Steering box adjustment? - Toyota 4Runner Forum

PHGen3 · 03-04-2021, 06:35 PM

I am wondering if anyone has done any adjustment to their steering box. I see is has what appears to be an adjustment screw on top of the unit. I used to have a Triumph TR4 with a similar box and adjustment screw. If one tightened the screw about 1/8th of a turn it would take some play out if the steering.

My play is not real bad, maybe about 1/2" in the steering wheel at speed after it has warmed up. The vehicle tracks straight, but you can not let your attention lapse. I understand tie rod bushings are another possibility, they don't appear to be too bad.

Any experiences?

Thanks,
PHGen3

Malcolm99 · 03-04-2021, 06:56 PM

The TR4 looks nice, I had a 72' Triumph Spitfire, ah Lucas the prince of darkness, don't miss those electricals.

There is no steering box on the 3rd gen just a steering rack, you can adjust the rack tension but it doesn't usually remove steering play just stiffness and rebound, the most common cause of steering play on these is the steering rack bushings, once they wear the rack will shift back and forth on its bushings which is easy to confirm with a steering wheel wiggle while observing the rack for movement. Other possibilities in likely order would be inner and outter tie rods, LBJ, LCA bushings, and steering shaft or steering shaft ujoints, and maybe an upper control arm issue.

itskohler · 03-04-2021, 10:00 PM

Another point of slop on the steering is the slip joint in the column itself. You can reach under the column and turn the wheel just a little back and forth, and if there's play you'll feel it on the joint with your other hand.

3bears · 03-05-2021, 01:24 PM

energy suspension rack bushing took out my free play
this current ride will get them when I rebuild the front suspension this summer, not gonna even check if bad, just gonna do them. Amazon had them cheapest a few years ago when I did my last 4runner. Note however, that amazon in the past has not had correct listings for energy suspension for the 4runners on some parts. Look up the part # at other sites, then compare prices, and use the part # at amazon...worked for me.

PHGen3 · 03-05-2021, 07:29 PM

Thanks everyone for the ideas. It looks like the steering rack bushings and the column slip joint would be good places to check.

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