Return to Center

Hello Everyone,

I have an issue where my truck isn't returning to center, though I have as much positive caster as possible. I can't figure out why this truck won't return to center. Power steering pump doesn't show any leaks, same with steering rack. Everything looks good, most suspension parts are new (few weeks old).

2011 Pre-Runner
Total Chaos upper and lower control arms
Just replaced the tie rod ends

 

Did this problem start right after the new components were installed? I find this common on uniball control arms when they're new.

 

yeah it did. And I agree.. to me.. it felt like its hanging/sticking.. like overtightened uniballs or other hardware. thought the PS but that checked out ok.

 

I wouldn't worry too much then. Once I put new TC uppers on someone else's truck and on the test drive I immediately noticed the lack of returning to center.

On my own truck with the EMF joints on the JD long travel, I noticed that as well but I'm pretty sure it resolved itself after it loosened up? Or maybe I got used to it, I don't recall.

 

maybe just some PTFE lube and start there @Aw9d and or loosen and retighten.

 

Worth a shot. Should of heard the alignment shop give me a total bs story as to why this happens.

"Because your are lifted the rack doesn't compensate for that and your positive caster isn't as much as what is showing"....

 

One thing I didn't mention, the uppers are a few years old. Lowers were just added a few months ago and that's when this started.

 

uniballs in the lowers.. loosen them up and tighten by hand. go for a quick drive around the block.

 

I've run TC uniball uppers and lowers for years, rebuilt them a couple times now. Your alignment specs are pretty similar to mine, although I've had a shop manage to get a little more caster than this before. The return to center has always been pretty bad when they're nice and fresh, once the bushings and uniballs are broken in a bit it gets better, but never as good as stock. I don't really mind it since I'm used to it, and the truck feels firmer offroad which is nice. Also just put in a brand new OEM rack last year and that didn't make a difference