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Loose Steering Problem

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by PhoenixTaco, Jun 26, 2015.

  1. Jun 26, 2015 at 1:32 PM
    #1
    PhoenixTaco

    #1
    PhoenixTaco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So I've had this problem for a while now and I want to know if anyone experiences this with their 1st Gen. When I'm driving on the street road or the highway I always have a lot of play in the steering wheel.. I don't know what could cause this to happen but I need to fix it because it bugs the hell out of me. I haven't gotten an alignment for a while now and I need to get one because my truck wants to go left all the time, not sure if this could cause this problem or not. Does anyone know how to get rid of the play in the steering wheel or have this problem with their truck?
     
    PhoenixTaco, Jun 26, 2015
    #1
  2. Jun 26, 2015 at 3:07 PM
    #2
    keakar

    #2
    keakar Well-Known Member

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    you have worn front end parts so an alignment will do you no good until you replace the bad parts, replace them and then the steering will tighten up and go straight again.

    to find the bad parts, jack one front wheel off the ground then grab the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock positions and push in and out at top and bottom to check for play, then do the same at 3 and 9 o'clock and wiggle in and out front to back. if you feel play look for what part moves at its connection and that's the bad part.
     
    keakar, Jun 26, 2015
    #2
  3. Jun 26, 2015 at 3:08 PM
    #3
    Seabass

    #3
    Seabass Give it to me. I'll break it for you

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    Just a bunch of old crap
    I'm thinking new tie rod ends and an alignment to start.
     
    Seabass, Jun 26, 2015
    #3
  4. Jun 26, 2015 at 5:04 PM
    #4
    PhoenixTaco

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    PhoenixTaco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    But I just had my steering rack replaced around 4000 miles ago... So I don't think it could be my tie rods
     
    PhoenixTaco, Jun 26, 2015
    #4
  5. Jun 26, 2015 at 5:20 PM
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    AZHornet

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    AZHornet Well-Known Member

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    AZHornet, Jun 26, 2015
    #5
  6. Jun 26, 2015 at 5:22 PM
    #6
    PhoenixTaco

    #6
    PhoenixTaco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Toytec 3" Ulitmate Lift, Led lights, Tinted Tail Lights, 3rd Brake lights tinted, Clear Corners. Two 8" Kicker Cvt's, Alpine Amp 800 watts, Kenwood Deck, 4 Kicker DS68 door speakers, Flowmaster 40 series American Thunder muffler, AEM Brute Force Air Intake.
    When I had my steering rack replaced, I had them put polyurethane bushing on. So I don't thin thats the case. I think I'm just going to get my alignment done and see if that helps. And when I go in for my alignment, Im going to tell the shop to see if they could take a look at the play in the steering wheel.
     
    PhoenixTaco, Jun 26, 2015
    #6
  7. Jun 26, 2015 at 8:04 PM
    #7
    xcmtb83

    #7
    xcmtb83 Well-Known Member

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    New style rack guide is a must IMO if you are lifted.
     
    xcmtb83, Jun 26, 2015
    #7
  8. Jun 27, 2015 at 9:56 AM
    #8
    keakar

    #8
    keakar Well-Known Member

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    used to have - 99 2.4L I4 5 lug & 04 prerunner v6
    is the play in the steering wheel or the front end?

    when you wiggle the wheel do the tires move with it? if not then its the "break away" knuckle in the steering wheel designed to let it collapse in a collision rather then hit the driver.

    if that's your problem then do this mod:
     
    keakar, Jun 27, 2015
    #8

Products Discussed in

Energy Suspension 8.10103G Rack and Pinion Bushing Set for 4WD
$30.46
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