Heard a thunk, steers funny. And some other alignment diagnostic questions.

2019 TRD-OR, 4dr, long bed, auto, bit of a lift.

Two (related) questions:

1) 6 months back, on a steep and sharp downhill right turn I felt a slight pop from the front end. Noticed after the steering wheel had to be held to the left. Got it aligned. There wasn't much to address, but they trimmed it up. But then after a while I noticed I was back to holding the the steering wheel to the left. So... what gives? Any idea what might be loose and could wander after adjustment.

2) Bigger problem. While shifting into 4LO and putting on lockers this weekend I felt a HUGE clunk from the front end. Now driving feels sloppier. Steering doesnt feel as responsive. Almost slushy back and forth. Sloppy. What did I break?

A post on here rang a little similar with their Tundra problem. They attributed it to a bad rack and maybe a broken tooth.

 

Maybe find an off road shop or good alignment shop to help you out. If you take it the stealership they will just want to replace everything in the front end along with the steering rack, at a much greater cost.

 

WRONG! Dealers don't just shotgun an entire front end at something. WE don't benefit from that. In fact, that would scare off most people. A good dealer will properly diagnose the issue and recommend parts accordingly.

OP, you could have bent locating tabs for the camber and caster adjustment. This tends to happen if you have done some serious off roading, or if the adjusters have become rusted into the control arms, and a shop tries to adjust the camber/caster. I'd start with looking at those. If nothing obvious, take it to a shop you feel comfortable with. Be it a DEALERSHIP or indy shop.

 

You said it right there in your rant. A good dealer. Not many of those around ...

Good day sir

 

Front alignment cam came loose.

 

I've worked at 4 different dealerships and 3 different brands over the last 22 years. I have never worked at one that would do what you suggested they would do. My guess is you had a bad experience once, or heard of a bad experience, and now ALL dealers are Stealerships. So instead of steering someone away from what my be a very good dealer in their area, add content that might be useful.

 

Well you sound like one of the few and proud. So keep fighting the good fight.

I work on my own stuff.