Steering rack

https://youtube.com/shorts/KCZIvSeWtGU?si=RfscqzCDH6fk2K1O

Firstly, I’m about to replace my rack and pinion next week (has a very slow leak that just started a couple weeks ago). I check it everyday to make sure fluid is at correct level. Haven’t had to top it off yet which is good…
Ive also noticed a clunking sound when hitting bumps on road and when on job site. Thought at first maybe struts, but once I jacked truck up and wiggled tire in the 3-9 o’clock position this is what I found. Could this very well just be the rack and pinion or my intermediate shaft? Any help is appreciated.
TIA guys

 

What your video shows I am have noticed the same thing on my vehicle. I purchased it recently 2011 2WD double cab, 215k miles.
I was doing some digging and found this post and thought it might be helpful. I will say that when grabbing the wheel at 3 and 9 my steering wheel and suspension does the same thing, except i don't currently have a leak.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/steering-wheel-wobble-comes-and-goes.816877/

I am going to try to tighten the steering shaft bolts and see if that helps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9JKRFCLQok


I also have a clunking sound when hitting bumps on the road, almost feels like the whole front suspension is falling apart. Seems to be left side only.
The one thing that i noticed is when driving straight, i get road/tire noise. When turning my steering slightly left the noise goes away. Very noticeable when take a left curve.
I am going to try to replace the front wheel bearings this weekend and hope it fixes this issue.

Thanks for posting the video!

 

The only part that has me hung up is both front wheels have play when in the 3 9 o’clock position and makes that noise to the steering wheel

 

Just wanted to update you on my issue.

Loose play in steering and feeling play in the steering, I replaced the upper steering shaft. I thought is was relatively easy. Toyota part is about $200 and Amazon part was about $50. I was already working on the car and decided to give the $50 part a try. It seems to have resolved my issue. I don’t feel like my suspension is going to fall apart when going over bumps or hitting pot holes. Here is the helpful video I used. The only thing I would add is make sure your steering wheel is straight when you park and mark where it needs to be so you can get your steering wheel as straight as possible.

https://youtu.be/3Dr7df3dRNQ?si=gMhAl986zLaVkcmu


I also replaced the front wheel bearings on my 2WD. I am from Texas and not too much rust and it was fairly easy. This resolved my humming noise while on the road and would go away when slightly steering left.

While I was at it I replaced my front brake pads. Weirdly enough, they were replaced about 60k miles ago and one side was worn down all the way while the other had about 50%. Regreased the brake pins hoping that was the issue but not sure. I may have a bad caliper.

Lastly, after completing the above job, my VSC light would come on after driving for about 1 minute. I thought maybe in damaged the abs/speed sensor when replacing the wheel bearings. Also maybe my steering wheel was maybe too off center when replacing the steering shaft. I ended up removing the negative terminal on the battery for about 5 minutes and it went away. It was not until I was uninstalling and reinstalling the steering shaft later on to get the steering wheel straight that the vsc light came back on. I again removed the negative terminal for a reset and drove a little bit and it stayed off. Hopefully that is resolved.

good luck on resolving your issue!

 

I forgot to check if I have play at my 3 and 9 like I did before, after the parts replacement. I will report back once I get the chance to lift the truck up.

Also, I did not have play in my wheel bearings at 12 and 6 on the wheel but was recommended it was likely the issue.