"Wandering front end" feeling + Other Issues

I have a 2009 4wd DC SB that is nearing 100k km's and works well, but I have a few brief questions that I would appreciate some direction with, I've come up with a few dead end searches:

(1) My steering feels like it wanders, i.e. my steering seems to have some play between the steering wheel and the wheels themselves. I have briefly inspected the outer tie rods (it's still Winter here so lots of snow and slush on everything) and I cannot see any obvious play there. Are there any common problems with the 2nd gen regarding a lack of steering "feel"?

(2) My engine is really ticky! Between the throwout brg squeaks (URD kit is on my to do list), the cab fan chirps and the ticky engine this thing makes a crazy amount of annoying noise... good thing I like the truck! Are there any common causes of engine noise? Wondering if the EGR circuit or something may be the culprit, looking for a place to start looking.

Thanks for the help.

 

It was aligned about 2 yrs ago... I just ordered a set of 5100's in pursuit of a smoother ride, when I get them installed in a couple of weeks I'll go for the alignment as well.

 

Sounds like you need tie rod ends.

 

Ya, I was thinking that too. Are there inners and outers on these like on my 1st Gen?

 

Before you spent anymoney. Tighten wheelbearings. It will take you an hour of your time and costs you nothing. See if you have wandering aftewards

 

Bearings are pressed in and no adjustment can be made..

 

CV nut is what holds bearing toghether at spec. So it needs to be tighten to spec otherwise bearing and in turn wheel is allowed to move around.
Just try it OP see if it helps. it helped me on couple vehicles.

 

If that is the case then the bearing itself is toast. Its just how it is with these bearings

 

Bearing maybe toast or may have little wear. He will not know until he checks. If truck wanders I would star with that. No point doing alignment on bearings not holding the wheel straight. Both my Toyotas had the same thing and tightening bearings fixed. trucks drove like new. If bearing is toast it will need replacement but no point spending on shocks and alignments if bearings need replacing.

 

Idk if Toyota does this, but Hondas need their steering rack adjusted after some wear and tear. Theyre designed to be adjusted and it's easy to do, YMMV with a Tacoma.

Did you check the tie rods by jacking the truck up and wiggling the tire?

 

Something else easy to inspect, and there is sort of a TSB a bit related is the steering intermediate shaft. This is a short shaft with u joints near the firewall. The TSB deals with knocking. My 2010 did have the knocking feel in the steering but also had problems returning to center.

I believe, but could be wrong that this shaft is also a slip joint with universals. I honestly don't remember. Easy to get to, easy to inspect for freeplay. Not saying it is the answer but might be worth a look.

PK