Steering wheel NOT returning to center - New Rack & Pinion Recently Installed

Hey folks!

I need more advice on a steering issue - after I turn the steering, it doesn't return to center. After I turn in somewhere, say a right turn, I have to turn the other way physically (left) to bring it back to the center. Otherwise, the truck keeps going into the corner.

I recently installed a new Rack & Pinion, and tie rod ends. I also got a shop to do the alignment. The total toe is 0.07º and the steer ahead is 0.00º.

Any ideas on what could be the issue? Why is the steering NOT returning to center? Thanks Y'aal!

 

I think the new rack is shifting side to side or steering column to input shaft is jumping splines. Have someone turn the wheel back and forth and watch if the rack shifts sideways.

 

Any chance the sway bar bushings are shot...

How old are wheel bearings .....balljoints....LCA bushings?

 

X2 on maybe the rack bushings, also if you have engine oil leakage the rack bushings can get slippery?

 

What were the caster numbers on the alignment?

 

Was it an OEM rack? If the bushings are good it's not impossible you have a bad rack. Does the power assist feel okay? Do the test mentioned above. Mine had a slight pull to the right, so slight I lived with it but it turned out the be the rack.

The alignment shop will (should) tell you if they can't get a good alignment due to bad lca/coilover bushings.

 

What's the caster? Caster is what determines return to center mechanically.

 

You should always ask the shop for before and after print outs of your alignment specs. Post it if you got them.

 

Thanks for all the responses!

@rocknbil - This was not an OEM rack. A-Premium - very very third party I would say.
@mechmn1 - Thanks I'll take a look for sure
@O'Silver_Taco - I changed the sway bar end links - the bushings looked pretty good.
@Wulf & @PathFinder1776 & @thomasburk - Here is the printout from the alignment - thoughts?

Is driving this way bad for the vehicle? I am still not exactly sure what could be the issue..

 

I think your caster setting is causing your steering not to return to center. If you think the shop is competent, return and have them adjust your castor to specifications [between indentation] in below pics.

Driving this way makes driving uncomfortable, and slightly dangerous in my opinion. Which is not bad for the vehicle, until vehicle does not return to center from a 90 degree turn and you jump a curb and then you have to replace a LCA and/or other suspension parts AND get another front end alignment. Then it might be bad for your insurance if you had decided to submit a claim to get it all cleaned up.

 

Definitely needs more caster.

 

More on the driver side, and less on the passenger side, according to the print out.

 

Needs more on both sides. The caster reading is red because it is not even meeting the spec'd caster. FYI I have 5 degrees of caster on mine (lifted 2.5") and it is perfect for me.

 

lots of Caster info here......and member's alignment sheets

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/caster-why-so-much-confusion.690660/

 

@thomasburk, thanks for the info! This is very helpful. From what I understand the Caster should be between 2º and 4º. Is this correct? Any recommendation as to what spec should be? I can't seem to find the exact numbers.

2001-2WD-No Lift, Running standard: 265/70R16 tires.

 

If the shop can get you to at least 2 deg you'll start to see a big improvement on return to center. Since your truck is stock it should be reasonable to achieve if everything is in good order. Here's some info on specifications:

 

Welcome. I think mine is set to 3.1, 3.2, I would prefer something between 2 and 2.78. See next post, @Wulf specifications.

 

Somewhere around 2.5 for a 2wd should be much better. Good news is you can quite throwing parts at it and just target proper alignment.

 

If you over tighten the steering rack guide the steering wheel will not return to center. Might try backing yours off a bit, and see if that helps.

 

Excellent point. The torque spec for that big nut is very light too. IIRC it is something like 18 ft.lbs.