5th Gen Steering

[Mowgli]

Just as a follow up, after reading this thread and posting my last message, I went over to the dealer and stated my complaint. They had the vehicle for 2 hours and found nothing wrong. They made no adjustments as a result. They tried to find another vehicle on the lot so Icould drive it and make a comparison but they only had a Limited with Bridgestone tires and a SR5 with another type of tire. They wanted too get the same vehicle with the same trim setup but didnt have one. I met with the head of the service department and the master tech. He did mention that the tires could make a difference so thats why they didnt have me drive one of the other vehicles. So I must mention that I have the standard Dunlops that came with the 4R. I always drove on BF GoodRich Trail TA's from my Camaros in the 90s all the way to my other 2006 T4R. I wonder if the tires, as well as tire pressure is causing my problem. They made note of the issue and would try to have a similar 4R on site when I have my first service. So with all that said, anyone have any advice? Anything to add? Greatly appreciated.

Did they do a alignment and give you the print out?

 

[mrevilandy]

Toyota trucks are very sensitive when it comes to steering and anything will affect it. High caster is the only way to fix it if you can't get used to it. I have 4 caster n it's drives straight as a tank but the littlest breeze will make me hold the steering wheel with two hands just the nature of the beast

 

[03_4x4Runner]

When my 2014 was new it needed to many steering corrections on the highway. The dealer checked the front alignment for free. The toe was off slightly and they set it to spec. This corrected the problem.

 

[NYT4R]

Thanks for the reply. No, they did not do an alignment. They didnt change a thing. They said everything is in spec and found no issues. I beg to differ since the steering is tight. I test drove a Ford Explorer and was able to turn left or right within any block in a neighborhood with 1 finger or my palm. I was able to do the same with my GF's Jeep as well. One thing I did notice was that after I make a 90 degree turn, the steering does not automatically return to center/drive straight. I have to bring the vehicle back about 15 degrees manually. THats a pretty good indication that something is not quite set right. As far as it driving, it drives dead straight. It tracks like its on rails.

 

[C-130driver]

Twitchy steering too

Hi all,
I'm new to the forum and new to the 2016 4 Runner SR5. I got it last Nov, have 4K miles on it so far. It is completely stock except for running boards to make it easier for the wife to get in.
Previously I had a 2002 Explorer. It was a good vehicle, but high mileage dictated it had to go. Before that I had a 1982 FJ60, which I loved except that it was so underpowered for driving in Colorado.
As for the 4Runner, overall I am satisfied with it. My biggest squawk is the steering. It was very sensitive, almost unstable, especially at highway speeds in crosswinds. When making slow speed sharp turns the steering wheel is slow to return to center. Nothing like the Explorer.
I checked the tire pressure and found it at 42 psi. The dealer said tire press wouldn't affect it, but reducing it to 38 (still 2 psi above recommended) seemed to help. I have not had it back to the dealer for its 5K mile checkup yet, but I plan to have the alignment checked and the caster increased at that time.
I don't mind a little increased steering effort. My summer car is a 1972 Datsun, no not a Nissan, 240Z with manual (armstrong) steering.

 

[1engineer]

Hi all,
I'm new to the forum and new to the 2016 4 Runner SR5. I got it last Nov, have 4K miles on it so far. It is completely stock except for running boards to make it easier for the wife to get in.
Previously I had a 2002 Explorer. It was a good vehicle, but high mileage dictated it had to go. Before that I had a 1982 FJ60, which I loved except that it was so underpowered for driving in Colorado.
As for the 4Runner, overall I am satisfied with it. My biggest squawk is the steering. It was very sensitive, almost unstable, especially at highway speeds in crosswinds. When making slow speed sharp turns the steering wheel is slow to return to center. Nothing like the Explorer.
I checked the tire pressure and found it at 42 psi. The dealer said tire press wouldn't affect it, but reducing it to 38 (still 2 psi above recommended) seemed to help. I have not had it back to the dealer for its 5K mile checkup yet, but I plan to have the alignment checked and the caster increased at that time.
I don't mind a little increased steering effort. My summer car is a 1972 Datsun, no not a Nissan, 240Z with manual (armstrong) steering.

Increased caster is your only option man. Get as close to +4 as possible. Also 35 psi is just fine.

 

[gerhardh]

I hate the stiff steering on my new 2017 Limited 4WD 4Runner. I traded in my 2011 Limited 4WD and never noticed and stiff steering. The dealer adjusted the alignment, no difference. I left the 4Runner at the dealer to have it check. They "could not duplicate" my steering concern. I started an investigation with Toyota Customer Service. I test drove my wife's Mercedes 2016 SUV, it steers so much easier. I am considering buying a different SUV if the stiff electronic steering is normal. Please let me know if you have any input.
Thanks, Gerhard