Sloppy Steering Wheel

Steering wheel on my 03 Tacoma is super sloppy. I have a lot of play in it with none of it being visible in the steering shaft connecting to the steering rack. Super sketchy driving on the freeway cuss truck wanders a lot especially at high speeds or going over potholes. I have all new tie rods and rack bushings and an alignment was just performed. Anyone have this problem or have a fix for it? I haven't taken anything apart yet just figured Id ask around first. Thanks fellas! Video attached below:

https://youtu.be/7Pop_3IFSiM

 

bushings in the rack. def worth a look. the bushing comes out pretty easy with a big C clamp. Once you've taken it out you'll see why.

 

Worn out rag joint, worn rack and pinion, loose coupler bolts...

 

Definitely look into steering column spot weld mod. I'm going to do the alternate roll pin mod instead.

 

That's the thing though, none of this play translates into the steering rack. If I have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth while I look at the steering shaft and rack, there's no movement down there

 

Will do... Do you have a link to a thread for that by chance??

 

Easy to test if you need the tack weld mod (or roll pin). Unlock the steering, reach up under dash and grasp the steering column, then try to move the steering wheel. Any amount of movement will make you a candidate for the mod. It takes out all of the wandering when on the highway. Hold wheel steady, and it stays on course. Easy, cheap mod, with big benefits. Go down to entry 42, as this guys way takes less stuff off the dash, etc. Really straight forward. Hardest part is getting the tilt springs off and on. Needlenosed vicegrips for the win!!!

Edit: Crap, I forgot that Timmy had done this in a video!!

 

https://www.youtube.com/embed/xsOptgpfshg

 

Great thread here. Saved it for later in case the one I purchase has issues with this. Thanks for sharing and thanks Timmah! for the great videos. Been making my way through all of the video library

 

Thanks for linking that video!

 

Best mod I have done to date.

 

Good write-up. Too bad that the photos in the posts after the write-up are gone

 

Yeah that’s the norm on Tacoma world. Hope you’re not a visual learner LOL

 

Did you check the u-joint above the rack?

Btu it sounds like you need to look into the steering column weld mod.

 

Got the same issue. I have about half the play as the OP but it's going need to be addressed soon.

 

I haven't yet, but after reading up on the spot weld mod its sounding like thats exactly what my problem is

 

Just be cognizant that when you do that mod, it effects the ability of the steering wheel to collapse in a collision, and can lead to greater injury.

watching the video, that does seem like more slop than what you'd typically see with a "loose" column, so the U-joint at the rack could be loose too. "loose" is in quotes because it's actually loose from the factory, though it can get worse over time.

I had a fairly loose feeling steering, but after I did lower balljoints, poly LCA and steering rack bushings, new upper control arms (total chaos uniballs, but don't do that if you just want tighter steering, lol), and new coilovers, my steering felt like new.

The weld mod really is just for people who want an extra tight feeling steering, IMO it shouldn't be used to correct driveability problems.

 

I'm curious if the removal of the entire assembly is even necessary. Seems like when I tested the slop in mine, I could reach up with my left hand and feel where the 2 shafts connected.

Couldn't you just lay some fire retardant material on the floor and just reach up in there and tac it?

 

Gotcha, I'll be sure to check out that u joint asap. Could be some small movement in it that I haven't noticed. It's gotta be all in the steering though. I just installed an LT kit recently with uniballs on the LCAs, poly bushings on the rack, brand new inner and outer tie rod ends. Plus an alignment. So idk. I feel the weld mod is kind of a trade off though, I mean if that column comes loose due to that sleeve getting worn out then its just as much of a danger than for it to be welded in place you know? I almost lost control of my truck once because of the steering and I nearly shit myself lol

 

I don't think so only because itd be a bitch to fit the gun under there and position while maintaining sight with a welding mask on lol not to mention having to prep the metal