06 Tacoma Steering Shaft Failure

I was cleaning my Truck and I got in the truck and turned the front wheels hard left. The engine was not running. Later when I went for a drive I had an annoying clunk when turning at low speeds. Took truck to mechanic and had it repaired. I will never again turn wheels without engine running.

 

Those are known to let go for sure

 

Turning the wheel with out the truck being on isn’t what caused the failure.
It only brang the failure to attention.

That joint is subject to all the elements, and once it ages the seals don’t seal.
It’s prone to rust and failure. I spray mine with lithium grease once or twice a year. I don’t know if it helps. But it makes me feel better.

 

I hope you are right because I felt pretty stupid. I googled it and it called 'dry' steering. Definitely bad. I will spray with lithium grease from now on.
Thanks

 

I use Fluid Film on mine. Truth be told, just about anything is better than nothing here.

 

I think they fail regardless at this mileage.

I've heard the rubber bushing is a bad design that causes slop, with people wanting solid metal or welded instead
I wonder if there is a way to do that.
Like buy a new one, take it apart, and replace rubber with a metal puck

 

You do more damage to the tires by screwing them into the pavement when the vehicle is sitting still (running or not) than other bits.

The load you put on that joint just finished it off. At 17 there are lots of bits and pieces on the ropes, just waiting for an excuse to fail.

 

It is a 17 year old truck. Things do wear and need replacing.