Steering problem with new tires

So I've ran into an issue with the new set up im running, I have a 2014 TRD off road that has a 3 inch rough country suspension lift on it. I know not the best lift but maybe I can afford better one day, anyway I have been running factory wheels with 265/75/16 BFG KO2's and just recently swapped to a 18inch after market wheel with a 275/70/18 Toyo Open Country MT on it. My problem occurred when I entered a slight turn at about 45 MPH, basically I turned the wheel and the truck started to turn then felt like it locked into a straight position and after a few seconds the steering wheel let loose and allowed me to turn again. The tires have plenty of clearance and I've never had this issue before but talk about a scary couple of seconds. Just looking for suggestions as to what it might be, I also was hauling a 5x10 trailer with a mower on it if that's any help. Thanks ahead guys!

 

You said it felt like it locked into a straight position. Are you saying when you were turning it starting going straight? Did it lock up in the turning position? When you turn the wheel did it get easy, stiff, easy, stiff?

 

I eased into the turn and it started to turn then locked into a straight position for a second or two and then allowed me to turn again. I didn't feel and vibrations and didn't hear any noises just kinda bogged the steering down for a moment. It was normal turn then lock up then turn again.

 

I had something similar. Turn or loosen up on the wheel to come out of a turn and the steering wheel would stop... Lower intermediate shaft. The u joint on it was binding.

 

How'd you figure out that was the problem and how'd you fix it? @Larzzzz

 

Searched around here... The part was in the $200. range. Replaced it working through the wheel well. Lots of pb blaster. And I had a tie rod pickle fork to slide the coupling up and down.

Turn the wheel to get the bolt at the rack off first. Then straighten out the wheel and secure it so it doesn't spin and wreck the clock spring. The upper coupling bolts are accessible with the wheel straight.

 

Did you replace just the u joint or the whole shaft and do you happen to remember where you got the part?

 

Whole shaft. Joint not serviceable. Dealer only part. There are 2 different lengths. Don't ask me why... I needed the longer one for my dclb

 

How long did you drive like that before you replaced it? Mine just happened today I'm about to drive it home and see if it does it again since it only did it once

 

I replaced it that weekend. It had happened several times though

 

Alright man I appreciate the info a ton I'm about to head home and see if it happens again

 

Did your steering wheel actually lock not allowing you to turn it any more?

I have an issue when entering the freeway (roundabout)

About 1/4 into the turn the truck seems to slide straight and makes a really bad shaking noise.

Could be the tires breaking loose but I have Michelin AT 2's with even wear on all tires....Scary when it happens, I'm going real slow until I can figure it out

 

Mine did the same exact thing about quarter turn acts just like you're sliding except I don't recall a noise on mine just locked up, feels like my steering wheel is trying to turn just can't and then it frees up.

 

I think it would be very rare if it was the lower intermediate shaft on a 2014 year model Tacoma.

I think he needs to have the VSC Calibrated as he has lifted and installed larger wheels.

The VSC thinks he is loosing control and he is having to fight the VSC in order to turn. Many have had this issue after a suspension change.

Here's some links:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd...ow-common.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd...-end-lift.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/att...libration-.pdf

 

Thanks so much for that info I'm definitely gonna look into that cause that sounds more like it.

 

When my truck "Slips" while cornering i don't get any lights flashing on the dash.

Does this mean it's "Not" a VSC issue? Thanks

 

I also didn't get any lights when it happened. Most everything I read says it happens with a 3 inch lift or bigger and bigger tires than factory size. I've been running a 3 inch lift for a year now with no issue and put the bigger tires on yesterday and had the issue today for the first time. I'm going to go get a alignment done tomorrow morning and see if that helps any or if it makes it worse. Definitely could see the VSC being the issue in my case but yet my steering wheel has a little shake to it as well so not sure at this point.

 

All I have is 5100"s in the front set at the lowest setting for a level ride and 265/75/16 tires...

My alignment is good and I rotate my tires every oil change....

I don't let anyone borrow my truck anymore because of this issue

 

All I can say is that it doesn't cost anything to do a zero calibration if you do it yourself. Then you will know for sure. Scroll down to the procedure where you do not need an Intelligent Tester. It can be done with a simple jumper wire in the OBD2 Connector.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/at...45169366-lift-vsc-answer-vcs-calibration-.pdf


I would say a 2014 doesn't have a bound up universal joint in the Intermediate Shaft under normal conditions.

 

There has been issues with what's called a rag joint on the steer

I think this is exactly it.