Steering column fix

I wouldn't be too concerned about the zip-tie wearing out. If it does, it's 5 minutes to replace it. If it falls out, try a few o-rings like I did.

I have tried several items, but it is hard to get anything to stay between the rubber ring and the shaft. The best potential fix I can find is a tolerance ring (see the picture). I looked into using these as we use them at work in a few applications. I just couldn't find a catolog part that would work and wasn't about to shell out for custom tooling. Even then, tolerance rings need to be retained so they wont slip out. I honestly think the best solution is to replace the current clearance fit rubber bushing with an interference fit bushing. Like I said in my other thread though, Toyota nor the dealer wouldn't touch mine because they said it was normal.

 

one person suggested actually closing the zip tie so it would stay in place...doing this today!

 

Thank you for the correction. It is good to know.

 

Just put in the zip tie and looped it around in order to zip it closed. You don't need a real thick zip tie to do this. Seems to have helped/fixed the slop for me. Damn shame we even have to do this....

 

If you have trouble filling the gap, just keep adding more until it is snug. I had to use like 20 o-rings because they were so skinny.

 

you can also buy heavey duty zip ties

 

Anyone else try this?

I'm curious, for those who did do it, what steering slop in particular were you trying to remove?

I've actually noticed two types to some degree. On loose gravel or uneven surfaces, I feel like my wheels are running wild in the front. It annoys the hell out of me. I've also noticed if I hit certain uneven points on paved roads, I feel like it significantly affects the direction of the wheels. It's not a massive issue, but it's an annoyance.

I also feel like there's just a slight vibration in my steering that shouldn't be there. It's not the same feeling as when you have a wheel out of balance. It's much more subtle. I don't think I can even really see it, just feel it through the wheel. It could be I'm just becoming hypersensitive to every little noise and vibration in this truck though.

 

You would not really feel the slop or vibration unless you drive on a washboard type dirt road with lots of little bumps. I really noticed it on cobble stones streets. Anyway..the cost and ease to fix this makes it a no brainer....put the zip tie and ...if you don't like it take it out. But this solved 100% of my steering slop issues.

 

I had a loose sloppy feeling in my steering since new. Only felt it when driving on dirt roads, really bumpy paved roads, or offroading. The zip tie fixed my slop completely. It was hard to get in between those 2 joints, but once I did I secured the zip tie so it will never go anywhere. This mod works.

 

Is this assembly the same on auto trans Tacos as well? I've had this same complaint since day one. The steering is too "rubbery".

 

i would think so but not sure!

 

I stole a portion of Toyota09's photo (I hope he doesn't mind) so I can illustrate what I'm about to say.

Yes this is a design problem, because the original design was modified by someone who did not understand it.

Every car I owned for 4 decades had this rubber part. Different makers call it different names but it's generically known as the "rag joint". They work fine for 100,000 miles then rot out & you put a new one in for $10 (last time I did it, which was a '79 Mercury.)

But they normally do not have those four grey spacers on the bolts. look at the photo:


Those spacers move the steel flanges much farther apart, and the rubber, which formerly had to deal with shear stress now must deal with a lot of bending force. In the video you can see the rubber bending out of plane because the longer bolts (fitted with the spacers) have MUCH more leverage against the rubber.

I'm not certain, but I suspect toyota did this when they jacked the truck up. I suspect the lower (non-pre-runner) Tacos don't have this issue.

I can see several ways to fix this problem, though none as simple and cheap as just wedging a chunk of plastic in there and hoping it stays. I'll be pulling up my carpets to have a closer look this weekend.

 

THANK YOU TW!!!! I thought something was wrong with my truck. Went to grandfathers farm in OK during spring break and experienced this problem when on the back roads and on his rocky property.

I WILL BE DOING THIS TOMORROW

Best forum EVER!

 

Agreed! I love this place...the members are all creative problem solvers who love their trucks!

Most of the members are very nice too...very little bickering goes on here compared to other forums ive been in

 

Very true! Although we've all crossed paths with some D-BAG's on here. Oh well theres always gonna be downers wherever you go.

 

Def doing this tomorrow... haven't had the problem yet, but I plan on driving off road a bit and its so easy and cheap why the hell not

 

would this work on a 1st gen ?

 

did it work?

 

When I first did this, I didn't think it made that much difference. But actually, now over a month later, I realize every time this thread pops up that I no longer notice the same issue.