Steering linkage pieces, in the cockpit

A winter or two back, I had a kinky (best word I can use) steering situation. I lubed up the U joint down by the frame by squirting and squirting penetrating oil and that seemed to fix the kink. Now, at about 90,000 miles (2009 TRD Sport) my steering seems to feel, I dunno? heavy? Almost like the system is manual steering. Generally but not totally smooth but sort of heavy. But there is like no return. Not really bad but you have to help the steering return to neutral after taking a turn. This afternoon, I relubed the snot out of the U joint by the frame and dug into the (I call it) rag joint (the rubber insulated u joint) behind the brake pedal, behind the plastic shield that is attached with the 4 white plastic nuts. It seems way too loose to me. The rubber fitment seems fine but the up higher metal into metal fittings (on what is essentially a u joint) seem like there is some small amount of play that should not be there.

Anybody got experience with this joint? Is this something that wears out? I have mostly hiway driving in the 90K so its not like there has been a lot of tough living for the steering. Anyway, I tried as best I could to describe the symptoms.

I would appreciate any experience with this episode. If you have changed this out, is it not too bad? It doesn't look to hard to get at but I am not sure how you get it off the column pieces.

Thanks.

 

Oh yeah, I checked the power steering reservoir. It s smidge below the 'LOW COLD ' line but not much and I can find no leakage anywhere under neath, around the pump, anywhere. Whole underside is nice and dry.

 

Yeah mine was loose too...there's a mod where you slip a zip tie in. Worked awesome for me and the steering is solid now

"Zip tie mod"

 

There is a TSB for that (attached). Did it in my garage with help from a friend.
Parts required:
Qty. 1 45220-04020 Shaft Assy, Steering Intermediate
Qty. 2

$8 90080-11555 Bolt With Washer For Steering Column And Shaft

90080-11555 Bolt, w/Washer

Pretty easy with two people.
Here is the old one:

 

Anth 250, what is the zip tie deal? I don't get a link. Sounds like a good fix at least for the short term.

Appreciate the responses, one other question: what were the symptoms you guys had? I really don't have the symptoms described in the TSB but there is more a 'tightness' or heaviness in the steering and the U joint is sloppy. I found a replacement for just under $200 and I don't really mind the cost (don't like it, but.... whats the choice?) but if there is something else I figure do it all at once. thanks

 

Oh, and when your notes said not too bad with two people, my wife winced! I offered I could go out and buy a new truck, reasonable alternative in my mind.

 

She jumped right on that option didn't she?



I would think your issue is still with the lower intermediate shaft u joint. I have never heard of the one inside the truck cab being an issue. The rag joints are known for being sloppy.

Here is the zip tie fix for the rag joint: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/steering-column-fix.88077/

 

Jimmy, you are right. I lubed the snot out of the lower, exposed joint a year or so ago. Symptoms themn were a kinky steering situation. Lube fixed it. This time the steering just felt tight or heavy, like power steering was not working right. Inside the cabin, I looked at the rag joint and that u joint is sloppy. But I also lubed the snot out of the lower exposed joint, just for fun. Bingo, fixed the steering. So that is ok for now, but the inside joint as well as the lower needs replacing. So I visited my local not so friendly dealer in the rain yesterday. I walked out when the sales manager said we're done, then when I got up to leave, the we're done, that's the price, dropped $1500. I can not stand these a-holes.

 

Damn dude should have done the zip tie mod first

 

I did the zip tie mod this past week and it did make a difference. I have a gravel driveway and it no longer feels like a rocky trail. Everything feels a lot tighter.

 

Lubing up the lower joint 'fixed' my tight steering. But when I looked into the rag joint u-joint, that is what is loose on my truck. The cross T fitting into the other part of the yoke is where my looseness is. I am not sure it it's a bushing or bearings, but it's sloppy.

 

OP, thanks I will have to look at that also. I was telling my wife today about all the good advice I learn on TW.

 

I took the plunge and bought a '17 TRD off road. After hours of jibber jabber I think I got an OK deal. The worst part of doing some research is every Toyota dealer in the region sent me lots of emails. I had looked into a Colorado online and put in my zip as requirement to continue. The dealer in town called and when I asked if I had requested him to contact me he blabbered for a while until I told him I had not and do not call me any more. I only got 2 more calls after that. I can see wanting to sell a vehicle but damn these guys are annoying.

I rationalized buying a new truck for these reasons: I have the original battery so that will likely need replacing this year ($~125) Probably need the new lower steering joint/shaft ($200-300 DIY), stock market is up so I ought to spend some money before things crash. All seems to make perfect sense. What the hell? Its only money.