Another question

stlfan

stlfan

Member
The front end of my 4Runner seems like it's floating at highway speed. The steering seems to have alot of play. It doesn't feel stable. Is this normal or does something need to replaced or added? It's not lifted.

:driving:
 
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Steering rack bushings worn? Inner and/or outer tie rods? Ball joints? Bad alignment? Wheel bearings? Rims threw a weight? Not the kind of thing we can diagnose so easily without inspecting it. Have someone turn your steering wheel back and forth a few inches each way and get under there and see if the rack has play in it (it should not move at all if the bushings are still good). Jack the tires up and see if they wobble when you grab them.
 
stlfan said:
The front end of my 4Runner seems like it's floating at highway speed. The steering seems to have alot of play. It doesn't feel stable. Is this normal or does something need to replaced or added? It's not lifted.

:driving:
Click to expand...

Definitely not normal. Brian mentioned most of the things you should look into. Also check your lug nuts and don't wait to fix this.
It could be a hazard which could turn for worse in the most inconvenient time and place.
 
Theres atleast 2 different things going on here with the description you gave, and i think at this point you should have figured out that you should probably have a reputable shop diagnose your issues as it will give you an answer you question, and give a solution for them.
 
It's a long shot, but are your tires over inflated? Stick with the placard/OM recommended tire pressures +/- 4 PSI.
 
I had this problem a while back, took it to the shop, and once they got it up on the lift, you could wobble both front wheels side to side about an inch or so. Could see the the play in the rack as you wobbled the wheels. Ended up having the rack replaced, and I think the inner tie-rods as well. Definitely get it checked out soon though, as you don't want any part of your steering mechanism failing while you're driving down the highway. Especially if it's a ball joint... 4Runner Down
 
Sounds like everyone hit the possibilities...

I'd spend the $100.00 to have it diagnosed by a reputable shop.

In order of cost to repair...

Rack Busing Kit (not including labor)

Alignment/Balance

Bearings

Steering Rack.

Good luck...
 
check out ebay for a repair manual. i got a complete service manual for 5 bucks. then you can see and possibly diagnose some of your problems
 
assman said:
ok now how do i get my 5 bucks back!
Click to expand...


meh you just got a copy to keep in your garage and get all dirty without having to print something out and go to the computer everytime you want to check something out, i got the chiltons and the fsm, i keep the chiltons in the garage and print out the sections of the fsm i need when i start working on something that way if you come across something unexpected, like say if you were replacing shocks and noticed a bad ball joint or something you can check the chltons without having to go back inside covered in grease and crap.
 
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