Horrible steering

I have an 09 Tacoma with 150,000 miles. I’ve noticed loose steering, steering not returning to center. When I go over bumps or cracks in the road it feels as if the steering disconnects. It is not the typical “drop” sensation in the steering that Tacoma’s have. I can feel every road imperfection in the steering wheel (which was not there before). There’s also weird feelings in the brake pedal during breaking. When I jack it up, I can bot find any play in either of the front wheels. Everything is also 100 times amplified off road. Anybody have an idea or suggestion to look at?

 

Have the alignment checked to see if caster way out on the low side.

 

Would that cause all the feelings in the steering wheel? I also have been getting bad tire wear specifically on outer edge of the tire.

 

Yes. Very low caster will make the truck feel very light. It will feel like it wants wander on the road, follow the ridges and dips. Steering will not want to center. You’ll get bump steer with pot holes. If you checked everything and nothing feels loose or has excessive play. That’s where I’d start.