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"weird" question about front end

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Jrbknows, Mar 24, 2017.

  1. Mar 24, 2017 at 5:53 PM
    #1
    Jrbknows

    Jrbknows [OP] Well-Known Member

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    i have noticed a little bit of a "floating" sensation with the front end.

    I changed the wheels and tires for the winter. but didn't notice it right away.

    any ideas?
     
  2. Mar 24, 2017 at 5:58 PM
    #2
    DustStorm4x4

    DustStorm4x4 BBC 2020

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    By floating you mean....?

    Maybe your springs are worn?
     
  3. Mar 24, 2017 at 6:03 PM
    #3
    cliffyk

    cliffyk Well-Known Member

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    I have found "straight ahead" steering on my "new" '09 (purchased 10/24/2016) to be surprisingly light for a vehicle of its type--which could well be described as a bit of a "floating" sensation. There is nothing I can find worn or loose in the front-end or steering mechanism, the tires are new OEM Dunlops and I have come to believe it is just the nature of the beast. Perhaps your winter setup highlights this characteristic?
     
  4. Mar 24, 2017 at 6:14 PM
    #4
    Jrbknows

    Jrbknows [OP] Well-Known Member

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    it just doesn't feel tight going down the highway. like I kind of have to "over correct" the steering. if that makes sense.

    it's a 2014 with 60k miles. I can't imagine the springs are worn out. it was driven by an older guy on the highway.

    i just ordered 5100s front and back. I plan on using stock coils. if the problem persists I may have to get new coils and see if that helps
     
  5. Mar 24, 2017 at 6:15 PM
    #5
    DustStorm4x4

    DustStorm4x4 BBC 2020

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    Alignment I'm guessing.
     
    seniorredwood likes this.
  6. Mar 24, 2017 at 6:19 PM
    #6
    seniorredwood

    seniorredwood Assistant to the Regional Manager

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    Alignment
     
  7. Mar 24, 2017 at 6:20 PM
    #7
    Jrbknows

    Jrbknows [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'm going to get an alignment once I get the 5100s on. parts should be here next week, so I guess I can put up with it for a few more days
     
  8. Mar 24, 2017 at 6:21 PM
    #8
    RacecarGuy

    RacecarGuy Well-Known Member

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    Yep, same as above. If there isn't enough caster, you'll get a wandering or floating feeling, especially at highway speeds.
     
  9. Mar 24, 2017 at 6:22 PM
    #9
    TacoMitch93

    TacoMitch93 Tasty Taco

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    My truck did something similar, check the little Ujoint in the intermediate steering shaft!

    Just get someone to wiggle the steering wheel while you watch the Ujoint.

    Or crawl under the truck and feel it while someone is moving the steering wheel back and forth. You should feel both sides of the Ujoint moving at the same time, if there's any clunking the Ujoint is shot.
     
  10. Mar 24, 2017 at 6:23 PM
    #10
    TacoMitch93

    TacoMitch93 Tasty Taco

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  11. Mar 24, 2017 at 6:27 PM
    #11
    Jrbknows

    Jrbknows [OP] Well-Known Member

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    interesting. I will check that U joint. that's what it feels like. if it was alignment you would think I would have felt it right away when I changed the tires. it was a month or so later.
     
    TacoMitch93 likes this.
  12. Mar 24, 2017 at 6:29 PM
    #12
    TacoMitch93

    TacoMitch93 Tasty Taco

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    Mine seized up before it got all loosy goosy. Worth taking a look at. I know it's not unheard of for the intermediate shaft to fail.
     
  13. Mar 24, 2017 at 6:29 PM
    #13
    Justinlhc

    Justinlhc Not looking for a relationship

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    Don't just go in and ask for an alignment. Go in and TELL them what you want your alignment set to.
    Maximum amount of caster available with as close to 0 camber as possible. If they complain or argue about your request, TURN AROUND AND FIND ANOTHER SHOP.
     
  14. Mar 24, 2017 at 6:44 PM
    #14
    Jrbknows

    Jrbknows [OP] Well-Known Member

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    thanks for the advice on the alignment. I have no idea what that means, but I will act like I do
     
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  15. Mar 24, 2017 at 7:23 PM
    #15
    RacecarGuy

    RacecarGuy Well-Known Member

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    Changing tires has no effect on alignment.
     
  16. Mar 24, 2017 at 7:26 PM
    #16
    DustStorm4x4

    DustStorm4x4 BBC 2020

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    True, but the old tires may have been "misshaped" from the bad alignment, and wouldn't be noticeable.
     
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