2000 4runner steering

[NC4RUNNER17]

My 4runner steering has gotten real sloppy on interstate. It wanders all over the lane and I feel like I'm constantly correcting it. It also feels like it's going to the left and then the right at certain times. Also today it felt like when I changed to the right lane it kept wanting to go right and I had to fight it back straight. I just had it lifted with and alignment and tires balanced also had to have the tie rods replaced along with sway bar. end links. I would like to get it fixed because I am trying to sell it

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

My 4runner steering has gotten real sloppy on interstate. It wanders all over the lane and I feel like I'm constantly correcting it. It also feels like it's going to the left and then the right at certain times. Also today it felt like when I changed to the right lane it kept wanting to go right and I had to fight it back straight. I just had it lifted with and alignment and tires balanced also had to have the tie rods replaced along with sway bar. end links. I would like to get it fixed because I am trying to sell it

How high is the lift? Sounds like the caster didn't get adjusted correctly. Probably just set the toe and let it go. If you have an alignment printout take a pic and upload it.

 

[NC4RUNNER17]

It's 3in lift. Having it checked out today. It has 180k miles and I don't think the lbj have been changed so I'm wondering if that could be a culprit.

 

[snow junky]

check your lbj %10 chance thats it...

 

[NasaE30]

Steering rack guide update.. Cost me 63$ Takes 15 min or so to do. HUGE difference. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/70884-how-replace-steering-rack-guide-pictures.html

Trust me on this. I thought I needed a new rack.. This fixed it.

 

[Kanger328]

Also, steering rack bushings. I had the same symptoms (maybe not fighting the wheel, but vehicle wandering) and this fixed it.

 

[JayRolla]

Multiple things cause loose steering.

1st make sure your rack bushings are good, if they are loose and rack moves around replace them.

2nd lift vehicle up and see if any of the front tires have play. If they have play independent from each other most likey you have bad inner tie rod ends, outers which you replace and or upper and lower ball joints.

3rd it could be the rack and needs updated like stated above or replaced.

4th it could be bad wheel bearings but that dont give as much play as all the other parts listed.

5th you coudl have a bad steering shaft and there are ways to reweld it to fix the issue.

I had lose steering for a long time. Ended up being everything but welding the steering shaft through the column. To finally get solid steering I replaced the rack, inner and outer tie rods ends, lower and upper ball joints. I still have a very little play in the left wheel bearing.

Just so you know if you replace stuff try to use OEM toyota. I have tore through inner tie rod ends on every aftermarket inner tie rod end ive replaced. I have tried three and OEM is only one that has held up after offroading.

 

[So Many Roads]

Another easy thing to check - over inflated tires can cause wondering on the highway. One time an alignment shop inflated my tires to 45 psi. I immediately knew something was wrong. took some time to figure out it was just the tire pressure. a cheap fix though...

 

[SCRunner12]

Before you start replacing a ton of parts, please note that lifting will cause irregular steering characteristics. On the freeway your vehicle will be more prone to wander and feel loose. This is due to the low caster numbers as a result of your lift. To solve this aftermarket UCA's are going to be needed.

I would replace some of the items the other guys are talking about as well if you haven't already. Rack bushings and steering rack guide are easy enough and cheap, so start there. LBJ's should be replaced regardless of apparent wear as they can fail anytime. I really think though it's just the result of your caster being off and older steering parts adjusting to the new ride height.