Help: Steering Problem

2007 V6 Double Cab. Has any one experienced the steering not centering. Explanation: while driving on an expressway, as you correct movement (right or left) the truck will continue moving to the right or left, it will not move back to center on its own like my other vehicles. I have had the alignment checked and it is on the mark and the steering column universal joint cleaned and lubricated with white lithium grease. I love the Tacoma except for the steering.

 

Check your alignment spec sheet, what are the caster measurements for the front end?

 

Yeah, Something is off with that alignment.

 

I will have the alignment checked again with "not enough camber in mind" Thanks

 

Caster is more the area of concern with a lack of steering self-centering - camber, not so much. You want the caster up at the higher end spec range, IIRC, 2.5-3 degrees ish for these trucks.

 

Thanks...I will have them check the Caster.

 

More questions I should have asked before. Did you recently buy the truck used with the issue? Or has the issue developed slowly over time? Or did it start suddenly? If suddenly, any work done to it at that time?

 

Thanks for the help, I had my 2007 alignment checked today and had the caster set at 3+. It did help considerably but did not completely eliminate the problem. It is easier to steer and do not have to fight it as much to stay near center.
I bought the truck about six months ago and thought it was OK until a friend drove it and asked me about the steering. It had this problem since I purchased it and had not had any work done prior to a couple of checks on the steering parts; ie: pump fluid, alignment, new tires. Nothing helped until we changed the caster to a 3+ (3.25).
Any other suggestions?

 

How's your tire pressure?

 

Knowing you just had your alignment checked , did the technician say anything about seized or partially seized up ball joints or tight steering components
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Is the truck stock with stock tire sizes?

I will say that in my opinion, the 2nd gen tacomas have a heavier feel to the steering with quite a bit of "feedback" but it sounds as though there is still an issue with yours with the lack of centering. Tires and inflation pressure certainly could be a big factor.

Do you get any "lumpy" feeling through the steering wheel when turning into or out of a sharp turn? Such a feeling is indicative of a seizing column u-joint - I know you said it was cleaned and lubed, but since any such treatment is only from the outside, there is still a possibility of the joint being the culprit. It might be worthwhile removing the shaft from the steering rack and checking the joint for binding and stiffness.

 

I just had new tires (Michelin Latitudes, all season tread for a quieter ride on the highway) put on the truck. They doubled checked the tire pressure when aligned the other day.
We have discussed the steering rack, but if it needs replaced it comes down to cost verses problem, which at this point I can live with the problem since it has improved.
Thanks for all the suggestions and help!

 

The tires have less than 5,000 miles on them and have already been rotated and checked for tire pressure. I guess unless I'm willing to spend some $ on the Rack & Pinion I will have to live with this minor problem at this point.
Thanks for all the suggestions and Help!
P.S. the mechanic had already checked the ball joints. He actually had me out in the bay explaining all the components and how they all interacted including the alignments caster, camber and toe. He appears to be very analytical and well versed.