Big time bump steer while "off road"

[Qyota]

OK, so I know the steering on these trucks is just pretty much whack. Lots of issues from worn rack bushings, to LBJs, etc.

I rarely take mine off road, but I did this weekend, just down an old logging road that was fairly bumpy. I was going slow, and had it in 4WD most of the time (multi-mode stick pulled back).

Going slowly over bumps, the steering would move a LOT. Like, several inches one way or the other. It was very annoying, and it felt like I had little steering control, even at sub-5mph speed.

Stats:
- '99 Limited 4WD, stock wheels, no spacers
- NEW Bilstein 5100's on first perch w/ Tundra TRD coils. 906s w/5100's in the rear.
- NEW OEM steering rack, with OEM and ES poly bushings, all tight.
- NEW OEM OTREs
- NEW OEM LBJs
- Alignment done in the last 2 months, drives straight and no issues with tire wear.
- As far as I know, stock wheel bearings and UBJs.
- 170K miles

So, what's up with the horrible bump steer? Is everyone's like this? Should I just live with it? I didn't hear or feel any knocking, just the wheel turning by itself way more than I expected it to.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[blizz86]

how much is A LOT?

My 3rd gen isnt 4wd, but in my 5th gen even across a fairly level surface 4-lo transfers the smallest unlevels surface movement all the way to the wheel..
I think its just the amount of torque at the wheels being transferred all the way through

 

[shadow247]

Lifting a truck will increase bump steer. If everything is new and tight then I'd say it is normal. The ideal angle for the tie rods is as close to flat as possible, increasing the angle increases bump steer. I have taken my Runner to the beach a few times since lifting it and didn't really notice any increase in bump steer if that makes any difference. Without having another truck to compare the ride it's going to be hard to say if it's normal for your setup or not.

 

[Qyota]

how much is A LOT?

My 3rd gen isnt 4wd, but in my 5th gen even across a fairly level surface 4-lo transfers the smallest unlevels surface movement all the way to the wheel..
I think its just the amount of torque at the wheels being transferred all the way through

Several inches at it's worst. Enough so you'd say "WTF?".

It did seem a little better when I took it out of 4WD.

So, this truck has about 1" of lift over stock. How do you guys with 3+ inches of front lift control the bump steer?

 

[yukonrider]

Mine tends to do the same thing, I usually just hold on to the wheel.



Does the cars path change? Is this a high speed issue When I go slow over a big bump, the entire wheel will spin to one side, it just does this and I have seen no reason to correct it, it doesn't worry me at slow speeds.

 

[KidVermicious]

When I'm in lowspeed rough terrain, I generally let the wheel go where it wants to unless it gets bad enough that I have to pick a line, but that's not really bump steer.

Being in 4wd will present a different feel to the steering wheel, especially on broken ground where one tire will sometimes grab better than the other. If you're not used to being on dirt, that could be all you're experiencing.

 

[JWaldz]

When I'm in lowspeed rough terrain, I generally let the wheel go where it wants to unless it gets bad enough that I have to pick a line, but that's not really bump steer.

Being in 4wd will present a different feel to the steering wheel, especially on broken ground where one tire will sometimes grab better than the other. If you're not used to being on dirt, that could be all you're experiencing.

^^ THIS


I think it's just something you're not use to.. Not necessarily bump steer. Depending on the terrain, sometimes the steering wheel will take over and other than keeping your path, try not to fight it. Now if you are driving in 2wd, on a normal paved road, and it does the same thing then yes that is clearly bump steer.

 

[cordrayj1]

i just blew my rack due to wheeling w the big boys w solid axles last weekend. i have found a solid axle off of a 1997 LX450, and will be hopefully installing that soon.

these racks truly suck ass

 

[cordrayj1]

ps- i watched bill burkes offroad videos, and he says that with IFS like we have, you should hold on to the wheel and not let it go where it wants. you have to tell the IFS where you want it to go. front tire placement is key since they do not travel much.

just what i saw/read

 

[nevada]

i would say its normal.

 

[JWaldz]

ps- i watched bill burkes offroad videos, and he says that with IFS like we have, you should hold on to the wheel and not let it go where it wants. you have to tell the IFS where you want it to go. front tire placement is key since they do not travel much.

just what i saw/read

yes and no.. You are right but It honestly depends on the type of terrain. Different terrain calls for different technique. In most occasions you will have the bump steer feel in 4wd, it's completely normal.

 

[Qyota]

Interesting. Thanks for all the input, guys.

 

[ironhippy]

it's why they say hold the wheel with your thumb on the outside, so if the steering wheel jerks (which will happen and is normal as noted in this thread) you don't end up breaking your thumbs.

 

[cordrayj1]

exactly ^^^