I have a 2007 Tahoe 5.3 basic, 2 wheel drive. There is a hard vibration (feels a bit like a subtle death wobble) between the speeds 65-69mph ONLY. There is no differing affect from breaking or accelerating, if you're within that speed range it will wobble pretty good. I've been told its possibly WHEEL BEARINGS at this point but still unsure.

I have been to two mechanics and had them do three tire balances (one with "road force" capable balancer), I've have had an alignment done, all tires are about a year new. I have been told by two different mechanics that the ONLY thing they can find is wobble in my front wheel bearings and this is likely the issue (the front left bearing is pretty bad, front right not as bad but still not good). I just want to make sure I've looked at all possibilities before throwing money at the bearings.

 

If a bearing is bad, it's bad. When a wheel comes off or bearing is so bad it drags the brakes and warps the rotors then you're really throwing money away.
Change the hub assemblies and be done with it. Those hubs are a common wear out item.

 

Thanks for the response. I am now being told by my mechanic that the bearings aren't the issue. They figured out the rack and pinions loose and they showed me. I am not seeing anything online about this being a possible issue. And even then they're only 80% sure (which is what they said about the bearings). They determined the shaking is just in the steering wheel at 65-69mph and since we've ruled out the tire balance, alignment, and bearings, then it must be rack and pinion. They want me to replace this first and if this doesn't solve the problem then try replacing the control arms (even though this should have nothing to do with vibration they said).

Advice on what to do here?

 

If rack is loose it will act just like an outer tie rod end was worn out also making tires shimmy at certain speeds. There are inner tie rod ends inside the rack that can get worn also. Might be time for a second opinion at another shop since these guys seem to be guessing.