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Loose steering over bumps

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by StAndrew, May 29, 2010.

  1. May 29, 2010 at 5:28 AM
    #1
    StAndrew

    StAndrew [OP] Wait for it...

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    Hampton Roads, Va
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    I love the way the truck steers, however, when I go over bumps the steering/wheels are loose and jump. I feel like the truck wants to do a lane change every time I hit a pot hole. Im not sure if its my suspension or steering that needs to be adjusted/fixed/replaced.

    Any help would be appreciated
     
  2. May 29, 2010 at 5:59 AM
    #2
    2hawk6

    2hawk6 Member

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    I had a '98 tacoma that was driving like what you're describing. Problem was fixed with new shocks/struts and some tires with tread.
     
  3. May 29, 2010 at 6:48 AM
    #3
    shift96

    shift96 Well-Known Member

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    I bet it's the steering rack. Could be the rack bushings but I put them in and didn't notice a damn thing.
     
  4. May 29, 2010 at 8:25 AM
    #4
    StAndrew

    StAndrew [OP] Wait for it...

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    How much for new front suspension (off road type with nothing much more than 1" lift)?
     
  5. May 29, 2010 at 8:46 AM
    #5
    nelson18matt

    nelson18matt Well-Known Member

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    get a set of 4 bilstein 5100's and an enegry susp steering rack bushing kit

    that should help alot
     
  6. May 29, 2010 at 8:55 AM
    #6
    shift96

    shift96 Well-Known Member

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    You should really find out what it is first before throwing money at it
     
  7. May 29, 2010 at 8:59 AM
    #7
    nelson18matt

    nelson18matt Well-Known Member

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    minor deatils...:D
     
  8. May 29, 2010 at 9:19 AM
    #8
    shift96

    shift96 Well-Known Member

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  9. May 29, 2010 at 9:25 AM
    #9
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    Newly purchased truck?

    What did you drive before the truck? The truck steering isn't going to be as stiff/crisp as your mom's sedan.

    I'd do some mechanical checks of the steering & suspension and see if you can find any issues. Jack the truck up, check the steering rack bushings (known to get loose) and the overall function of the steering rack. It's not uncommon for a rack to go bad on the older 1st gens especially if its had a hard life.

    Before throwing money at it, INSPECT it mechanically.
     
  10. May 29, 2010 at 2:11 PM
    #10
    98_Mud_bug

    98_Mud_bug 98_mud_bug

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    my steering had a little slack in it and i put a new steering rack in it now its all good and tight.
     
  11. May 29, 2010 at 2:16 PM
    #11
    strongwxnc

    strongwxnc Well-Known Member

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    Thinking about picking up the brushing kit from Wheelers. My question is, should I get the anti-sway kit also? Im sure most of brushing are bad.
    What other brushing could be change to enhance your truck?
     
  12. May 29, 2010 at 3:04 PM
    #12
    StAndrew

    StAndrew [OP] Wait for it...

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    Ok, looked at the front end. The bushings are def bad and need to be replaced (not sure if this is the issue, but it is a issue). Ill start with the bushing kit above and add these as well:


    Question: Any DIY guides for replacing bushings and installing the anti sway kit? Thanks!
     
  13. May 29, 2010 at 5:45 PM
    #13
    strongwxnc

    strongwxnc Well-Known Member

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    I 2nd the DIY guide for this. Been looking online I found this link

    http://www.keystonekrawlers.com/Mods/Toyota/SteerBushing/TacomaSteeringBush.htm

    But it is for steering rack....
     
  14. May 29, 2010 at 6:04 PM
    #14
    StAndrew

    StAndrew [OP] Wait for it...

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  15. May 29, 2010 at 9:07 PM
    #15
    shift96

    shift96 Well-Known Member

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    If you replace the rack bushings your clunking may in fact get worse if it is the rack itself that is clunking. The rack moving around absorbs some of the clunk. Once that is tight and solid the clunk may be worse. (Ask me how I know:D)
     
  16. May 29, 2010 at 9:18 PM
    #16
    MTgirl

    MTgirl too many frogs, not enough princes... Moderator

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    x2 - just upgraded the suspension on my truck and I can already see a world of difference. Mine was a base model, so it had a weak suspension. I replaced the leafs, shocks, coils, and sway kit. I already see a huge improvement, much more response on curves and smoother too. Also, offroad a mild washboarded road would cause the steering wheel to jump out of my hands before, much less dramatic now. Couldn't hurt to check out the front end mechanically first but chances are if you still have the stock suspension its worn out and needs to be replaced.
     
  17. Jul 22, 2010 at 7:15 PM
    #17
    route1286

    route1286 Member

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    Never ending...
    May not necessarily be the rack... This is a very common problem and the fix is easy/inexpensive. Pull the upper steering shaft assembly out (only takes a few minutes), do a quick tack weld (or install a roll pin), put it back together, and problem solved.

    Here's a link to the first page of a thread where they find the solution, but they don't track down the source of the problem until a few pages later so keep reading... there is a lot of good info here:

    http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11145
     
  18. Jun 7, 2012 at 8:50 AM
    #18
    iCONTROLaircraft

    iCONTROLaircraft New Member

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    Did you ever figure out what the problem was, I have been on deployment for 7 months now and I guess my truck back home has recently started this same problem. Looking to get it fixed before I return home. Any help would be awesome. Thank you.
     
  19. Jun 7, 2012 at 2:47 PM
    #19
    MowTaco

    MowTaco Well-Known Member

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    I was gonna suggest that too... I think I have this problem too (anyone know if 5 lugs are the same as their big brothers in this case? I would assume so but you never know) I can feel something thunking back and forth in my wheel when off road... like something is spinning a little before hitting something else inside the steering shaft. Although my truck also has the same symptoms OP described... bumps will really throw things outta whack. I always just assumed it was because of how little and light the truck is (I learned to drive in several different family suburbans, not exactly light). I'll stick around to see what ends up being your problem OP.
     

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