Stiff Steering - try this fix first

I've seen a few threads about stiff steering, but no solid solutions as to fixing it.

The symptoms are when you turn the wheel, and the steering goes from stiff to normal to stiff throughout the steering wheel rotation. As if there are stiff spots as you turn the wheel. A constant stiff steering is another issue.

Spray the snot out of your steering U-joint just above the steering rack with a penetrating oil. Keep turning the wheel 1/4 turn to expose the different sides of the joint. You can easily access it from underneath the truck. I used SeaFoam as it penetrates decently and also lubricates, unlike WD-40 witch penetrates well but doesn't lubricate as well.

No more stiff spots in the steering. This should get you by for a while until you need to replace the u-joint.

 

^^ I don't know what you're selling on your Th-Team site, but those girls are gorgeous

 

I have been having this same problem with my 05 Taco......do you know where I can find just the u-joints rather than replacing parts of the whole shaft?

 

I followed this to a T including the snot and it worked. And it takes such a little time that you can do it every now and then just in case.

Thanks a bunch. I can see a lot of Tacomas out there on the verge of this problem. And this will fix it.

 

THIS is the exact problem I'm facing, but I'm also really, really new at working on my own truck. Some things I get, but others I am lost.

This is one of those situations. I have no idea where the U-joint is above the steering rack. Any chance of some details to find this? Perhaps a photo? I'd be very appreciative of the help!

 

I've tried to source one for a long time with no luck. The u joint failed in my steering shaft a few years ago. Check for play in the joint. I ended up having to purchase new OEM Toyota. Removed the u joint from the old shaft but no luck in sourcing it.

 

So the universal joint can be replaced without replacing the rack? Are there instructions somewhere to replace the joint?

 

The steering shaft and steering rack are two different items separate of each other. The joint in the shaft cannot be replaced to the best of my knowledge.

 

The next member that has this issue needs to take a couple pictures of the universal and possibly some measurements of the u-joint using a caliper .
Toyota USA or Mexico does not make universal joints , they purchase them in bulk from the aftermarket and install them on the Tacoma and call them OEM .
With some metric measurements , it wouldnt take much to figure out which u joints would work for our application
I also have an issue with my 2010 .
Here is an example http://www.flamingriver.com/index.php/products/c0005?gclid=CKGn8oTHtLYCFeY7OgodohYA0g

 

Done and done. Removed the joint and sent the measurements to several large manufacturers who replied it was not available. Things may have changed however, as this was three years ago.

 

So ball park figure, how much was the new one, did you replace it and if so, did everything come apart fairly easy?

 

The new shaft was somewhere around $400 CDN. It isn't a very big job to replace at all. Don't spin your steering wheel after the shaft has been removed, it will screw your spiral cable in the steering wheel, costing you another couple of hundred.

 

Thanks, I have been spraying the snot out of this one but it comes back and right now it is pretty bad. Last year at about this time it started. Coming out of winter when the roads are dry and still lots of salt on them must dry it out.

 

Use a heavier oil so that it will stay in there. I put some gear oil (80 weight maybe) in an oil can yhat has a flexible spout. I was able to just slide under the truck and reach up, directing the spout to above the joint and soaked it with oil. I then started the truck and rotated the wheel back and forth stop to stop a few times. I would leave the wheel in a position 90 degrees to the previous position and repeat the oiling, then more rotating. I did this a total of 4 times and its been smooth foor 6 months now. I used a rag under the shaft to catch the oil drips since it was a messy job. Ideally I would somehow fix some plastic around the shaft and joint, securing it with zip ties so that I could really soak it in oil.

 

Any chance you have the part number for the universal joint or at least the measurements ?

I would drill into the center cap and install a grease Zerk .

 

I have the u joint at home in my toolbox so I'll post the measurements. The joint is way too small to install a grease fitting.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqPF_SNueyg

 

Great video... shows you what you might be up against if you DIY. Thanks

 

He has another video where he replaces the rack too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSFLIt05YBU

 

Took mine in to our own Toyota dealer for stiff steering. They took it in the back and sprayed the snot gone too! Good as new. They had it off the rack and didn't get a chance to show me where the offending u joint is, but you better bet I will find it next time! knowing the problem is half the battle!