4th Gen Steering Question

[LP_4Runner]

Here's an odd question...or perhaps not. How do all of you rate the "feel" to your steering? Heavy? Light? Somewhere in-between?

The reason I ask is that this is the first runner I've owned (2007 V8 4WD) and my steering concerns me a bit (of course...it doesn't concern the dealership...they generally won't look at anything unless its falling off the vehicle, etc).

Here's what's up: Sometimes it feels pretty light or at least has a nice feel to it. Other times it seems to randomly feel heavier. I'm not referring to a complete loss of power steering. More like, about 20-30% more effort is required to turn the wheel. Doesn't matter what the engine RPM is. It will stay in either "mode" for hours or days at a time, then suddenly its back the other way.

Yes, I examined the loose screw between the steering wheel and the seat.

My other half commented about it as well. She said its kind of like the difference between being able to easily turn the wheel while parking with one hand and having to use both hands; though you CAN use one hand, its not as comfortable. It just feels heavier or "tighter."

So...it goes back and forth. Not enough for the dealership to be able to "feel" it so to speak. But I can especially notice it when driving any length of time when its in its "tighter" or "heavier" mode. Its just a bit more tiring when doing a lot of steering corrections. Then, the next day or week its totally fine. The following day or week back to tighter. Etc...etc...etc.

Anyone EVER notice something like this? EVER? EVER EVER? Do I need a CAT scan? MRI? Open brain surgery?

Any info would be greatly appreciated as its driving me kind of nuts.

 

[specialist]

I have felt a similar sensation. Not 20-30% difference but I do notice that sometimes the steering is heavier. I guess I just always thought it was me so I never really looked for a pattern to it but maybe now I will.

 

[Even Steven]

My steering feels the same all the time....no differences at all.

However, I understand that many vehicles have a speed sensitive power assist for the steering. The amount of assist will be greater at lower speeds to make turning the steering wheel easier. At higher speeds the amount of assist is lower to give the vehicle a more stable feel. I'm not sure if the 4Runner has that feature though.

 

[toto]

I've noticed a big difference due to the amount of air in the front tires. It's "lighter" when there is more air pressure, and that's one reason I like to keep it a little above the recommended PSI all the time. If air pressure is the culprit, the feel is pretty consistent for the duration of the trip.

It's very slight, but I have also noticed a difference that I believe is at least in part due to the road surface. That one is harder to explain, but I do notice the steering get "heavier" at times. I'd agree with specialist that it's not 20-30% different, but something happens. I'd explain it as the wheels having a greater desire to track straight ahead, which is what makes me think it could be caused by slight wheel ruts or other imperfections in the road surface.

 

[LP_4Runner]

Oh I notice the "tracking" thing or road surface difference. That seems to be a different thing.

This issue is...well, really odd. When its "heavier" it is about 20-30% (I'm guessing here, and its a ballpark figure) and will do it for an entire day or a few days. Then, it goes back to being "lighter", sometimes for a day or more at a time. Its not momentary, and you can feel the difference whether you're driving it or sitting idle and turning the wheel. It doesn't seem to have any rhyme or reason to it at all (except that its a tad bit annoying when it is being that way).