Steering knock when off pavement

Howdy folks,

I've got a question regarding steering knock on my new '12 SR5 DC LB.

I went with the SR5 rather than the OR because I didn't think it would be a big deal with the types of fire-roads I drive on. That being said, whenever I take it off pavement, I get a noticeable steering knock at speeds as low as 5 mph. I first noticed it after owning my truck for less than a week and buying it brand new.

My understanding is that this is due to lateral movement causing the front wheels to connect with the 4 wheel drive mechanism. I'm wondering if this is common on Tacomas or if it something I should be concerned with. I don't have any intention of upgrading, but I don't want to put myself in a position that I wreck something because I needed better suspension.

Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

subbed... insterested to see what the problem is. I have a few ideas myself but ive never had an issue like this. I just remember on my 66 valiant the rack would get loose and cause the steering wheel to not engage the steering for an inch or 2 of turning the wheel. Which i think off road would caue the steering to knock the wheel when hitting bumps....

 

check out this thread...
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/88077-steering-column-fix.html

 

T-SB-0119-10 Steering Intermediate Shaft Rattle Noise. Not sure if it applies to 2012s yet. Fixe my issue on my 2010.

 

That may be worth a shot. I had come across that thread earlier while searching about this but I had convinced myself that my issue was further down the line. After reading a little more closely, it does sound very similar to my problem.

I'll be bringing it in to the dealer soon for my 30 day check-up and I'll bring this issue up with them in case it is related to the recall as Bakerla suggested. If they can't solve the problem, I'll try shoving a zip-tie in there and see how it goes.

I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks!

 

I could be wrong but i thought someone mentioned in that link i posted that once the dealer does the tsb if that doesn't fix it the zip tie fix can't be done afterwards. You might want to try the zip tie first.

 

Noted. I went ahead and put the zip tie in. It was a very tight fit, so I had to shave the tie a bit to make it thinner.

I haven't had a chance to drive it off road yet, but a before and after wiggling of the steering column was enough to give me the confidence that this should take care of it.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction! I'm going to go bump the older post and hopefully shut this one down.

 

this. this is your fix, the dealer will either look at you like you are crazy

or

do the steering column TSB... but a lot of "reports" it dosent fix the issue( and then you cant do the zip tie trick!!!)

the zip-tie dosent spin against anything (it'll make sense once you do it) so should later virtually forever