User Tag List

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 04-24-2022, 09:40 PM #1
KauriJ KauriJ is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Northern California
Posts: 20
KauriJ is on a distinguished road
KauriJ KauriJ is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Northern California
Posts: 20
KauriJ is on a distinguished road
stiff steering when turning right: help on diagnosis? (1999 4Runner)

Hi folks!

My 1999 4Runner (SR5 4WD) has had a puzzling steering issue I’ve been trying to diagnose. It has just over 288,000 miles.

A few months ago, the steering started to get a little stiffer, mainly noticeable at slower speeds (under 25mph), and it’s slowly gotten worse. Recently, it’s required considerable effort to turn to the right at slower speeds (under 25mph), and also after turning to the left the wheel requires a lot of effort to return to straight (i.e., it’s hard to turn the wheel to the right to return the direction of travel of the vehicle to straight).

I put it on jack-stands to try to do some diagnosis today, and here are my results.

- With key in “on” position and turning steering wheel:

- - Get same behavior as observed when driving. In particular, the steering wheel requires considerable effort to rotate to the right (both when starting from straight ahead position and when already turned to the left and trying to return to straight-ahead direction). Turning to the left requires much less effort (seems relatively “normal,” but not entirely sure).

- - When turning to the right, the effort is non-uniform, i.e. with some steering wheel angles it’s considerably harder and with other steering wheel angles it’s not as hard. Roughly, moving through the first 90 degrees from straight seems to be harder than moving through the 90-180 degree angles, but it was still hard. Then it got harder again, and I could not get it to turn past 270 degrees to the right.

- - The resistance feels “rubbery.” Not sure how else to describe it, other than it feels like something is binding. No metallic scraping sounds or anything like that.

- Checking other possibly related items:

- - No play when rocking the wheel in and out (I’ve read this should indicate the wheel bearings are okay)

- - Some play when rocking the wheel side to side (holding at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions) but no more than the steering wheel free-play so I believe this is normal (I’ve read this should indicate the tie rod ends are okay)

- - Tie rods have no movement when I yank on them (I’ve read this should indicate the tie rod ends are okay)

- - Identical faint clicking noise from wheel side of CV axle on both front wheels when rotate them (not sure whether this is normal)

- - When key is in the “on” position and turning steering wheel, I did not see any abnormal movement in the steering shaft, tie rods, or steering rack (though since I am a complete novice at this it’s entirely possible I could have missed something)

I have all the maintenance records (the 4Runner was bought new by my mom). In particular:

- The steering rack and power steering pump are original.

- Power steering belt was last replaced in July 2021. Power steering fluid was flushed in February 2022 and has been changed regularly.

- Outer tie rod ends were replaced in July 2020. Inner tie rod ends are original. I’m assuming the shop checked the alignment when they replaced the inner tie rod ends (but an alignment was not billed on the invoice so I’m not 100% sure—though all the work was done by a local reputable 4WD shop).

- CV axles are original, but one of the boots tore and was replaced many years ago.

- I have no record of the wheel bearings ever having been serviced.

I have a PDF of the factory service manual for the 3rd gen 4Runners (specifically it says it’s for a 2002), and I have the Haynes manual.

I’ve attached some screenshots from the factory service manual.

Based on the troubleshooting page and what I’ve checked, it looks like it’s most likely “steering column (binding)” or “power steering gear.”

Within the steering column section, I read there’s a bushing and a bearing (screenshots attached). I’m not sure whether there’s anything else that could be binding in the steering column (I don’t know much about working on cars but I definitely want to learn).

Also not sure if it could be something inside the steering rack. Or another part entirely.

Any experience/advice on this will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!
Attached Images
stiff steering when turning right: help on diagnosis? (1999 4Runner)-4runnerfsmsteeringtroubleshooting-jpg  stiff steering when turning right: help on diagnosis? (1999 4Runner)-4runnerfsmsteeringbushing-jpg  stiff steering when turning right: help on diagnosis? (1999 4Runner)-4runnerfsmsteeringbearing-jpg 
KauriJ is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-24-2022, 09:48 PM #2
Bad Luck Bad Luck is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Hot Springs, AR
Posts: 4,410
Real Name: Patrick
Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute
Bad Luck Bad Luck is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Hot Springs, AR
Posts: 4,410
Real Name: Patrick
Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute
Disconnect the steering rag joint at the rack and separate it. Turn the wheel one rotation in each direction from center. Does it feel okay? If yes, then you have a problem in the rack. If no, then you have a problem in the steering column.

Make sure you remember where you started so you can reattach everything and not damage the clock spring next time you turn all the way to the steering stop.

Edit: This is assuming you are engine off during the diagnosis you listed above. You stated key on but didn’t say if the engine was on or off.
__________________
2000 SR5 V6 Manual 4WD https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...biography.html
2000 Limited V6 Auto E-Locker Sold 3/2022

Last edited by Bad Luck; 04-25-2022 at 12:58 AM.
Bad Luck is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-24-2022, 09:58 PM #3
calimobber's Avatar
calimobber calimobber is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Death Valley
Posts: 591
calimobber will become famous soon enough
calimobber calimobber is offline
Member
calimobber's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Death Valley
Posts: 591
calimobber will become famous soon enough
Have you checked the power steering fluid level? looked inside for bubbles? kinda sounds low fluid to me. Mine leaks and when it gets low it starts getting hard to turn the wheel. Others have had fluid level fine but hose was sucking in air and gave simular results.
__________________
My 2002 4runner Build : http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...r-project.html
calimobber is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-24-2022, 10:52 PM #4
Jakeepoo3's Avatar
Jakeepoo3 Jakeepoo3 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Fayetteville AR
Posts: 776
Jakeepoo3 has a spectacular aura about Jakeepoo3 has a spectacular aura about Jakeepoo3 has a spectacular aura about
Jakeepoo3 Jakeepoo3 is offline
Member
Jakeepoo3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Fayetteville AR
Posts: 776
Jakeepoo3 has a spectacular aura about Jakeepoo3 has a spectacular aura about Jakeepoo3 has a spectacular aura about
Quote:
Originally Posted by KauriJ View Post
Hi folks!

My 1999 4Runner (SR5 4WD) has had a puzzling steering issue I’ve been trying to diagnose. It has just over 288,000 miles.

A few months ago, the steering started to get a little stiffer, mainly noticeable at slower speeds (under 25mph), and it’s slowly gotten worse. Recently, it’s required considerable effort to turn to the right at slower speeds (under 25mph), and also after turning to the left the wheel requires a lot of effort to return to straight (i.e., it’s hard to turn the wheel to the right to return the direction of travel of the vehicle to straight).

I put it on jack-stands to try to do some diagnosis today, and here are my results.

- With key in “on” position and turning steering wheel:

- - Get same behavior as observed when driving. In particular, the steering wheel requires considerable effort to rotate to the right (both when starting from straight ahead position and when already turned to the left and trying to return to straight-ahead direction). Turning to the left requires much less effort (seems relatively “normal,” but not entirely sure).

- - When turning to the right, the effort is non-uniform, i.e. with some steering wheel angles it’s considerably harder and with other steering wheel angles it’s not as hard. Roughly, moving through the first 90 degrees from straight seems to be harder than moving through the 90-180 degree angles, but it was still hard. Then it got harder again, and I could not get it to turn past 270 degrees to the right.

- - The resistance feels “rubbery.” Not sure how else to describe it, other than it feels like something is binding. No metallic scraping sounds or anything like that.

- Checking other possibly related items:

- - No play when rocking the wheel in and out (I’ve read this should indicate the wheel bearings are okay)

- - Some play when rocking the wheel side to side (holding at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions) but no more than the steering wheel free-play so I believe this is normal (I’ve read this should indicate the tie rod ends are okay)

- - Tie rods have no movement when I yank on them (I’ve read this should indicate the tie rod ends are okay)

- - Identical faint clicking noise from wheel side of CV axle on both front wheels when rotate them (not sure whether this is normal)

- - When key is in the “on” position and turning steering wheel, I did not see any abnormal movement in the steering shaft, tie rods, or steering rack (though since I am a complete novice at this it’s entirely possible I could have missed something)

I have all the maintenance records (the 4Runner was bought new by my mom). In particular:

- The steering rack and power steering pump are original.

- Power steering belt was last replaced in July 2021. Power steering fluid was flushed in February 2022 and has been changed regularly.

- Outer tie rod ends were replaced in July 2020. Inner tie rod ends are original. I’m assuming the shop checked the alignment when they replaced the inner tie rod ends (but an alignment was not billed on the invoice so I’m not 100% sure—though all the work was done by a local reputable 4WD shop).

- CV axles are original, but one of the boots tore and was replaced many years ago.

- I have no record of the wheel bearings ever having been serviced.

I have a PDF of the factory service manual for the 3rd gen 4Runners (specifically it says it’s for a 2002), and I have the Haynes manual.

I’ve attached some screenshots from the factory service manual.

Based on the troubleshooting page and what I’ve checked, it looks like it’s most likely “steering column (binding)” or “power steering gear.”

Within the steering column section, I read there’s a bushing and a bearing (screenshots attached). I’m not sure whether there’s anything else that could be binding in the steering column (I don’t know much about working on cars but I definitely want to learn).

Also not sure if it could be something inside the steering rack. Or another part entirely.

Any experience/advice on this will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!
Sounds like a hydraulic pressure issue. The power steering ECU controls the power steering solenoid valve on the vane pump via steering angle sensor and wheel speed sensor. To supply the appropriate power steering fluid volume. No steer angle signal being recognized by the power steering ECU would cause steering resistance at all times even with the truck key in on position.
Jakeepoo3 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-25-2022, 12:56 AM #5
Bad Luck Bad Luck is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Hot Springs, AR
Posts: 4,410
Real Name: Patrick
Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute
Bad Luck Bad Luck is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Hot Springs, AR
Posts: 4,410
Real Name: Patrick
Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jakeepoo3 View Post
Sounds like a hydraulic pressure issue. The power steering ECU controls the power steering solenoid valve on the vane pump via steering angle sensor and wheel speed sensor. To supply the appropriate power steering fluid volume. No steer angle signal being recognized by the power steering ECU would cause steering resistance at all times even with the truck key in on position.
We don’t have any of those sensors or modules you just rattled off.

There’s really no nice way to say this so I’m just gonna say it. You should really stop giving “advice” in this section. I’m getting tired of correcting your misinformation.
__________________
2000 SR5 V6 Manual 4WD https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...biography.html
2000 Limited V6 Auto E-Locker Sold 3/2022
Bad Luck is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-25-2022, 01:05 AM #6
theesotericone's Avatar
theesotericone theesotericone is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Bishop, Ca
Posts: 2,332
theesotericone is just really nice theesotericone is just really nice theesotericone is just really nice theesotericone is just really nice
theesotericone theesotericone is offline
Senior Member
theesotericone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Bishop, Ca
Posts: 2,332
theesotericone is just really nice theesotericone is just really nice theesotericone is just really nice theesotericone is just really nice
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bad Luck View Post
We don’t have any of those sensors or modules you just rattled off.

There’s really no nice way to say this so I’m just gonna say it. You should really stop giving “advice” in this section. I’m getting tired of correcting your misinformation.
LMAO. Sometimes not saying things nicely needs to be done so I approve this message.
__________________
Quote:
Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. --Albert Einstein
theesotericone is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-25-2022, 01:34 AM #7
Jakeepoo3's Avatar
Jakeepoo3 Jakeepoo3 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Fayetteville AR
Posts: 776
Jakeepoo3 has a spectacular aura about Jakeepoo3 has a spectacular aura about Jakeepoo3 has a spectacular aura about
Jakeepoo3 Jakeepoo3 is offline
Member
Jakeepoo3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Fayetteville AR
Posts: 776
Jakeepoo3 has a spectacular aura about Jakeepoo3 has a spectacular aura about Jakeepoo3 has a spectacular aura about
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bad Luck View Post
We don’t have any of those sensors or modules you just rattled off.

There’s really no nice way to say this so I’m just gonna say it. You should really stop giving “advice” in this section. I’m getting tired of correcting your misinformation.
.

Oops I keep forgetting to look at the section. It's an accident. Thanks for the reminder.
Jakeepoo3 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-25-2022, 11:38 AM #8
Bad Luck Bad Luck is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Hot Springs, AR
Posts: 4,410
Real Name: Patrick
Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute
Bad Luck Bad Luck is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Hot Springs, AR
Posts: 4,410
Real Name: Patrick
Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute Bad Luck has a reputation beyond repute
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jakeepoo3 View Post
.

Oops I keep forgetting to look at the section. It's an accident. Thanks for the reminder.
Vehicle year was in the title and the 2nd sentence. I don't pretend to know anything about the other generations of 4Runners on this forum so I only browse in the 3rd Gen section. You might consider staying in the 5th gen section to keep from spreading misinformation.
__________________
2000 SR5 V6 Manual 4WD https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...biography.html
2000 Limited V6 Auto E-Locker Sold 3/2022
Bad Luck is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-25-2022, 01:50 PM #9
DenverAirport's Avatar
DenverAirport DenverAirport is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Santa Cruz Mountains
Posts: 125
DenverAirport will become famous soon enough
DenverAirport DenverAirport is offline
Member
DenverAirport's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Santa Cruz Mountains
Posts: 125
DenverAirport will become famous soon enough
I've had a the same issue and I found that when I drained, filled, and cleaned the power steering fluid reservoir it helped. That said, my issue has come back so I'm going to replace the pump itself. There's a chance it means bad rack but my pump has been whining so if replacing the pump fixes the issue I'll likely know that was the problem. If not...I may be getting a new steering rack.

It's a really weird sensation when this happens. It's like the wheel is bouncing back and stopping me from turning, definitely understood when you described the "rubbery" feeling of it. Getting out of parking spots is always the worst for me.
__________________
99' SR5 "Highlander Edition" - 301k - 4WD, Factory rear locker, 2.5" Dobinsons IMS lift, SPC UCAs, CJV 9168 TR axles, 199mm TBU, Tom Wood's driveshaft, eimkeith PCK, Aluminum Koyorad, Ultragauge

97' Limited - 250k - Stolen & Found (and Sold) - 4WD, 3" Billstein 5100 lift with OME 881, 890 springs, Diff drop, Camburg UCA's, 231mm TBU, Tom Wood's driveshaft, eimkeith PCK, Champion radiator, Ultraguage
DenverAirport is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-25-2022, 05:27 PM #10
phattyduck phattyduck is offline
Elite Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Pasadena, CA
Posts: 5,380
phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute
phattyduck phattyduck is offline
Elite Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Pasadena, CA
Posts: 5,380
phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute phattyduck has a reputation beyond repute
Step 1 - make sure the lower ball joints are fine. (jack up front end, turn steering wheel with key on, engine off). Replace them with OEM, even if they are fine if they haven't been done in the last 100k miles.
Step 2 - fix the power steering system...

-Charlie
__________________
'99 4Runner SR5 Auto - 4WD swapped
'89 Camry Alltrac LE 3S-GTE 5spd
'17 Chevy Volt Premier
'16 Honda Odyssey Elite
Previous: '88 Camry Alltrac LE 3S-GE BEAMS, 90 Camry 3S-GTE, 90 Camry DX, '03 WRX wagon, '08 Outback XT
phattyduck is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-25-2022, 08:55 PM #11
Jakeepoo3's Avatar
Jakeepoo3 Jakeepoo3 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Fayetteville AR
Posts: 776
Jakeepoo3 has a spectacular aura about Jakeepoo3 has a spectacular aura about Jakeepoo3 has a spectacular aura about
Jakeepoo3 Jakeepoo3 is offline
Member
Jakeepoo3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Fayetteville AR
Posts: 776
Jakeepoo3 has a spectacular aura about Jakeepoo3 has a spectacular aura about Jakeepoo3 has a spectacular aura about
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bad Luck View Post
Vehicle year was in the title and the 2nd sentence. I don't pretend to know anything about the other generations of 4Runners on this forum so I only browse in the 3rd Gen section. You might consider staying in the 5th gen section to keep from spreading misinformation.
Misplaced information. Thanks for the suggestion you're very kind.
Jakeepoo3 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-25-2022, 10:43 PM #12
gamefreakgc's Avatar
gamefreakgc gamefreakgc is offline
Elite Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Citrus Heights, California
Age: 36
Posts: 7,330
Real Name: Jerod
gamefreakgc has a brilliant future gamefreakgc has a brilliant future gamefreakgc has a brilliant future gamefreakgc has a brilliant future gamefreakgc has a brilliant future gamefreakgc has a brilliant future gamefreakgc has a brilliant future gamefreakgc has a brilliant future gamefreakgc has a brilliant future gamefreakgc has a brilliant future gamefreakgc has a brilliant future
gamefreakgc gamefreakgc is offline
Elite Member
gamefreakgc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Citrus Heights, California
Age: 36
Posts: 7,330
Real Name: Jerod
gamefreakgc has a brilliant future gamefreakgc has a brilliant future gamefreakgc has a brilliant future gamefreakgc has a brilliant future gamefreakgc has a brilliant future gamefreakgc has a brilliant future gamefreakgc has a brilliant future gamefreakgc has a brilliant future gamefreakgc has a brilliant future gamefreakgc has a brilliant future gamefreakgc has a brilliant future
Like others said, it sounds like a pump problem. Start with the easiest and cheapest items and go from there. The easiest (and free) is to clean out the pump screen. I'd bet this is your problem. Timmy graciously made a video on this one.





Next in line would be to check your steering linkage, including the lower ball joints. Jack up the front wheels and wiggle it side to side and up and down. It'll move a bit with resistance, that's just the steering linkage moving as if it were turning. What you are looking is for play by quickly wiggling it, you may even hear a clicking noise as the ball joint clicks in the socket. If you hear that, it's overhaul time.

Lastly it could be the rack failing. This is the last resort as a new rack is over $600. You don't want to do that unless you have to.
__________________
'98 4Runner SR5 - 4x4 JDM 5VZ-FE Supercharged - 249K miles.
326WHP 347TQ

AEM F/IC 6, 11 PSI, 3" Intake and 3" Exhaust
Jerod's Supercharged T[u]RD Build
gamefreakgc is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-25-2022, 11:14 PM #13
3bears 3bears is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: north east of Fairbank out there in the frontiers Alaska
Posts: 3,156
Real Name: 3 Bears
3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold
3bears 3bears is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: north east of Fairbank out there in the frontiers Alaska
Posts: 3,156
Real Name: 3 Bears
3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold
I agree with what timmy says ^^^^^
just gonna throw this out.....you are running atf and not power steering fluid correct. These systems dont use power steering fluid....says it in the manuals and on the cap for the pump. It uses the same atf you should be using in your auto tranny.
from what I have read, using power steering fluid in these just eats up seals. At least thats what I have read.
__________________
2000 SR-5 Highlander version 4:30's, factory locker , green, bought 6/21
2001 SR-5... bought 11/20..sold 6/21....
2000 SR-5 moded, lifted, e locker, other cool stuff, totaled 10/20
3bears is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-26-2022, 10:25 AM #14
Malcolm99's Avatar
Malcolm99 Malcolm99 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Ontario
Posts: 424
Malcolm99 has a spectacular aura about Malcolm99 has a spectacular aura about
Malcolm99 Malcolm99 is offline
Member
Malcolm99's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Ontario
Posts: 424
Malcolm99 has a spectacular aura about Malcolm99 has a spectacular aura about
How rusty is this vehicle?, because another possibility is the body mount or floor pan giving out on the driver-side, this causes the steering shaft to bind up. lets hope I'm wrong, I've seen this happen on our rigs before.
__________________
99' Ltd E-locker grey wired, 4R Bilstein 5100, 99 tall coils, 906 OME & 1.5" spacers, 2015 4R Trail Edition 275/70R17, 1" RB BL
97' SR5 E-locker grey wired, Warn winch, 2" RB BL, Sonoran Steel 1.2 lift, dual battery, 1000W inverter, Hydraulic Arctic plow, 12" x 33" Baja Claw
92' Eclipse GSX AWD 6/4 bolt combo, 28 PSI boost, Meth injection, 750cc injectors, FMIC, 2.5" IC piping, full 3" exhaust, 350AWHP, lowered, Alum flywheel, 6 puck Clutch, Cams, JDM gear set,VC rear diff, EPROM ECU
Malcolm99 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-26-2022, 12:13 PM #15
KauriJ KauriJ is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Northern California
Posts: 20
KauriJ is on a distinguished road
KauriJ KauriJ is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Northern California
Posts: 20
KauriJ is on a distinguished road
Wow, thank you everyone for all the info and advice!!

The engine was off during the test, I should have written “key on engine off”. (Sorry for not saying this in my original post!)

@Bad Luck That’s a great idea, I will try that. I have heard of some folks having issues with those bolts and getting things lined back up when disconnecting the rag joint (e.g. when doing a body lift) so I’ll need to have a plan in case something doesn’t quite work right. Fortunately I have a second vehicle as backup.

@calimobber Yes the power steering fluid level is fine, I’ve been monitoring it, and it’s still clean. I haven’t seen any bubbles any of the times I’ve checked it.

@DenverAirport Mine had a whining noise last summer and the steering felt a little unresponsive/loose last fall, so I’d thought it was the pump, but now with the “key on engine off” test and it’s still stiff it seems like it can’t be the pump. It does still whine a little on startup, though it could be something else that’s making the noise too, unrelated to steering. Hope you can figure out what’s going on with your 4Runner!

@phattyduck LBJ’s were replaced in July 2020 by a local well-known 4WD shop. They used Centric parts not OEM, hopefully that’ll be okay since most folks have said OEM is better.

@gamefreakgc I’d initially thought it’s the pump but given that the steering is still really hard with the front end jacked up and “key on engine off” (sorry I wasn’t clear about this earlier!) then if I’m understanding correctly the pump isn’t running so it’s probably something else?

And thank you for the info on how to test the LBJ’s! No play at all top-to-bottom, and side-to-side fast or slow there was no play or clicking beyond the (normal?) play in the steering wheel.

It is unfortunately looking like it could be the rack, not what I want to hear but this 4Runner is like family so it gets what it needs.

@3bears I’ll double-check maintenance records but I’m pretty sure the two shops that have been doing the power steering fluid flushes would use the correct fluid (my error for saying power steering fluid above). Thank you for the info! And mine is a manual transmission

@Malcolm99 Almost no rust, thankfully. My 4Runner has always lived in the SF Bay Area of California. I don’t think a body mount bushing is failing but good to know that can cause a steering shaft to bind up. The engine doesn’t move at all when it starts. But I’ll take a look at them just in case.

Last edited by KauriJ; 04-26-2022 at 12:16 PM. Reason: tagging members
KauriJ is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Reply

Tags
it’s , i’ve , steering , tie , wheel

Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
2005 4Runner Stiff Steering Caffeine27 4th Gen T4Rs 20 06-25-2022 03:21 PM
Front end slips when turning after lift 1999 4Runner CharliePR74 3rd gen T4Rs 8 09-17-2015 05:38 PM
2004 4runner steering clunking sound when turning chadoll 4th Gen T4Rs 12 01-24-2015 05:09 PM
Replace u-joint on steering linkage to fix stiff steering? sibanez 4th Gen T4Rs 2 09-30-2014 08:28 AM
Let's Do A Steering Diagnosis. tbst 3rd gen T4Rs 12 01-14-2012 08:18 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.2

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:04 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Search Engine Optimisation provided by DragonByte SEO (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
Feedback Buttons provided by Advanced Post Thanks / Like (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
User Alert System provided by Advanced User Tagging (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
***This site is an unofficial Toyota site, and is not officially endorsed, supported, authorized by or affiliated with Toyota. All company, product, or service names references in this web site are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. The Toyota name, marks, designs and logos, as well as Toyota model names, are registered trademarks of Toyota Motor Corporation***Ad Management plugin by RedTyger
 
Copyright © 2020