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Loose steering and a startling discovery

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Ellendejefferes, Mar 19, 2025.

  1. Mar 19, 2025 at 5:08 PM
    #1
    Ellendejefferes

    Ellendejefferes [OP] Noob overlander

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2025
    Member:
    #467472
    Messages:
    6
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    Austin Texas
    Vehicle:
    2001 ext 3.4l 4x4 5spd
    So I was verifying the need for new tire rods, when I noticed that shaking my tires left and right resulted in quite a lot of play and then the discovery that the steering column connecting to the top of the rack of pinion has an awful lot of play as well. I've attached two videos of me shaking the tire left and right, and one of me shaking the steering column to showcase its play. Ya'll think a new rack and pinion or just new tire rods and tighten up the column connections?
    PSA sorry for the camera shake, motorcycle phone mounts will destroy your camera.

    https://youtube.com/shorts/CPX4wcujj_w?feature=share
    https://youtube.com/shorts/aaCrXJD6WRM?feature=share
     
  2. Mar 19, 2025 at 10:04 PM
    #2
    Glamisman

    Glamisman Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2016
    Member:
    #200436
    Messages:
    4,886
    Gender:
    Male
    Yes... the steering rack is gone. When you take it out you can check the inner and outer tie rod ends but to be honest it is cheaper time wise just to put new ones and check the lower ball joints while you are there. This is what is called "proximity of repair". You have X amount of time into taking it apart and trying to save a hundred bucks on parts sometimes doesnt work out for the best.
     

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