Over bumps with wheels slightly turned, can feel something in steering wheel

Hey guys,
Have an 03 4x4 xtra cab V6 Manual with 140,000 miles and it's completely stock.

As the title states. I don't necessarily "hear" anything, but I can certainly "feel" something in the steering wheel. Almost like a slight looseness or play. Everything feels great driving straight, or even going over speed bumps while wheels are straight. The wheels have to be slightly turned to feel the play in the steering wheel.

Check the Toyota Recall website with my VIN and it states no recalls present.

Thoughts?

 

Tire wear;

Steering components: ball joints, inner and outer tie rods, steering rack come to mind;

There's a so-called "fix" concerning the shaft from the steering wheel to engine compartment that may be the problem, although I believe this is more related to a slight clicking noise than to what you describe.

 

Thanks for the ideas.
Unfortunately, tires are brand new and they don't seem to be wearing irregularly.

Come to think of it, I had an 05 Chevy Silverado that I replaced that steering wheel shaft in. It was giving me the same feeling in the steering wheel that my Tacoma is now giving me. I'll probably have to turn the wheel with the truck off and figure out where the play is.

edit. Found about the steering shaft, might have a look.

 

Probably a loose rag joint. The rag joint is supposed to isolate the two halves of the steering shaft to reduce vibration, but in some situations the halves will bump each other and cause that feeling you're getting. It can get worse as it wears.

Mine does it sometimes and it doesn't bother me.

 

Check your steering rack for any damage or leaks. Possible play in components tie rods inner and outers as well as upper and lower ball joints.

 

Checked the steering shaft under the dash and do indeed have that little bit of play as outlined in the link I provided.
Might just leave it, it's not "bad" just something noticeable.

 

Thread update.
I fixed that annoying click in the steering with 30 minutes of work.
15 minutes to remove and 15 minutes to reinstall.

1. Remove 3 screws from plastic around steering column.
2. Removed 12 mm bolt by firewall on floor.
3. Remove 2 springs for tilt column after moving tilt up.
4. Remove 2 bolts with 6 mm allen wrench.
5. Disconnect battery negative lead.
6. Disconnect 4 connectors.
7. Move key to acc position to allow column to remain unlocked.
8. Pull out steering wheel and shaft.

Tack weld shaft in a couple places and reinstall

Who knew that the small bit of play could be felt throughout the whole steering wheel!

Sadly, if you don't have tilt steering you are in for much more work.