Stiff Steering - try this fix first

bryen · May 3, 2013

I actually figured it out and apparently I fell short of spraying the snot out of it with PB Blaster. However for round two I'm going to get some white lithium grease on there too.

anotherreject · May 3, 2013

bigjoetacoma said: ↑

I have been having this same problem with my 05 Taco......do you know where I can find just the u-joints rather than replacing parts of the whole shaft?
Click to expand...

Search for the thread i started on the same issue, somebody posted pictures of the part, u can get to it by just crawling under the front of the truck

anotherreject · May 3, 2013

bryen said: ↑

THIS is the exact problem I'm facing, but I'm also really, really new at working on my own truck. Some things I get, but others I am lost.

This is one of those situations. I have no idea where the U-joint is above the steering rack. Any chance of some details to find this? Perhaps a photo? I'd be very appreciative of the help!
Click to expand...

Search for the thread i started somebody posted pictures of the part, you can get to it by crawling under the front of the truck

coveylane · May 3, 2013

Here are two pictures of the Intermediate Steering Shaft #2 taken from drivers side looking past tire (with tire turned as far left as possible) on my 2008 Tacoma

Sergedfx · Jun 28, 2015

buck[OP] initial post: ↑

I've seen a few threads about stiff steering, but no solid solutions as to fixing it.

The symptoms are when you turn the wheel, and the steering goes from stiff to normal to stiff throughout the steering wheel rotation. As if there are stiff spots as you turn the wheel. A constant stiff steering is another issue.

Spray the snot out of your steering U-joint just above the steering rack with a penetrating oil. Keep turning the wheel 1/4 turn to expose the different sides of the joint. You can easily access it from underneath the truck. I used SeaFoam as it penetrates decently and also lubricates, unlike WD-40 witch penetrates well but doesn't lubricate as well.

No more stiff spots in the steering. This should get you by for a while until you need to replace the u-joint.
Click to expand...

I wanted to say thank you for sharing info/knowledge. I followed your instructions and also used the sea foam deep creep. You saved me and my truck! Thank you again!

A.T. · Jul 15, 2015

Awesome. I'm going to try this as well. Same problem.

Holeshot · Jul 15, 2015

Looking at the universal joint begs the question. Does Toyota make anything that doesn't rust out?

Steve721 · May 21, 2017

I was glad to find this post. Even if it is an older one. I was nervous since my tacoma was having issue. Nice power steering to almost nothing. Stiff spots in the steering. I will be spraying the daylights out of that joint. I'm surprised there isn't a zerk fitting somewhere on that jount. I have seen joints this size with grease fittings. Oh well.

Kerrigan911 · May 22, 2017

Had good luck using liquid wrench in the yellow can. When it hits the knuckle its like a foam that stays in place then liquifies a few seconds later. Good stuff and only a few bucks at wallyworld

bluezzy · May 22, 2017

I wonder if motorcycle chain lube would last a little longer, it is made to penetrate to the max.

knottyrope · May 23, 2017

lube is a temp fix, mine has been ok for past 2 years but now binds up even after hitting it with PB blaster multiple times

Vaughn4x4 · Feb 28, 2019

buck[OP] initial post: ↑

I've seen a few threads about stiff steering, but no solid solutions as to fixing it.

The symptoms are when you turn the wheel, and the steering goes from stiff to normal to stiff throughout the steering wheel rotation. As if there are stiff spots as you turn the wheel. A constant stiff steering is another issue.

Spray the snot out of your steering U-joint just above the steering rack with a penetrating oil. Keep turning the wheel 1/4 turn to expose the different sides of the joint. You can easily access it from underneath the truck. I used SeaFoam as it penetrates decently and also lubricates, unlike WD-40 witch penetrates well but doesn't lubricate as well.

No more stiff spots in the steering. This should get you by for a while until you need to replace the u-joint.
Click to expand...

Just wanted to reply because this 100% works. Spray the bottom u joint with penetrant oil and then lubricate throughly with lithium grease. Steering is 100% better. This is obviously a temporary fix and the u joint should be replaced.

coveylane · Feb 28, 2019

I wonder if they ever addressed this issue in the new models coming out or are they doomed to repeat history and get stiff steering too. I replaced intermediate shaft a few years ago and so far so good.

Jon G · Feb 28, 2019

I did a write up on replacing the u joint in the lower intermediate shaft fixed it for $30

Check out my signature for the link to the write up

Shameless plug for my 007 Taco Pro build that is also in the signature

Jon G · Feb 28, 2019

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-lower-steering-shaft-rebuild-diy.543377/

Iceclone · Feb 12, 2020

Works like a charm!! That seafoam lubricant is worth it's weight in gold!! Great information thank you very much Buck! You're the man

coveylane · Feb 12, 2020

This part can be purchased on Amazon.ca for under $100. (Intermediate shaft #2

45203-04021 Lower Steering Shaft Steering Column For Tacoma 4WD 2005-2015

https://www.amazon.ca/45203-04021-S...SMAZ2BD28AK&psc=1&refRID=WZF2SWVBJSMAZ2BD28AK

bhigbee · Feb 12, 2020

Good to know and thanks for the link.

steveo27 · Feb 12, 2020

https://www.ebay.com/itm/LOWER-STEE...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

This is the one I used

jmaziarz · Jul 25, 2021

I am new to working on my truck as some are so I made a quick video on how to locate the u-joint at https://youtu.be/HSZZBuYkay8

Thank you for the info that helped me fix my problem!

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