Stiff steering

Hey yall, two weeks ago I bought a 2022 Sr5 Double cab short bed and since having it I've noticed that the steering feels tighter than normal. I've owned many different trucks but this is my 1st Tacoma. I previously owned a 2013 Sr5 Tundra 4wd but the steering was no where as stiff as the Tacoma. Is this normal for these trucks? I checked the tire pressure up front and they were at 33 so I bumped them up to 35 and not much of a change. I hope I don't have to take it back to the dealer already. Thanks for any and all replies.

 

Every vehicle is different. Enjoy.

 

As long as it feels consistent throughout the lock to lock sweep it is most likely that you are getting used to a new vehicle

 

Funny, I call the Tundra's steering as having zero road feel and is practically unresponsive, even for a truck the steering is worse than a dead-fish handshake. It truly, seriously is the sole reason why I can't stand a Tundra.

Tacomas "stiff" steering is normal.

 

Thanks guys for the replies. I only used the Tundra as an example because I remember being able to whip that thing around with hardly no effort, it just felt off to me in the Tacoma where it feels like it takes a little more to turn the wheel especially when parking. I was thinking well maybe it's the new tires having alot of grip.. lol but I guess not and it's just is what it is.. There's no dead spots in the wheel so I guess that's a good sign that's it's consistent from lock to lock

 

That's a brand new truck for you, it'll slowly get looser and looser as it wears in.

I remember thinking I may have done something wrong after I did my inner and outer tie rods as my truck went from smooth to snappy.

 

Yeah that's true and I didn't even think of it like that. Brand new truck as it is and brand new to me as well. Looks like I'll have to give her some more time to break in and get loosened up.

 

They truly are different vehicles. The Tacoma is very car-like in a few ways, steering is one of them. I like the stiff feel: while it takes more effort to whip it into a turn, it also gives you quite a bit of feedback that you would have otherwise missed. Personally I appreciate that feel, it gives me a handle on the road (or trail) conditions and gives me warning if I'm getting close to breaking traction.

You'll get used to it. I hope youll enjoy the new feel.

 

The going phrase used to be Toyota's aren't broken in till they hit 100k miles.

With all the recent threads though it seemingly lile 3rd gen's don't break in, they break up at 60k.

At least the 2GR-FKS does anyways...

 

Next time you are at your dealership, look up your salesperson and ask to test drive another Tacoma (because of your concern). I am thinking that will put your mind at ease.

 

It's normal for hydraulic steering to be slightly stiff when trying to change direction quickly. Some hydraulic steering racks provide a lot of assist (think Buick) and some not as much (think BMW). Also normal as long the steering heft is consistent and doesn't bind or loosen in spots. The new Frontier has even heavier steering than the Tacoma from what I gather.