Stiff Steering - Intermediate Steering Shaft

Mine is doing it now. 2010 with less than 87K on the clock. After searching the web, it appears to be a VERY common problem. Steering issue, and no recall since 2005? WTF, Toyota?

And what a ripoff to have to buy a $160+ part for a cheap 30 dollar universal. FILE A COMPLAINT! https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/ Let's get this fixed!

 

even worse when you find your rack is leaking when trying to replace the part

 

Ive had the same issue, crazy how companies won't recall anything until someone, or several people die. I guess $ is more important than our lives to toyota. I may be looking at another truck next time

 

Yes get a Chevy. They have an excellent safety track record... LOL

 

I filed a complaint about it also.

 

Last year I also filed a complaint. Still waiting to hear back. Probably more concerned with transgendered bathroom signage

 

Had this problem with my 06 Tacoma. The lower universal joint in the steering shaft is exposed to weather. Toyota could have atleast covered it with a boot.

 

So this little u-joint can't be pressed out and replaced like a drive shaft u-joint? Can't believe the great minds of TW haven't solved this one yet.

 

I had haven't experienced this on my Tacoma, but had an issue like this on my old '04 Silverado. Intermittently it would be very hard to steer, like a loss of power steering. At the time GM was recalling the Cobalt for a similar issue, but completely different steering system than the Silverado. As such, I ended up going through GM corporate who insisted the truck go to a dealer for repair.

Such a botched job, but in the end they replaced the power steering pump only to have the problem return soon after. Such a waste of time and money.

In the end my own mechanic used a few bucks in shop supplies to lube the U Joint on the Intermediate steering shaft and the problem went away for good. Even after another 40000k and 2 years of driving I never had a return of the issue.

Perhaps it is worth checking out for the Tacoma too. only a few bucks in lube could save you $$$

 

I need one for my 2007

Any pictures of the boot that was put around it ?

 

fek.
Just quoted almost 500.00 to replace intermediate shaft -
same scary issue with steering going on.
Filed complaint.
Number: 11075625
So disappointed.
Glad you all are here with your experience.

 

Soooooo I dug around the inter webs and found a ATV u joint that fits it. If you need it let me know and I will dig it up

Cost about $40 and it’s greasable

 

part number for the ATV joint?

 

@knottyrope

This is what I came up with

Full disclaimer, Toyota told me I needed a shaft when they were doing the frame on my 07 $600 Canadian, can get it rebuilt at few places for $150, buy new aftermarket for about the same.

My 07 is a budget build that you should check out, link in my signature (shameless plug) I wanted to rebuild myself did a bunch of research and was told that this all balls kit fit, ordered it, ready to rebuild and Toyota dealer said it was good and did not need one.

 

OEM replacement lower intermediate shafts can be found online in the $150-$185 price range
Aftermarket replacement lower intermediate shafts are available for $60ish on fleaBay

I ordered an OEM from a local dealer (Boch Toyota) with an online parts program for 157 plus 18 to ship.

I'm thinking about making a protective boot with some inner-tube. I want something that will be flexible and grease resistant. Not sure how an average bicycle type inner-tube will do with a marine based lube. Better than none is worth a try.

 

Same problem here intermediate steering shaft just quoted $465.75 to replace it at the dealership. 2011 SR5 double cab long box 90,000 miles. Also filed a complaint with the nhtsa.

 

I took pictures and did a write up after replacing mine today

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-2005-2015-intermediate-steering-shaft-replacement.541884/

 

So you didn't install the All Balls u joint? It would be nice to know if this works or not. I was under the impression that the shaft was not rebuildable.

 

@Toy4me

No as the dealer said it was ok and did not need replacing at time of frame change. BUT I have a used one coming that needs a rebuild and I have the all balls kit, so I will be giving this a try

 

Let us know when you do it @Jon G