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Steering wheel keeps popping out of center even after alignments

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by AbeFroman2, Jun 24, 2023.

  1. Jun 24, 2023 at 1:19 PM
    #1
    AbeFroman2

    AbeFroman2 [OP] Active Member

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    As the title states, shop has fixed it twice and said everything looks ok but it keeps popping off center to the right after minimal off roading. One tie road was replaced a few months ago and the other one looks okay but I am thinking maybe not? Is the cause of this definitely going to be one of the tie rods? How do I know which one? The truck still tracks straight after this happens so I don't think it is affecting the alignment. Any help is much appreciated as this is getting annoying.
     
    Last edited: Jun 24, 2023
  2. Jun 24, 2023 at 4:35 PM
    #2
    azzwethinkweiz

    azzwethinkweiz Well-Known Member

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    Would it be possible you have excessive play on your steering rack? Heard the bushings there aren't the greatest. Just guessing though.
     
    koditten likes this.
  3. Jun 24, 2023 at 4:42 PM
    #3
    koditten

    koditten Well-Known Member

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    This^

    I'd mark the rack with with a paint pen then next time you align it.

    When it drifts, get under there and look to see if the rack is moving.
     
  4. Jun 24, 2023 at 5:38 PM
    #4
    winkel

    winkel Well-Known Member

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    Also, once centered, check the torque on your lower control arm hardware. I believe the torque on those should be 100 ft*lbs. Also, check that none of your alignment tabs are bent flat.
     
    koditten likes this.
  5. Jun 24, 2023 at 5:40 PM
    #5
    2WD

    2WD Well-Known Member

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    Can also be lower control arm cams shifting around.
     
    koditten likes this.
  6. Jun 25, 2023 at 1:49 PM
    #6
    AbeFroman2

    AbeFroman2 [OP] Active Member

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    Where all do I mark stuff? Thanks for the response.
     
  7. Jun 25, 2023 at 4:11 PM
    #7
    koditten

    koditten Well-Known Member

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    Look for clamps type brackets that hold the rack. Put a mark at these locations. If something moves, even minutely, you will see the paint was disturbed.
     
    AbeFroman2[OP] likes this.

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