Understeer after tie rod replacement

Morning folks,

So I threw a 5100/Eibach lift on my 01' extended cap a couple weeks ago and had the alignment checked a few days after that. As it turned out, the jam nuts on my tie-rods were seized shut so over the weekend I replaced both inner and outers. I didn't drive the truck while waiting for the re-alignment.

Well, I went back yesterday to have them finish up the alignment and now my steering is very "loose", i.e. when I'm making turns it seems like I have to turn the steering wheel extra revolutions to make the same turns I used to. The steering wheel is responsive, I'm just getting understeer.

There was a slight amount of steering fluid in the bellows when I changed them out but figured this was normal after 160K of driving. I was going to flush the steering system and see if that helps (doubtful). Maybe I twirked some internal seals in the steering rack while torquing down the inner tie rods? I was using a wrench on the shaft, but did get some twist while removing the passenger side.

 

The lift will definitely affect your steering. How much did you drive after the lift prior to noticing these symptoms?

 

Not much, maybe 50 miles total... to and from work for 5 days. Come to think of it, my truck is the first lifted vehicle I've driven... so it's certainly possible I just need to get used to it.

After driving my van tonight, I guess the extra amount I'm turning the steering wheel in the Tacoma may very well just be in my head.

Appreciate the input!

 

Sure thing! I had the same sensation after installing my front 5100's. My outside front tire always felt like it wasn't hooking up as well (and realistically it probably wasn't) especially under sharp turns which induced a lot of body roll.