Hello T4R.org

My wife and I are on a road trip through South America, currently in northern Colombia. I'm hoping I can get some 4runner specific advice from you guys about a potentially serious problem we're seeing.

Symtoms:

When driving at around 50-60 mph and then braking at MEDIUM strength (i.e. stopping faster than I'd normally prefer to stop, but not slamming on the breaks in a panic either) the steering column seems to shift its position. I hear a mild clunk and feel it through the wheel, and then all of a sudden the steering is off around 30 degrees from where it was before this occurred.

The steering still functions as normal while it is off position like this, but both times and I've accelerated forward and hit the slightest of bumps in the road, the steering shifts back into the position it was in before this started (again with a mild pop).

Both times this occurred, it shifted to 30 degrees to the left, and then returned to the exact same "normal position".

Details:

I replaced the Rack and Pinion myself 14 months and 20,000 miles ago. It was worn and beginning to leak. The replacement was with a new OEM rack. I did the Inner and Outer tie rods, and LBJ at the same time. The steering has been fine since then (and still IS fine, aside from this current issue).

I do (or.. did) have a steering related front-end clunk hear when turning near the extremes of the turning radius. (I say "or.. did" because I haven't really noticed that noise for the past couple weeks.) Since this noise was occurring with the new rack, I tried diagnosing this with a skilled mechanic friend and we weren't conclusively able to say it was a rack and pinion problem. We didn't figure it out at that time though.

There is currently no leaking on the front end. As I said, the steering does not feel lose. I do have a bit of play in the rack and pinion.. about 1-2 mm each way while turning.

Could anyone give me some advice? I'd hate to have to source a replacement Rack and Pinion here in Colombia both because it will be very difficult and also a very large job. That said, this seems like a very serious issue. Am I at risk of losing steering while driving?

I just had this exact same issue. If it's just like mine, it's not your steering.

Inspect both rear axles, you might have to remove the tires and drums. This was caused by a failed rear axle seal saturating the rear brake shoes, causing the vehicle to pull hard to one side. The fact that you are only getting it while brakes points to this exact same issue. Search on how to replace the rear axle seal if you find a leak, you'll need access to Toyota parts though.

With your issue you noticed the "straight ahead" position on your steering suddenly changing and then changing back?

My issue is not a dragging on one side of the vehicle. It's just temporary state where suddenly the meaning of the steering wheel position changes. It is as is the steering column linkage has shifted over by one-tine.

Probably not the rack itself but there are other things it could be. Check the rag joint at the top of steering rack and make sure it has not come loose and all the main bolts on the steering rack are tight. Also could be lower control arm bushings, my tacoma would snap the front end steering esp hard on the brake and then come back to the original position on the next small bump because the bushings were totally shot and loose. Good time to go over every bolt on the front suspension and make sure nothing is loose.Hope you brought some tools and good luck!

Also just to verify, does the steering stay straight while the wheels would seem to turn or did the steering wheel turn while the wheels stay straight? the first would be in the suspension outside the inner tie rods or rack and the second would be the steering column to the rack

Moving 30% after braking hard and then moving back after hitting a bump sounds like the alignment cams are slipping.

What about the slop also being in the steering shaft inself? The part that telescopes.
I welded mine twice heres the second fix.

Ive heard of loose steering and knocking but not it moving that much. It could be that and its an easy test to check.

To follow-up on what JayRolla said regarding the alignment cams, I would take a good look at the bushings in your front lower control arms.

I had similar symptoms a while back and was looking at brakes and steering components for the longest time. Only after systematically taking a pry bar to everything did I figure out that the bushings were shot and I had almost a full inch of play on the passenger side LCA.

Grabbed some junkyard LCAs with tight bushings and that was all it took.

Yes, with the brake pressure. Going on the freeway it would be straight. Press on the brakes (moderately, like you said) and the wheel jolts to the left. Let off brake, straight again.

I've also had my steering rack fail. A bad rack will cause about 30-90 degrees of steering slop depending on how much it has failed. It's terribly obvious if it has failed.

Thanks guys, just a note: I said 30 degrees, not 30%. So more like 1/12 or 8.3%.

Still, from the sound of the discussion this makes it more likely to be alignment cams rather than less.