Steering u joint replacement?

Anyone have to replace the steering u joint on a 3rd gen yet? My steering would be stiff and loosen randomly as I turned. Lubed the u joint and it helped for a month or so but getting worse again. I have searched around but not having much luck with the 3rd gen, only 2nd gen information. I'd like to replace it for safety reasons. Can't imagine its too much fun trying not to die without steering on a highway.

 

OP: Can you please post more information about your truck?

What year is it?
How many miles are on it?
What other diagnostic work have you done?
Can you please post a picture of the "steering U-joint" you are describing?

Steering shaft replacements are not common on these trucks. And I tend to believe you experienced a placebo effect by lubing your U-joint, because they do not come equipped with Zerk grease fittings.

I tend to believe you have an issue with your power steering rack or pump and/or something to do with your front suspension.

I would not recommend trying to replace your steering shaft (from the firewall to the steering rack on top of the K-member) without a more valid technical reason to do so.

You may also be better served by taking your truck to a pro-level shop for more advanced level diagnostics

HTH and good luck

 

I’m curious too, I’ve never had steering column issues on any vehicle I’ve own'd, and have never known anyone else too either. If it did fail, I’d also look for what caused it, as it may very well return if not addressed.

 

I suspect a power steering issue as well.

Sanity check: do you hear a loud screeching sound that might be the belt running your power steering pump? If so, there is a simple fix.

 

Here is the u joint.
Its a 2016 sport with 180,000 km (110,000 ish miles) in salty Ontario. I've had power steering issues before on other vehicles over the years and I know this one is good. No placebo effect either, it's instantly noticable once its sprayed with lube. There is lot of info online about 2005 to 2015 u joint replacements but I haven't found anything for the 3rd gen. Maybe I just suck at googling.

 

Spray it again with a good lube. I had the same thing happen and after the third time spraying it I bought a new shaft, but never had to replace it because the issue never came back and I drove it another 100k miles before getting rid of it. I live in the salt belt too. Just try spraying again and drive till it comes back. After the third time then maybe consider replacement.

 

Thanks. Any specific type of spray to recommend? I had some white lithium grease around so I used that this time.

 

Living in New Jersey the salt destroys our vehicles. On my 2009 tacoma I had the same issue. Even though there is no grease fitting on there, if you soak it with lube it loosens up temporarily like you said. The tiny u joint is a special size and I couldn't find it anywhere. I ordered the shaft and I tried to install it on the ground and it was brutal. If I had a lift with some heat it would have helped. I took the part to Toyota and they installed it. Hope this helps even though mine was a 2nd gen.

 

Whoa.

That is some SERIOUS CORROSION.

I'd check my frame and K-member before I spent discretionary $$$ on a steering shaft.

 

Yeah, OP’s steering shaft appears to have been resurrected from the a 19th century shipwreck.

 

Yep. Welcome to Canada. It's rare to see any vehicle more than 12 years old that isn't completely falling apart from rust. Seems like no matter how hard you try to prevent it, it always happens.

 

Yeah, its a real bitch living in the salt belt..

 

Looks more like neglect tbh

 

Wow.


I think it is too late, but does stuff like WoolWax not help with the situation? That one hella tax to be paying.

Just a rando pic of the same general area in my 102,000mi 2017 that I only got around to WoolWax'ing for the first time two years ago.

 

Is that pinkish residue dried up coolant?
Or just weird looking road dust or clay or something?

 

Dirt / mud from playing around.

 

Did you get this straightened out? I have a similar issue with really stiff steering after not driving my truck for a week. I sprayed some fluid film on the steering shaft to see if that helps.

 

I sprayed it again like someone mentioned in another post and it's been ok since. It's a noticable difference right away so you'll know if that is your issue. I will likely buy a new part, either the u joint or the whole shaft, and hold on to it until it gets bad again.

 

Just replace the entire thing, it's under $250 for a factory piece and like $100 for an aftermarket.You could get it even cheaper at a junk yard. Thats cheap insurance cause if it goes while you're driving you're done. Can be changed in your driveway with simple tools. Don't it let go, brakes and steering are kinda a priority.

Keep in mind replacing the entire shaft will be easier than the u joint.

Link to a factory part -- toyota-lower-shaft-4520304030

 

Mine has loosened up a bit since I sprayed it. Hopefully it gets better as I drive more. I’ll start spraying it regularly.