2014 Sport - sudden loss of steering control

Hi...

I have 2014 Sport, lifted 2". 60K miles on the Truck, approx 10K miles on the lift.

In the last two weeks, the steering has cut out seven (7) times...so far, it happens when making right turns on sweeping curves, traveling around 50 miles an hour. There is a clear and sudden loss of control, and a lurch to the outside of the curve by a foot or so.. Accompanied by a low grinding sound.

The loss of steering lasts about one (1) second, maybe two and then steering control is regained. This is scary as hell... I live in a very mountainous area, daily commute through steep, rugged canyons on two lane roads with many logging trucks. Sudden lurches on the outside of a curve could be catastrophic.

Searched for similar issue in the boards here, didn't find one. Any help would be appreciated

Thanks,

whomung

 

Lifted?

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/no-steering.673284/

 

yes, 2" frame lift... thanks for the link..

 

Body lift?

It is somewhat common to have to recalibrate the stability control after suspension lifts but not sure about body lifts.

 

VSC needs to be calibrated. The VSC thinks you’re starting to drift and it attempts to “help” you.

 

no doubt its apparent the issue is the steering system

reservoir / capacity
pump
steering rack

lines getting pinched or air in the system

put on jack stands have someone steer side to side whileU stand up front

LOOK & LISTEN ............
thats what they will do initially when U take it in

good luck

 

Will

Yes... Thought this might be issue, since it's intermittent, but always happens at speed.

Thanks... good diagnostic procedure.

Was talking with local mechanic... He knows of two other taco's lifted by same shop that had the identical issue over the last few years... He lost track of one, so doesn't know resoluti0n... The second taco owner went back to same shop, spent THOUSANDS over several months, never got it fixed, so sold it... Have no idea if the steering issue was disclosed or not, but the shop failed to resolve it.

Could something funky happen during the process of installing the lift? Is this where lines might get pinched? Rack or bushings damaged? VSC thrown off?

This doesn't appear to be too common... Hoping for a reasonable fix

Thanks to all

 

If it's intermittent it's most likely related to stability control (VSC) as stated above. It's common after a lift. Search recalibrate VSC in the 2nd gen forum and try that before paying anyone to diagnose.

 

How to reset and calibrate your VSC computer - The Easy way

Awesome thread... reading through the posts, this sounds like the problem and solution ... Thanks very much. I'll report the outcome.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ibrate-your-vsc-computer-the-easy-way.467485/

 

sounds like the shop that has done 3

is stepping in the same dog pile each time..........

hope the VSC recalibrate will help
id be condition orange until i knew it was

good luck

 

Definitely not taking the truck back to same shop... agree about condition orange... going to be pretty cautious..

But the VSC thread really sounded promising... Read all the way through it... Including possibility of ABS / VSC sensor wire pinched... All the way to pulling the fuses.. Don't know if this is it, given it just showed up after 10K miles on the lift,but the symptoms sound the same... definitely feels like the right place to start looking...

Thanks again.

 

Have you checked your steering shaft where it connects to the end down by the engine?
It sounds like a traction control problem but make sure it's not mechanical.

 

I highly doubt any of that is an issue. He lifted the truck and now the VSC needs to be recalibrated for zero to compensate for the lift.

 

Given it's intermittent, I think I should look at everything... Sounds like VSC, but probably smart not to take that for granted

 

' grinding noises ' .............................

VSC not calibrated = grinding noise

i hope orig poster remains safe & his Taco gets repaired

iv read countless post on ' lifts '
not once have i read its a requirement to recalibrate VSC

i have seen that it is a backup 10 yards & punt matter

be certain to get an explanation & a written receipt

good luck

 

VSC acting up doesn't impact all lifted trucks but it is a known issue. I'd guess the 'grinding' noise is the abs kicking in which is part of the VSC.

The shop likely hasn't figured it out with the previous trucks they've worked on because they are looking for a mechanical issue.

 

if my ' abs ' activates

goin or comin i hope i dont hear ' grinding ' ........................

while there are possibilities software........computer.......... servo or mechanical

i hope he comes out proper & correct

whatever shop/ mechanic thats gets it right

be certain to get a written explanation/ receipt................... now i will take a minute

while it hasnt happened to me directly............... i know for a fact the following

some modifications in this neck of the woods in the event of an accident

all but voids the insurance policy

sometimes its good to be aware...informed ....correct

on inspection after an accident ( serious injuries/ death )
certain systems ( ECMs.....ABS....GPS......AIR BAGS .......VSC.......Cameras )
can be accessed by state troopers by either or both insurance companies

in my county those HI LIFTS are illegal......Bumper Heights dont match
youngster less than 21ended up on top of a full sized Pontiac resulting in fatalities

if the mods are made & not Certified................ opens a can o Worms !!!

 

The VSC uses the ABS System to control the brakes independently as in Vehicle Stability Control. The grinding noise is the ABS Pump and the very rapid actuation of the valving system cycling on and off. There is also a buzzer in the cab.

https://parts.olathetoyota.com/vehicle-stability-control

 

@ROAD DOG, not sure how recalibrating would void a warranty or expose him to insurance liability. He's not overriding it.

it's no different than recalibrating the compass except if he doesn't do it it could lead to an accident instead of a wrong turn.

 

It's been said already but I believe it's the VSC. my truck did the same,would yank me into oncoming traffic,scarie crap. When I pulled the ABS#2 fuse problem went away. My issue was the type of tire I was running with my lift. New tires fuse back in all is ok.