Do I have a steering issue?

Hello all,

I have recently purchased a 2021 TRD Offroad 4x4 with 41,000 miles and is Certified Pre-Owned. Currently I still have the CPO 1yr/12,000 bumper-to-bumper warranty and I'm wanting to get any potential issues fixed while I can on their dime. Thanks to this forum, I've already had the rear differential carrier assembly replaced.

I've read on this forum about steering issues and slack, but I'm not sure my issue is the same, or if it's an issue at all (I have come from a full size RAM, so it may be just something I'm not used to.) Basically, I feel like my steering is loose at the steering wheel (not rattling or like physically loose, but turning wise), but is tight with the actual turning. I have also noticed that my truck tends to veer on pavement (sometimes I notice turning the wheel slightly to drive straight.) I just had an alignment done after getting the TRD Lift installed by the dealer; however, I noticed this issue prior to the factory lift.

I've mainly noticed swerving in the lane more than I used to in my RAM, but if this is just how Tacomas are designed then I just need to get used to it.

 

Steering issues are in the hands of the driver. Ever drive a solid axle Jeep? Currently I drive a 2014 Tacoma and a 2022 Volkswagen Taos. I have no negative comments about the tightness of handling. Try another test drive of another Tacoma OR, see if there is a difference.

 

Test-driving another TRD Offroad is definitely something I've planned on doing.

 

I had the same sensation before I lifted my 'Taco. I had .2 and .8 negative castor measurements initially. When the Stealership realigned it, I gained 1.5 and 1.7 positive castor. The wandering went away. I think all stock 'Taco's (at least ORD) have little to no castor from factory.

 

By no means an expert, but width between the wheels (track) is different than your ram. 5 or so inches narrower.
What are the road surfaces that you drive like? Up here we have significant crowning and get deep grooves from studded tires, even in the city on roads with a 45 mph speed limit.
My tires don’t fit properly in the grooves, which have a wider width than my track, and it almost feels like I’m fighting the truck to stay centered on the highway.
Probably not your issue but figured it might be worth mentioning

 

Have you checked your tire pressure? Too much air will give you a vague feeling wheel.

 

Besides driving a different taco, you could have someone else drive your truck and critique it for you. It's hard for us to give you intelligent information based on your rather vague and non-technical description.

 

Do that and report back. What you’re describing is really difficult to connect back to conditions vs truck problem.

I’m in a Tacoma mainly because it has great steering and ride compared to other vehicles that are off road oriented.

Does your truck have modifications? What factory lift kit is installed ? What tires are on it and what are the air pressures ?

 

I have a 23 TRD OR and I understand what your saying about your steering. Coming from a full size Chevy pickup that was rock solid in the steering the Tacoma feels slightly different. On uneven surfaces my Tacoma will slightly veer left or right, and while driving on the highway only sometimes it will drift to the left just enough to make me think it needs an alignment. Years ago I had a Tacoma and it did the same so I'm assuming it's normal. I also had a jeep and that thing bugged the hell out of me with the steering, my wife couldn't stand driving it because of this and the reason I got rid of it. But steering is a very subjective issue as some people will never see an issue, while other are more picky. Me I'm noticing this on my Tacoma but leery to take it back to the dealer as they will say it's fine.

I think what I'm trying to say is my Tacoma is more sensitive to uneven road conditions that some other vehicles and it affects me more also.

 

I also come from a Ram and have a '22 taco and you very accurately describe the steering on my truck. I removed the factory tires (toyo a30's) and installed AT's with the 3PMSF for the winter. the steering and handling improved but, it will still occasionally drift and even unexpectedly dart left or right depending on the road.

my truck is stock height, no lift. i have an ARE conopy. tires are wearing evenly, and it rides fairly smooth and without any vibrations.

soon i plan to re-install the toyo's for the summer and will have them check the alignment at that time. for now, i just consider it another one of the normal traits of this truck that i won't miss when the time comes to move on.

 

defiantly go test drive a stock new/low mileage truck.
also list alignment specs and tire spec for the pros here.