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Stiff Steering - Intermediate Steering Shaft

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by WayneM, Oct 28, 2014.

  1. Oct 28, 2014 at 6:44 AM
    #1
    WayneM

    WayneM [OP] Member

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    A couple weeks ago I filed a safety complaint with the NHTSA about the stiff steering in my 2007 Tacoma. You can read the text of that complaint below NHTSA ID Number: 10644735 (sorry for the all caps of the text):

    I FIRST NOTICED THAT THE STEERING ON MY 2007 TACOMA IS VERY OFTEN EXTREMELY STIFF TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION LAST YEAR. I BROUGHT IT IN TO THE DEALER TO CHECK IT OUT. WAS TOLD: "LOWER SHAFT STARTING TO GET STIFF". WAS QUOTED A REPLACEMENT/REPAIR COST AROUND $550. COULD NOT AFFORD THAT AT THE TIME. THIS PROBLEM HAD BEEN INTERMITTENT BUT NOW HAPPENS NEARLY EVERY TIME I USE THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. LOOKS LIKE I WILL HAVE TO PAY TOYOTA TO FIX THIS. MY RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE "STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NUMBER 2". IT SEEMS THIS PART IS EITHER DEFECTIVE OR POORLY DESIGNED AS THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE ON MANY AUTOMOTIVE WEBSITES WHICH SPECIFICALLY CITE THIS VEHICLE FOR A RANGE OF YEARS FROM 2005 ON.

    Here is a link to a TacomaWorld thread with some info on this issue which also includes a great video showing the exact problem and part replacement:
    http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/259415-power-steering-steering-issue-2.html

    If you have had this issue with your Tacoma, I urge you to please file a complaint online at the NHTSA website:
    https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

    Since the time that I filed my complaint with the NHTSA, I have had the part on my Tacoma replaced at a cost to me of $450.

    In the NHTSA complaint database I have found a total of 38 complaints that seem to relate specifically to this same issue for the Tacoma model years 2005-2014 (all the same part).

    Many Tacoma owners have had this same problem. It has been reported and discussed on many automotive forums like this one here. However, I suspect that most of the vehicle owners with this issue have not reported it to Toyota, or to the NHTSA, and that this issue is more prevalent than the reports may indicate.

    I believe this issue should be a candidate for a full NHTSA safety investigation for a possible recall. Submitting your compliant to the NHTSA might help that happen. Thanks. :)

    Below is a comma separated list of the NHTSA Complaint ID Numbers that relate to this issue:

    10650412, 10644735, 10628389, 10625894, 10622253, 10620848, 10610007, 10605514, 10594741, 10594047, 10593721, 10592237, 10586489, 10585295, 10583215, 10578403, 10575808, 10574588, 10567102, 10564834, 10549859, 10549718, 10547589, 10545638, 10522091, 10515073, 10508073, 10507347, 10505976, 10502324, 10496877, 10484683, 10470146, 10456087, 10455033, 10454842, 10331960, 10267472
     
    Last edited: Oct 28, 2014
    fast5speed and ironman steveo like this.
  2. Oct 28, 2014 at 4:40 PM
    #2
    hotrod53

    hotrod53 Well-Known Member

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    Been there, done that, filed a complaint. Very dangerous IMO, especially when guys hit it with PB Blaster and drive on!

    IMO, this could easily be fixed if Toyota put a small plastic cover over the joint like GM does.
     
  3. Oct 28, 2014 at 5:07 PM
    #3
    iroh

    iroh Well-Known Member

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    tonneau
    Same here, only it cost me $462 to get it replaced.

    When mine siezed I narrowly avoided a head-on collision and then the snowbank. I don't know how this hasn't been recalled.
     
  4. Oct 28, 2014 at 5:24 PM
    #4
    offgrid taco

    offgrid taco Well-Known Member

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    Yup mine seized also. Bad design. I heard that they have changed the design on the newer trucks and it does have a cover now. I have not been able to confirm this. Toyota will just say its a maintenance item like replacing your brakes.
     
  5. Oct 28, 2014 at 6:59 PM
    #5
    Taco'09

    Taco'09 Well-Known Member

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    I've seen this referenced as a TSB more than once but can not find it. Perhaps it is for another model or the owners confused things.

    Needless to say the seals on the ends of the U-joint needle bearings are not even kinda water tight IMO. This joint is in such a vulnerable position that I put a rubber accordion boot over mine.
     
  6. Oct 28, 2014 at 7:01 PM
    #6
    Taco'09

    Taco'09 Well-Known Member

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    Nope. Not on my new '14 so I put a boot on it same as I did on my '09.
     
  7. Oct 29, 2014 at 10:20 AM
    #7
    WayneM

    WayneM [OP] Member

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    The TSB for the Intermediate Shaft was to remedy a vibration and/or clunking. That is not the same as this issue. This issue can result in your Tacoma not steering correctly. Results of that situation will vary - worse case might be a collision of some sort.

    Just a reminder, if you have had this issue with your Tacoma, I urge you to please file a complaint online at the NHTSA website:
    https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
     
  8. Mar 13, 2015 at 4:19 PM
    #8
    eeberleeber

    eeberleeber Well-Known Member

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    Just had the same steering binding issue and the intermediate shaft needed to be replaced (determined by dealership inspection). I filed a new complaint, number 10694207.
     
  9. Mar 13, 2015 at 5:49 PM
    #9
    WayneM

    WayneM [OP] Member

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    Thanks for your post and for submitting a complaint report to the NHTSA.

    I've sent a few emails to the NHTSA to try to bring a little more pressure for them to investigate and take action on this issue. The more complaint reports and emails, the better.
     
  10. Mar 13, 2015 at 6:12 PM
    #10
    over60

    over60 Over70 & still a "Grumpy Old Guy"

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    Funny... when my '06 steering got stiff last year, I crawled under the truck and saw the issue... a very bad rusted "U" joint near the steering box...(gets lots of road spray, etc)..... I sprayed the shit outta that thing with penetrating oil for a week or so and then I sprayed the shit outta it with white lithium grease..... Have not had another issue...


    Part of my oil change routine... pull drain plug... spray the "U" joint while down there... no issues since....


    Hope U guys have the same good luck...
     
  11. Mar 13, 2015 at 6:17 PM
    #11
    landphil

    landphil Fish are FOOD, not friends!

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    It's not fixed. You only hid the issue.
     
  12. Apr 13, 2015 at 6:01 PM
    #12
    240shwag

    240shwag New Member

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    Exactly. Mine is rusted as well, I've emptied an entire can of PB blaster onto it, and it still will not unstick. I am going to replace the u-joint itself, by tig welding a new universal onto it. I am not paying $150 to replace a $15 part that is actually defective.

    I too have filed a complaint. Thank you OP for making this thread.
     
  13. Apr 19, 2015 at 4:36 PM
    #13
    over60

    over60 Over70 & still a "Grumpy Old Guy"

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    Toyota running boards/Solid Fold 2.0/custom stickers/Anti-Dark LED light under hood/Derped grill/Scoop, etc.
    MY problem was fixed as I said.... No more issues with it since I did that a couple of years ago...!!


    My new 2016 Taco better have a better set-up....
     
  14. Jun 17, 2015 at 5:58 PM
    #14
    Charlot

    Charlot Well-Known Member

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    They are asking me 385 for the part and two hours work,so another 170 dollars plus taxes.
    So a very nice bill close to 700 bucks.
    I saw that small part,Man is this thing worth 385 dollars, just for the part??
    They told me that these Tacomas have trouble with these Stearing U shaft part!!
    Charly
     
  15. Feb 23, 2017 at 10:48 AM
    #15
    lmel

    lmel New Member

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    This is the second time (late winter in Maine) when I've run into this issue on my 2010 Tacoma. Last yr. the dealer wanted $1485 to replace the steering etc. etc. Just sprayed it with PB blaster and worked so far. Any recalls on this part? Seems like it's a real problem. Will fill out a complaint today!
     
  16. Apr 12, 2017 at 1:13 PM
    #16
    kingston73

    kingston73 Well-Known Member

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    I've just started having issues myself,driving to work today it was very stiff and felt like there was a flat spot on the tires or something. Very stiff to turn and then it wanted to stay where it was.

    I sprayed it with pb blaster and then some silicone spray but haven't driven it yet to see if it did anything.
     
  17. Apr 16, 2017 at 9:27 PM
    #17
    Answ3r

    Answ3r Member

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    Having the same issue. Sprayed it with WD40 cause it's what I had, helped a little bit. Will try and get some real lubricant inside the seals tomorrow.

    Sucks that the part is so expensive for that little joint...

    2007 with ~104k miles.
     
  18. Apr 17, 2017 at 2:37 AM
    #18
    kingston73

    kingston73 Well-Known Member

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    Fyi mine cost$750 total. $650 for replacement and then needed an alignment.

    My 01 went 200,000 and only needed thermostat and rear axle seals replaced.

    So far just this year at around 100,000 I've needed both front wheel bearings, driver shaft U joints and carrier bearing, and now this. Over$3000 just since January.....
     
  19. Apr 17, 2017 at 6:29 AM
    #19
    knottyrope

    knottyrope Well-Known Member

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    Last edited: Apr 17, 2017
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    #19
    timbobzimbob likes this.
  20. Apr 17, 2017 at 8:16 AM
    #20
    327

    327 Well-Known Member

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    I have been noticing some stiff steering lately. I'll have to check this the next time I am under changing the oil.
     

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