesn't fix it, my suggestion is to take it to a front end shop. . ..a couple to be safe and have them inspect the front end. What they find, get an estimate and compare what both say.

Last for tires you may consider checking the below website. I have purchased all of my tires from them for years. . .. . .. . ..outstanding tires. . ...all makes etc, then all you need to do is pay to have them mounted.

http://www.tirerack.com/index.jsp

At lease review the site. . .. . ...if you ever do use them - lots of great folks there. . .. . .. . .you can ask for Walt though. . ..extension 372

Let me know what you find

Hello -

REMOVAL
HINT:
"Â Use the same procedures for the RH side and LH side.
"Â The procedures listed below are for the LH side.
1. DRAIN AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID (for Automatic Transaxle)
a. Drain automatic transaxle fluid (see REMOVAL ).
2. DRAIN MANUAL TRANSAXLE OIL (for Manual Transaxle)
a. Drain manual transaxle oil (see ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION ).
3. REMOVE FRONT WHEEL
4. REMOVE ENGINE UNDER COVER
5. REMOVE FRONT AXLE HUB NUT
a. Using SST and a hammer, unstake the staked part of the nut.
SST 09930-00010
NOTE: Loosen the staked part of the nut completely, otherwise the screw of the drive shaft may be damaged.
b. While applying the brakes, remove the lock axle hub nut.
Fig. 4: Removing Front Axle Hub Nut
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

6. DISCONNECT FRONT STABILIZER LINK ASSEMBLY
a. Remove the nut and disconnect the stabilizer link assembly.
HINT:
If the ball joint turns together with the nut, use a 6 mm hexagon wrench to hold the stud in place.
Fig. 5: Removing/Installing Front Stabilizer Link With Nut
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

7. DISCONNECT FRONT SPEED SENSOR
a. Remove the bolt, and disconnect the speed sensor wire and flexible hose from the shock absorber.
NOTE: Be careful not to damage the speed sensor.
b. Fig. 6: Front Speed Sensor Wire And Hose At Shock Absorber
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

c. Remove the bolt, and disconnect the front speed sensor from the steering knuckle.
NOTE: "Â Be careful not to damage the speed sensor.
"Â Prevent foreign matter from attaching to the speed sensor.
Fig. 7: Front Speed Sensor & Steering Knuckle
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

8. DISCONNECT TIE ROD END SUB-ASSEMBLY
a. Remove the cotter pin and nut.
b. Using SST, disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
SST 09628-00011
Fig. 8: Disconnecting Tie Rod End Sub-Assembly
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

9. DISCONNECT FRONT NO. 1 SUSPENSION LOWER ARM SUB-ASSEMBLY
a. Remove the bolt and 2 nuts, and separate the front suspension lower arm from the lower ball joint.
Fig. 9: Removing Bolt And Nuts
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

10. REMOVE FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY
a. Put matchmarks on the drive shaft and the axle hub.
b. Using a plastic-faced hammer, separate the drive shaft from the axle hub.
NOTE: Be careful not to damage the boot and speed sensor rotor.
NOTE: Do not excessively push out the drive shaft from the axle assembly.
d. Fig. 10: Identifying Matchmarks And Hammer
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

11. REMOVE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY LH
a. Using SST, remove the front drive shaft.
SST 09520-01010, 09520-24010 (09520-32040)
NOTE: "Â Be careful not to damage the transaxle case oil seal, inboard joint boot and drive shaft dust cover.
"Â Be careful not to drop the drive shaft assembly.
Fig. 11: Removing Front Drive Shaft
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

12. REMOVE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY RH
a. Remove the 2 bolts and pull out the drive shaft together with the drive shaft bearing case.
b. Remove the drive shaft from the transaxle.
NOTE: "Â Be careful not to damage the inboard joint boot and drive shaft dust cover.
"Â Be careful not to drop the drive shaft assembly.
Fig. 12: Front Drive Shaft Assembly Bolt RH
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

13. FIX FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY
NOTE: The hub bearing could be damaged if it is subjected to the vehicle weight, such as when moving the vehicle with the drive shaft removed.
NOTE: Therefore, if it is absolutely necessary to place the vehicle weight on the hub bearing, first support it with SST.
15. SST 09608-16042 (09608-02021, 09608-02041)
16. Fig. 13: SST Installed In Wheel Hub
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

INSTALLATION
HINT:
"Â Use the same procedures for the RH side and LH side.
"Â The procedures listed below are for the LH side.
"Â A bolt without a torque specification is shown in the standard bolt chart (see SPECIFIED TORQUE FOR STANDARD BOLTS ).
1. INSTALL FRONT DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY LH
a. Coat the spline of the inboard joint shaft with gear oil.
b. Align the shaft splines drive in the drive shaft. Using a brass bar and hammer.
NOTE: "Â Set the snap ring with the opening side facing downwards.
"Â Be careful not to damage the oil seal, boot and dust cover.
Fig. 50: Installing Front Drive Shaft Assembly LH
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

2. INSTALL FRONT DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY RH
a. Coat the spline of the inboard joint shaft with gear oil.
b. Align the shaft splines and install the drive shaft with the 2 bolts.
Torque: 64 N.m (650 kgf.cm, 47 ft.lbf)
NOTE: Do not damage the oil seal, boot and dust cover.
Fig. 51: Installing Drive Shaft With Bolts
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

3. INSTALL FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY
a. Align the matchmarks and install the drive shaft to the front axle.
NOTE: Be careful not to damage the outboard joint boot and speed sensor rotor.
b. Fig. 52: Wheel Hub & Axle Matchmarks
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

4. CONNECT FRONT NO. 1 SUSPENSION LOWER ARM SUB-ASSEMBLY
a. Install the lower ball joint to the suspension lower arm with the bolt and 2 nuts.
Torque: 89 N.m (908 kgf.cm, 66 ft.lbf)
Fig. 53: Installing Lower Ball Joint To Suspension Lower Arm
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

5. CONNECT TIE ROD END SUB-ASSEMBLY
a. Install the tie rod end to the steering knuckle with the nut.
Torque: 49 N.m (500 kgf.cm, 36 ft.lbf)
b. Install a new cotter pin.
NOTE: If the holes for the cotter pin are not aligned, tighten the nut an additional 60 °.
6. INSTALL SPEED SENSOR FRONT
a. Install the speed sensor front to the steering knuckle with the bolt.
Torque: 8.0 N.m (82 kgf.cm, 71 in.lbf)
Fig. 54: Front Speed Sensor & Steering Knuckle
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

b. Connect the speed sensor wire and flexible hose to the shock absorber with the bolt.
Torque: 19 N.m (194 kgf.cm, 14 ft.lbf)
NOTE: "Â Be careful not to damage the speed sensor.
"Â Prevent foreign matter from adhering to the speed sensor.
"Â Do not twist the sensor wire when installing the speed sensor.
Fig. 55: Front Speed Sensor Wire And Hose At Shock Absorber
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

7. INSTALL FRONT STABILIZER LINK ASSEMBLY
a. Install the front stabilizer link with the nut.
Torque: 74 N.m (755 kgf.cm, 55 ft.lbf)
HINT:
If the ball joint turns together with the nut, use a 6 mm hexagon wrench to hold the stud in place.
Fig. 56: Removing/Installing Front Stabilizer Link With Nut
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

8. INSTALL FRONT AXLE HUB NUT
a. Install a new axle hub nut.
Torque: 216 N.m (2,200 kgf.cm, 159 ft.lbf)
b. Using a chisel and hammer, stake the axle hub nut.
9. INSTALL ENGINE UNDER COVER
10. INSTALL FRONT WHEEL
Torque: 103 N.m (1,050 kgf.cm, 76 ft.lbf)
11. ADD AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID (for Automatic Transaxle)
Fig. 57: Installing New Axle Hub Nut
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

12. INSPECT AND ADJUST AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID (for Automatic Transaxle)
a. Inspect and adjust the automatic transaxle fluid (see REMOVAL ).
13. ADD MANUAL TRANSAXLE OIL (for Manual Transaxle)
14. INSPECT MANUAL TRANSAXLE OIL (for Manual Transaxle)
a. Inspect the manual transaxle oil (see ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION ).
15. INSPECT AND ADJUST FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT
a. Inspect and adjust the front wheel alignment (see ADJUSTMENT ).
16. CHECK ABS SPEED SENSOR SIGNAL
a. Check the ABS speed sensor signal (see PROBLEM SYMPTOMS TABLE ).

As for the size of the nut, probably a 34, 35, or 36mm - you can use the tool check out program at Auto Zone and also get the extension bar.

Hello -

Also, it looks like you may have some recalls on your vehicle. The dealer may fix these for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on these to see if they apply to you.