Rack and pinion

Hello, I have a 2009 Tacoma 4.0L, 4x4, V6 with about 147,000 with no knowledge of any steering system repairs that were made. Outer tie rods are new, all suspension components check out(via my mechanic). I have been noticing sloppy steering that has been getting worse over the past month or so. When I go over bumps or cracks at higher speeds when I am not going straight it feels like I loose control and my truck jumps. There is also a dead spot in the steering on the drivers wheel. And what I mean by that is I will be turning the steering wheel through about 1/4 or 1/2 a rotation and drivers side wheel will not move. I looked at my steering rack and noticed this. Before I take it in I would like to inspect it myself. Would there be any other causes to this? And any other techniques to further diagnose the steering rack are welcome. I have included pictures of the rack and pinion on the passenger side where it mounts.

 

Assuming you don't have some strange lift kit to complicate things and it's true what your mechanic says then I think it's safe to say it's your steering rack bushings, rack looks like it could use a good wire wheeling and some rattle can while it's out.

Time for Energy Suspension Polyurethane steering rack bushings, they're like $40 IIRC.

Unfortunately it's a mighty bee-yotch to get the rack out of the truck to do them.

Check your rag joint in your steering column linkage too and consider the zip tie mod.

I could have sworn the OEM racks were aluminum but I'm probably wrong there.

 

The truck is stock, and I have been running the zip tie mod. But would a bad bushing cause that dead spot?

 

Yeah I mean if you're turning the wheel and the tires aren't moving then you're pushing against the slop in the system somewhere assuming everything else is good as you say and if your mounts look as bad as they do I strongly suspect the bushings are dead also. It's actually fairly common.

I got a mushy spot in my steering and everything else is good, been meaning to put poly in but haven't been assed enough yet as taking the rack out is a Major Payne.

Easy check for you, have someone sit in the truck while you lay under it and watch the rack as they turn the wheel, if the rack moves and the wheels don't Bob's your Uncle.

That's how mine is.

 

The proper way to check all types of steering linkage takes 2 people. Leave the truck on the ground. Have your helper wiggle the steering wheel back and forth. Put your hand on each joint and feel for play. For the inner tie rod ends, squeeze the bellows and feel the joint inside. If there is looseness, you will feel it between the ball and socket. This also works for steering shaft U joints and rag joints. Finally, feel between the rack housing and the frame to check the rack bushings. You will need to tell your helper, "a little more, a little more, a little less, etc."