ToySUV: Strange noise in the front of '97 4Runner

["C. Andrew Zook" <andyzook@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

My boss's '97 limited is acting up. There is a strange vibration coming from
the front end at about 15-25 mph. It almost sounds like (best imitation of
noise that I can type) "waaawaaawaaawaaa" - each waaa being aout 3 seconds
long - and very low pitched.

Do these vehicles have ADD? Or is that a thing of the past?

I did notice that the front axle shafts have play in them at the
carrier/housing... is this normal? I could take my hand and move it up and
down about 1/4" (although it was not loose).

Whatever it is can be felt under your feet, and it is impossible to tell
what side it is coming from.

It kinda reminds me of the way the front end on my '86 4Runner sounds when
the hubs are locked in.

He had the tires rotated, and even tried another set of tires.

The Toyota dealer replaced the wheel bearings because they thought for some
reason that this may have been the problem.

Sound familiar to anyone? Any ideas?

Thanks!
CAZ