Squeak/Groan from steering system

I went out to the pismo dunes and mashed around pretty hard the other day. When I came back, I noticed a squeak/groan that was happening when I turned the steering wheel.

After a few weeks of driving around, it is still there, but has lessened a little.

It it begins to squeak when I have the wheels turned about half way in one direction or the other, and only squeeks when the wheels are actually turning. However, it will squeak whether or not the wheels are rotating (vehicle is rolling).

I got underneath the vehicle is I could see anything strange. I notices that as the steering wheel is turned, the steering rack rotates/torques around its long axis. I tried re-torquing the associated bolts but that did not help.


2000 Tacoma 4wd 5spd adjustable downy lift up front with all pro upper a arms uniball long travel 33" tires.

Any thoughts or suggestions?