Adjusting steering backlash???

I'm just saying that I'm not a big fan of 4wheelparts stores. I've done my research and found allot of great offroad shops around Houston, some with better deals than 4wheelparts offers.

And also, I was saying that Janster wasn't being rude when she corrected that guy about caster. She was just trying to get her point across. No biggie....

 

I agree with you on 4 wheel parts but as far as Jansters comment:

1. Thats not what this guy is referring to and
2. A short comment like that is not helpful

He is talking about setting the preload tension on the steering rack, not adjusting the aligment settings.

I posted a link earlier in this thread thats referring to what he is talking about

 

oh ok, my bad. I didn't check out your link. No worries though...

 

Its all gravy friend

 

Re-read some posts fellas... In response to this comment:

I was specifically saying that the *return to center* is an act of the caster setting of the allignment. I really didn't think I had to spell it out for you guys to understand what I was referring to. But apparently, I should have made it more clear.

To con't... If the mechanic guy is referring to the backlash ...
If you look at this diagram... By adjusting that 'nut' (steering rack guide spring cap), you're puttnig more pressure on the steering rack guide spring cap & spring. And if the orientation of the diagrams are accurate to themselves - that's only a lower support of the worm gear because there's no bearing down there to keep it fixed (there's a bearing higher up on the shaft). You could call it 'gear mesh' I but since the upper part of that shaft has a bearing, it's essentially a fixed shaft. Tightening that nut would probably put more of an 'uneven' gear mesh on the steering shaft. But that's my oppinion based on looking at the diagrams.

Again - I'd personally be pissed off if that guy messed with that and especially without my permission. If 10,000 miles down the road (example) your steering rack starts acting up...... and Toyota discovers someone messed with it...you're shit outta luck. I'd highly recommend taking it to Toyota and have them 'check' it and put it back to factory specs. Tell Toyota that a TECH at 4Wheelparts adjusted it without your permission.

 

Come on Janster. Why are you so confrontational?? Its not necessary. The guy was asking a question and didn't come here to be made to feel stupid about a ligitimate question. You are right about caster being relative to return to steering center but "to be more specific" and "spell it out for you" if you over tighten the rack tension spring preload, your rack will be too tight and not return to center on its own, regardless of caster. That is why there is such a specific procedure for steering rack preload tension adjustment. There was a TSB for Gen 1's I think, where there was a procedure to tighten the rack preload to fix front end vibration. Also in one of my earlier posts in this thread were some articles about some Lexus owners using this adjustment to fix front end vibration. This is what the idiot at 4 wheel parts was tring to accomplish. In those same articles are a couple people who over tightened the rack and the steering wheel would not return to center on its own. Also, over tightening the rack could also cause the end seals to fail prematurely as well. But you are right, generally no one should touch the rack adjustment. Even Toyota techs. I too would be really pissed about this.

 

I made a response and that was it - nothing more or nothing less.

But apparently, I'm getting blamed for how others read it and took it negatively. It's not my fault they took it negatively and they feel stupid from it - because it certainly wasn't my intention.

But whatever....Back on topic.

 

Gonna regret this.

I don't know how much you can change the pinion preload (backlash, steering slop or whatever y'all decide to call it) in the rack by turning a nut. I say that because there was a front wheel shudder TSB that increased the pinion preload and it specified a new (stiffer) spring.

Unlike most bloggers I want to know if I am wrong. Have been wondering about this steering arrangement for years. It is awfully light and sensitive for a truck. Mine is a road queen, but the bump steering annoys me (even with minimum caster). I dunno how you offroad folks stand it.

I totally agree with the second statement.

 

Maybe I do not know the right terminology but here is a video about rack and pinions and how you can adjust them. Which is exactly what the mechanic did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQt-u-frkJs

And here is the article about "backlash"

Most gearboxes are designed to have more geartooth backlash (clearance) when turned to the right or left. A slight preload is produced in the center position to avoid steering wheel play during straight-ahead driving. With the steering wheel centered, loosen the over center adjusting screw locknut. Turn the over center adjusting screw in until it bottoms lightly. This will remove the backlash.
Link to article:
http://www.tpub.com/content/construction/14273/css/14273_318.htm

I went back to the shop today and spoke with the mechanic. I feel that he did the right thing. The guys at the shop have been nothing but really friendly and willing to do whatever makes me the customer happy FREE of charge.

I feel he was very knowledgeable about Toyota's and was willing to reverse what he did, but after more talking I decided he made the right call. The truck drives straight without vibrations and the steering wheel has no play. It will return to center as long as I keep up speed. Too slow or dead stop nothing really happens to the wheel it will just stay where I left it.

The whole reason why I started this thread was to see if anyone else had this done or even heard about such a thing.

 

yeah sorry about that man.what i was getting at is what the tech meant by backlash and what he was trying to acomplish with what he did.but as long as your happy with the outcome thats all that matters.i don't feel your in any danger with what was adjusted.the only side effect might be your rack wearing out sooner than one that was left alone.

 

and to janster no harm no fowl your coment did not make me feel stupid.just to clear up what you were saying slow or no return to center is a side effect of poor caster to negative if i remember correctly.the term return to center or steering rebound is what is used to describe what the steering wheel is doing.

 

I'm not knocking what the mechanic did.... however ... I've been on tacoma forums since 99 and have installed lots of lift kits etc, and I've never heard of anyone adjusting the backlash on their tacomas. I would tend to believe the hundreds of tacoma owners over the years verus one mechanic. But that's me.... that's what these forums are good for.

As long as your happy with it, that's all that matters.

I hope & pray that you don't have problems down the road (6 months, a year, 2 years, etc).