Feels like something is loose in the steering?

i noticed the other day driving my 09 trd access cab down a dirt road that once in a while i could feel in the steering wheel like the front suspension was loose or something in the steering was loose. i only notice it on dirt roads or rougher terrain or going over bumps. i dont offroad the truck or beat on it so not sure. anyone else notice this before?

 

I did a couple weeks ago, (I live on a dirt road) but it seems to have subsided, or at least i haven't noticed it recently. It felt like there was a little bit of "play" in the steering. like a small gap before the wheel would engage the with the column. I know there is a TSB out there for a "steerign column rattle" and this could be part of the symptoms. As Ive said, my trucks driving fine tight now, but I've kept this in mind if it comes up again and/or gets worse.

Might help you out: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/96634-steering-column-rattle-tsb.html

 

no body else have ever experienced this?

 

do you have a lift, could be your alignment

 

There is a TSB for this. I'm getting it done in little over a week. I live down a gravel road it is very noticeable. The steering column clunks and rattles around really bad. Check this out http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/96634-steering-column-rattle-tsb.html

 

i have the same problem only im too lazy too fix it yet... there was a fix out there on this site, involving putting a zip tie right next to the steering column, thus removing the play. it involves the column going through a ring that mounts it to the firewall, and the column is not a tight fit, and bumps, potholes,etc. will make it "clunk" from one end of the ring to another. placing the zip tie around the ring will force the column against one side, thus eliminating the play in the column. sorry for the lack of pictures, i wish i knew that thread, its not from a long time ago. keep in mind that its only a mm or two of play, so dont go freaking out about zip tying your steering column to one side or another, and besides, the ring the tsb gives you does the same thing. this is a mod, and its free if you diy

 

If u run across the thread again plz let me know. Im beginning to think this is an issue im having on an 07 FJ.

 

I totally feel this on rough trails, and have in all my 4x4s--not just toyotas (don't tell anyone I've owned other trucks....). It's just play, and as long as you're checking on all the important things now and again, it'll be fine. I like that there seems to be a TSB though. It would be nice if it wasn't there...

 

If I can fix it with a ziptie though that would be great! I can grab my wheels at 3 and 9 o'clock and shake them and make the clunking noise.

 

Just read the TSB--super stoked to get this done! Thanks to the OP for bringing it up, it bothered me a lot when off road; I hope this fixes the clonking...

 

Hmm... That almost sounds like wheel bearings... How many miles?

 

U would think but the wheel bearings are fine and tierods are good. I can grab the tire at 12 and 6 and there is no movement. 60,000

 

Wierd... I'd go on a "loose anything" hunt if I were you... And try the zip tie! At least if you try the zip tie you'll rule that in/out.

 

Here is some good info that I will probably try: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/44514-steering-column-slop-09-dc-3.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/88077-steering-column-fix-2.html

 

nope no lift or anything done to my truck, completely stock

 

Yea, it's just the column shaft. Both my old 08 and my new '10 have it. The TSB should fix it (the zip tie thing was a pre-TSB fix that works fine as well). It's not a suspension or safety issue... just a minor annoyance.

 

has anyone got the tsb done on it yet? or just do the zip tie fix?

 

I did the zip tie method. The steering doesn't clunk anymore but it still vibrates really bad. It did help.

 

Vibrations are most likely your tires. Check proper inflation, get the re-balanced (if using the toyota rims ensure they have the proper adapter to balance correctly). If they still fail, request a road force balance test... if they fail they should pro-rate a replacement set for you.

 

took it too dealer to see if they will do the TSB