STEERING RECOVERY

Hi all, It seems like my steering recovery is not what it once was. When I turn corners the steering wheel does not come back to straight out after the turn. I have to manually
correct. Any idea what I should check?? Please advise your thoughts. Thanks Steve
2011 SR5 4x4 LB Auto 90,000 miles.

 

you have a bind

check the steering u joint near the front drivers side on top of the steering rack
There is a second one inside of cab that can do it too but isn't as common

if that's not it then pop both tie rods and see if ball joints or rack is binding

 

You hit any large potholes, go offroad, rotate your tires regularly, do general maintenance(power steering fluid, grease tie rods, etc)?

 

Check the steering u-joint...

 

Hi all, yes do required maintenance. Just had new shocks and coils put on by the dealer a couple of weeks ago and alignment done . Steering was fine after that this past week I started to notice the steering would not come back to straight after making a turn around a corner.

 

I would go back to the dealer that worked on your suspension/alignment if I were you. Steering is directly associated with suspension and alignment.

 

U joint down by the steering rack. Grab a flashlight and peek up betwen the drivers lower control arm. Should be able to see it. Have someone turn the wheel rapidly while you look at it. Mines trashed too.

 

What's your caster numbers?

 

Alignment issues ( Castor and Toe ) are a common cause for this.

Steering returnability. ... Sticking or binding components, such as a king pin, ball joint, bell crank or even the steering column can prevent the steering wheel from returning to center after a turn. Alignment can also be a factor; improper caster, and to some degree, improper toe-in, can be contributing factors.

 

I had the alignment done 3/2/2018 and I did not get the alignment specs with the bill. I will have to go back tomorrow and get it. The problem with the steering seems like it was only the last two weeks, seemed fine I think after the alignment as far as I remember.

 

Just because it was fine when done doen't mean that it wasn't knocked out of alignment while driving.

 

Hi picked up my alignment #'s caster front 1.8*/0.4*/2.1*
toe 0.07*/0.01*

 

I think the range is 1.3* - 2.8* so you are in the correct range for Castor.

Your toe the specification is -0.02* - 0.09* on each side and a total toe of -0.03* - 0.18*.

 

Yeah I believe I'm good caster limit is 2.9 - 1.4 I have 1.8 the middle one has - -0.07 - 0.5 and I have 0.04 the last one is 1.4 - 2.9 and I have 2.1
front toe 0.03 - 0.08 and I have 0.07 and the second reading -0.08- 0.03 and I have 0.01
total toe 0.05 thrust angle 0.51

 

Have you checked the Intermediate shaft universal joint? It is a common source of binding. Esp in the snow states that salt the roads.

 

Not yet, I have an appointment with the dealership Thursday see what they say about it. Hope it's not the intermediate shaft, I here they are pricey.

 

Intermediate steering shaft needed quoted 465.00 from the dealership.

 

$174.19 at Camelback Toyota. I replaced mine in my '05. Was pretty easy.