Steering issues

Gents, My pump was making noise last winter, this winter it is not making noise but when it's cold the steering wheel turns... Easy, slow, easy slow. BUT when the truck has been sitting in +20degC temp no problems. WTH? Any help would be appreciated.

 

Sorry, I should add I drive an 07 Tacoma TRD V6 with 100,000kms or roughly 80,000miles. Fluid levels are normal and oils seems clean.

 

Is there a "lumpy" feeling every 1/4 turn as you rotate the steering wheel? A common issue is the lower column u-joint seizing up with corrosion, and can cause that symptom, not sure that the temperature change would affect it that much, but you could try spraying some penetrating lube on it so see if it helps. If it does, the lower shaft needs replacement, as the u-joint is non-serviceable.

 

YES!!! That is exactly what is happening. I read what you typed and went out and looked, that joint is rusty and the rubber protecting the joint is crack/split in many areas around the joint. I guess this would be the cheapest fix fist to try? Thanks again.

 

Yeah, I'd spray that area well and see if the issue subsides, then replace the lower shaft if it does. They are pretty proud of the part though, about $300 for the lower shaft from Canadian dealers IIRC.

 

This^^^^

 

$300???? LOL wow no kidding! Thanks again guys. Very much appreciated! I'll get back to you with a result.

 

I soaked mine in white lithium grease, comes in a spray can. It was good for about 18 months, then i traded the truck

 

I forgot to add, get somebody to turn the steering wheel back and forth while you spray the joint with grease

 

Okay, I did spray the joint while not moving and it hasn't helped. Toyota wants $406 plus tax for that part so I want to make sure this is the problem.

 

Jack up the front end of the truck so both wheels are off the ground, then see how the steering feels. If its equally "lumpy" with both the engine running and off, then the u-joint is still your likely cause. If taking the load off the steering system eliminates the "lumpy" feeling then you have a pump or rack issue that needs a flow tester to diagnose accurately. Look around the online toyota parts dealers before paying $406 too.

 

Thanks again. Such great info! I'll have time this afternoon to test that Phil. I tried soaking the joint with penetrating oil but that didn't really help. It's -15 here and this problem never really started until it got this cold. Dec was mostly +5 deg c and no problems. After finding that part at the dealer to be $406, I'll do that test you are suggesting first. Can't thank you
Guys enough.

 

Hey Resq, this is pretty crazy. I just started having these issues with my 2010 taco too. Came on the forum for a little research and found this. I actually work in Milton too. I quickly soaked mine with some Liquid Wrench super lube over lunch yesterday and things seem to be back to normal for the time being.

FYI - I priced out the part online from a coupe places and it came in around $250 all said and done shipped here from the US. Still stings but much less than the dealers around here.

 

Oh good to hear. I took the the advice from these guys and it worked for me too. So happy. I jacked the truck off the ground and had my Neighbor turn the steering wheel while I sprayed the heck out of it! I'll look into online orders, we get so ripped off up here! Thanks again to everyone.

 

Thanks for the info. My '06 just started acting up this week. Soaked the u-joint a few times with penetrating/lube oil. Steering back to normal for now.

 

I hope Toyota got smart and put a boot around this joint on the new truck. Mine locked up last winter and nearly threw me into the ditch on a snowy day a mile from my home. PB blaster got it working long enough for the part to come in. That was $462 after labor (would have done it myself, but my back problems decided to flare up that week).

Changing the power steering fluid is pretty easy too, if you want to get that out of the way. It's just ATF in there. The old fluid was pretty dark and thick, and the fresh change got rid of a little pump whine for me.

 

Wow!! Mine didn't get that bad thank goodness! Such an odd thing to go bad. I have had a lot of vehicles over my time and never would have thought a steering shaft universal would go bad. Esp' on a Toyota.

 

Wow!! Mine didn't get that bad thank goodness! Such an odd thing to go bad. I have had a lot of vehicles over my time and never would have thought a steering shaft universal would go bad. Esp' on a Toyota.

 

Digging this thread up from the dead

To those who have had the lumpy feeling and sprayed the ujoint and it got better, did you have a vibration or shuttering in the wheel when braking at highway speeds ?

 

I am guessing if you have the "wobbles" you probably need new steering rack bushings.