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Adjusting steering backlash???

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by blackonblacktouchofchrome, Oct 12, 2009.

  1. Oct 12, 2009 at 10:09 PM
    #1
    blackonblacktouchofchrome

    blackonblacktouchofchrome [OP] Member

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    If you adjust the steering backlash how will this affect performance? Will it wear out the rack and pinion sytem faster? Would this make the truck unsafe or unstable?
     
  2. Oct 13, 2009 at 12:04 AM
    #2
    JKD

    JKD Well-Known Member

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    I've never had to adjust backlash on a rack and pinion system--that was always with recirculating ball systems. But then I leave that to my alignment mechanic.

    If it is adjusted to factory specs, it should be safe and stable, and should not cause excessive wear.
     
  3. Oct 13, 2009 at 6:35 AM
    #3
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    What are you trying to accomplish by adjusting it?

    Are these rack & pinions even adjustable?
     
  4. Oct 13, 2009 at 9:32 AM
    #4
    blackonblacktouchofchrome

    blackonblacktouchofchrome [OP] Member

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    I had 265/70/16 on stock rims. I bought a whole new set up and I had it installed at a 4 wheel parts shop. I am now on 265/75/16 on Moto Metal 951. They messed up on my order so the install was free. The mechanic who did the install said he loosed the rack and pinion so it wouldn't vibrate at freeway speeds. I was just wondering if anyone else had this done when they got bigger tires. It seems like a lot of extra work went into the install which cost me nothing. So why would he do this if he didn't think it would help. Right?


    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  5. Oct 13, 2009 at 9:46 AM
    #5
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    I'd be very concerned (worried) about what the mechanic said he did...and if he actually did something. You should never have to mess with anything like that. People install lift kits & wheels/tires and never mess with anything in the steering.

    I'd investigate and ask the mechanic EXACTLY what did he do and why?

    Honestly? I don't care what he tells you....he should've ASKED FOR YOUR PERMISSION before messing with that shit - and I don't care if it was free or not.

    Especially that you're still under warrante..the last thing you need is for someone else to F (BEEP) up your steering and Toyota won't cover it if something goes wrong.

    *EDIT* Nice wheels!
     
  6. Oct 13, 2009 at 9:53 AM
    #6
    jfr02

    jfr02 Well-Known Member

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    i'm courious what you mean by backlash.i know that any rack system i ever worked with there is nothing to adjust.the only way i could see to make the steering lighter is to get a rack with differant gears.
     
  7. Oct 13, 2009 at 11:22 AM
    #7
    blackonblacktouchofchrome

    blackonblacktouchofchrome [OP] Member

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    Ok so I called the mechanic back and I have an appointment tomorrow. He said he adjust the amount of tension going to the rod/rack? He said he has to to this often when adding aggressive tires. Remeber this is a 4 wheel parts shop not just a reguler shop. All they do is install lifts and over sized tires all day long. So in someways I believe this guys is being honest and knowledgeable. I just wanted to know if anyone else has done this.

    When you turn your steering wheel fully in one direction the wheel should come back somewhat which is called the backlash. Now I am not a pro but from what I could find on the web there is a screw that allows you to tighten or loosen the tension. You can tighten or loosen this screw to alleviate steering vibration.

    I'll let you all know more after my appointment tomorrow morning.
     
  8. Oct 13, 2009 at 11:27 AM
    #8
    SC4333

    SC4333 Well-Known Member

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    From all of my past experiences, the guys at 4 Wheel Parts are a joke. I'm sure there are some good techs, but most all the ones I have dealt with are not. You might just leave with more problems than you arrived with. Beware.

    You should never have to adjust your steering rack on the Tacoma. An alignment would most likely be necessary, but never an adjustment to the rack.
     
  9. Oct 13, 2009 at 11:30 AM
    #9
    pataco

    pataco Well-Known Member

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    ive gotta check back on this one.NEVER heard of this.hmmmm :popcorn:
     
  10. Oct 13, 2009 at 11:32 AM
    #10
    Jester243

    Jester243 all I wanted was a god dang picture of a hotdog...

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    some of this, a little of that
    subscribed...:popcorn:
     
  11. Oct 13, 2009 at 12:22 PM
    #11
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    That still sounds 'weird' to me.

    Is he referring to the Steering Stops?
    or
    Caster settings?

    Just because the tech works at a 4WD shop doesn't mean he/she knows what they're doing. What he/she THINKS they need to do isn't necessarily the right thing to do for your truck. They might have other vehicles that need that adjustment and he automatically assumes all vehicles need it.

    Call Toyota and talk to a senior Tech and see what they say.....
     
  12. Oct 13, 2009 at 3:58 PM
    #12
    jfr02

    jfr02 Well-Known Member

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    ok i understand what your saying.i never heard of what your saying refered to as backlash.i think it's more comonly refered to as return to center or steering rebound.backlash is the slop between gears like when rebuilding a differential you can only have so much slop"backlash".with that said that nut on the underside of your rack should not be messed with.there is a bearing behind that nut and if it is to tight or to loose it will most likely cause that bearing to wear faster.
     
  13. Oct 13, 2009 at 4:33 PM
    #13
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    That's called CASTER
     
  14. Oct 13, 2009 at 6:32 PM
    #14
    jfr02

    jfr02 Well-Known Member

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    really this is what you post back.i thought this thread was to help this guy out.did i give him wrong info no.i wish when people replying to threads would post to help instead of trying to make others look like they don't know what they are talking about.caster is more than the wheel returning to center,the wheel not returning back to center is a symptom of poor caster not the definition.
     
  15. Oct 13, 2009 at 8:28 PM
    #15
    SSrUs

    SSrUs Member

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    Well, I'll admit that I don't know a lot about rack & pinion gears. But I do know something about gears in general. Like jfr02 said, backlash is the amount of "slop" or "play" between the gears. Too much isn't good, but too little is also a problem. All gears have a specification of the required amount of backlash and proper wear pattern between the gears. A certain amount of backlash is necessary to prevent premature wearing of the gears.
     
  16. Oct 13, 2009 at 10:06 PM
    #16
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    Dude - You need to relax. You took my response way outta context.

    Go back to bed, get up on the right foot, have your cup of coffee and then come back here and re-read everything again in a better mood.
     
    Jimmyh likes this.
  17. Oct 13, 2009 at 10:17 PM
    #17
    XC4ME

    XC4ME Well-Known Member

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    +1 Your tech should not have had to touch this.
     
  18. Oct 13, 2009 at 10:26 PM
    #18
    livintall

    livintall Well-Known Member

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  19. Oct 13, 2009 at 10:29 PM
    #19
    Anathollo

    Anathollo www.saveadane.org

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    Hey man, Janster knows whats she talking about. After reading some of the info she gives out, I'd wheel with her anyday and feel confident on the trail. More importantly she KNOWS what shes talking about. And in this case, she's helping the guy out.

    and good luck with 4wheelparts. I've heard allot of horror stories about them...
     
  20. Oct 13, 2009 at 10:33 PM
    #20
    livintall

    livintall Well-Known Member

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    I would have to disagree about that comment being helpful :-/



     

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