Does your steering wheel "clunk" when off road? The zip tie fix will make your day!!!!!!

So I took my 2007 Tacoma 4x4 off road For the first time since I purchased it a few months ago. I've added a few mods and thought I was prepared for some light off roading. But as soon as I hit the trails I noticed a VERY load and annoying clunking coming from my steering wheel. Needless to say I was PISSED!!! As soon as I got home I checked out all the joints in the steering linkage and found the problem spot. I then did some further research here on the forum for a fix. Came across MANY PEOPLE with the same issue, and fixes of every kind you could imagine. Tack welding, new joints from Toyota, roll pin mod, etc. All involved taking the whole thing apart buying new parts that will also fail in the future. Or possibly compromising the safety of the truck by welding something that's not ment to be welded for safety reasons. Then I came across a post with the idea of using a zip tie for a shim in the joint. I tried it right away. It fit snug and felt much sturdier! I went back to the trails and it drove and sounded like a different truck! So if you have this problem, look no further, and give it a try. I've had mine in for a month now and it hasn't moved and is still working perfectly. I will say, problem solved THANKS TACOMAWORLD USERS!!!!

 

Pics of the area you are talking about please

 

You need to remove the black plastic cover behind your brake pedal and wiggle that joint assembly a little. If you have slop were the shaft comes up through the joint put the shim/zip tie in there until tight. Pics are not the best but you can see the clear zip tie in the middle. Hope this helps!

 

In the second picture right behind the purple is the clear zip tie correct???

 

You got it!!!

 

I've had the same problem on my lifted RC 5 lug and it has been annoying. I'm gonna try this trick to see if it works. Thanks for the info!

 

Thank you I will check. Did it happen more with the steering wheel turned or straight for you?

 

That's what it's looking like. I'll keep this in mind if it ever develops.

 

It didn't matter what direction, for me it was all bumps and rocks. Any bump caused it to shake up and down and make that "clunking" noise. You could even feel it in the steering wheel.

 

Pretty much the same for me.
I still haven't fixed.

 

I'm not seeing it in your picture, elaborate?

 

Me too. Lol

 

+1

 

That looks like a zip tie with the locking end cut off there. Going to try this soon.

 

Jc1980 thanks for adding that pic, that is exactly right. Hope this helps everyone, made a huge difference for me!

 

Thanks, I thought that's what I was looking for.

Did you just stab the end of the zip tie in there and cut the excess off?

 

there is a huge thread on the zip tie mod somewhere on here

 

fixed my 2015 Pro with the zip tie fix..........yes even a pro needs fixing........lol..............

 

I tried to do it but couldn't get the zip tie in on my 2012. Are you putting it between the green rubber piece and the metal? Maybe I need some nose pliers

 

Yeah I used a larger size first and it didn't fit. Then switched to a medium sized one and it still took some force but was able to get it about 3/4" down in there. I figure if it loosens up some I will add another to the opposing side.