Sloppy Steering Column Fix

Getting everythung back together was pretty easy. Hooking the tilt springs was easier than removing them. I've never messing with any steering column parts before and I feel a bit empowered now. I'm very pleased with the results of this mod. The truck steering feels solid now when going over uneven roads and bumps.

 

I understand that mods always come with risk, I just wasn't sure if this part in particular was responsible for the safety feature I was talking about. But doing some additional reading, there's a fair bit of evidence that the speed at which the column would be mobilized (and therefore need the safety feature) is exceedingly high, therefore disabling this particular safety feature is of little concern.

BTW, what IS the roller pin mod?

 

You can get a roll pin and push it through a hole that goes through both parts of the steering shaft and it will hold them together. Mechanicjon did it and said it worked with a 1/8" roll pin from Home Depot and drilled out the existing holes to fit the pin. It's a press fit so it should stay in place.

 

just ripped my dash apart only to find out my steering column is completely different and requires a slide hammer stud puller.

 

Bummer!! Sorry, I didn't realize this was year dependent.

 

nah. shoulda read farther down in the link where it did get mentioned.

 

I welded that fucker all around. Like someone else said, when its your time, its your time. Its been a great ride.

No ragrets. Lol

 

My wheel has quite a bit more play in it then safetydangs video. I'm leaning towards something other than the shaft. Pretty sure I have almost an inch of slop. Steering rack, inner and outer tie rod ends were replaced. Lower ball joints replaced. New TC uca's replaced. It had the play in it before I replaced all the items.

Also, I had a high pressure PS hose replaced and it whines really loud when it's cold outside but quiets down a bit when warm. Loud as heck when you turn the wheel or rev the throttle.
All genuine Toyota parts. The hose was like $400.
And work was done at toyota.
Any ideas or should I just take it back to the dealer?

Could the ps pump or unit be going bad?

 

The pump shouldn't affect the mechanical linkage in the steering - I mean it would take awhile if you had a pump so bad that it leaked fluid and then you got friction wear in the gears. I'd consider the steering shaft mod unless the Toyota will actually diagnose it and not throw parts at it. If you cancel out the steering shaft then you can figure out what it is more easily. You could always pull the steering shaft and see how much play is in it without doing the mod just to see for yourself.

 

I honestly don't k ow if I'm that mechanically inclined to pull the whole thing out.
So if I got the straight... the upper part of the shaft towards the steering wheel slides into the larger shaft towards the bottom, correct?

And I can check this by reaching under and grabbing the lower portion of the shaft and turning the steering wheel?

Is the lower shaft accessible withought me pulling anything apart and do I need the truck running?

I'm still thinking the steering gearbox is maybe worn but I'll check the shaft when I get off work in the morning.

 

I think you could figure it out by having someone go and check to see if your steering shaft is moving down where it connects to your steering rack while you turn the wheel back and forth through the play it has with the key in so the steering wheel doesn't lock, but engine off. If it's not moving at the rack then the play is in your shaft (sounds dirty lol)

 

Meh. I'm off work for 8 weeks after tomorrow nite. Guess I'll fire up the heater in the garage and poke around this weekend.

 

If the shaft isn't moving where it enters the rack when you do that you know the play in the wheel is isolated away from the rack. 8 weeks in the winter eh, are you a school teacher in Australia or something lol?

 

I volunteered for a temp layoff.
Machine operator/machinist

 

As long as that won't hurt you really badly financially, 8 weeks is a nice chance to catch up on projects around the house.

 

No worries. The state pays me then my company pays the rest to equal a full paycheck.
Definitely stuff to do around the house, plus I havnt been home to see my fam for Christmas yet. So travelling north in a couple weeks.

 

Lol who wouldn't sign up then - unless I'm missing something (no OT?) Awesome.

 

is there anyway to do this without taking the dash apart?

 

I guess if you wanted to just crawl under there and weld on it. But it's kind of a tight fit and you'd have to worry about heat and sparks and whatnot.

 

Again
You need to pull the column. The joint can not be seen or accessed "in the truck". The only part of the "dash" that needs to come off is the two piece clam shell trim just in front of the steering wheel. This is way simpler than it appears at the get go.