Common Steering Problem?

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Rollinthundr

New member
I have a 2003 Sport, and several weeks ago, the steering got hard in spots, so I thought the pump was going. Had it replaced. Not fixed.

Took it back, my mechanic lubricated the Steering shaft, and that worked for 3-4 weeks, until it came back even worse.

They ordered a new steering assembly from California (noone else seemed to have the part), put it in, and it seems to have fixed the problem.

I would not be skeptical if it were not for another guy I work with, same model, having the same problem.

I found this: The Investigation of the Toyota Steering Rod Recall ? Defective Truck Part

Older models, but perhaps they did not fix it in mine?

Should I be paying for this? Anyone else with the same issue?
 
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My steering has definitely gotten harder, most noticable at slow speeds. My mechanic (not Toyota) could not find any issues and the fluid has been replaced (did not change). I wonder if I have the same issue. Do you know what the specific issue was? U-joint or slip-yoke in the steering shaft? I honestly haven't even looked at it. What was the cost of the repair (broken down by parts and labor)?

Thanks
 
4th gens dont have the relay rod. The problem is burrs and wear on the gears inside the ps rack. New fluid and a new pump wont fix it. Thats why dealers recommend the fluid changes as preventative maintenance. The problem cant be prevented after its already there.
 
So it sounds like a poorly designed part?

I mean of all things, steering should be fail safe right? I have never had a car with steering issues...

Is it worth going back to Toyota?
 
Acidmeld said:
4th gens dont have the relay rod. The problem is burrs and wear on the gears inside the ps rack. New fluid and a new pump wont fix it. Thats why dealers recommend the fluid changes as preventative maintenance. The problem cant be prevented after its already there.
Click to expand...

It wasn't the 1st time the PS fluid was changed. I keep on the maintenance pretty well. It does have over 180k miles on it though.
 
Steering problem fix

The problem is the U-joint at the lower end of the steering shaft (see post below for more details). Part cost is around $180 online from Toyota Parts East.

Many people make the mistake of thinking it is the pump or the rack, when it is just a simple U-joint going bad.

This is an increasingly common problem found in many other makes/models of vehicles.

Lubing it with penetrating oil will buy you some time until you can get a new one installed.

Hopefully this helps anyone searching this thread.


2005 T4R SR5 V6 Natural White 170k miles
2008 Scion xB Super White 80k miles
 
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Rollinthundr said:
I have a 2003 Sport, and several weeks ago, the steering got hard in spots, so I thought the pump was going. Had it replaced. Not fixed.

Took it back, my mechanic lubricated the Steering shaft, and that worked for 3-4 weeks, until it came back even worse.

They ordered a new steering assembly from California (noone else seemed to have the part), put it in, and it seems to have fixed the problem.

I would not be skeptical if it were not for another guy I work with, same model, having the same problem.

I found this: The Investigation of the Toyota Steering Rod Recall ? Defective Truck Part

Older models, but perhaps they did not fix it in mine?

Should I be paying for this? Anyone else with the same issue?
Click to expand...

How many miles do you have on the 4runner?
 
this u-joint is part of the steering column (inside the cabin) or part of the steering shaft (engine bay)? just wanted to verify. thanks
 
u-joint

The U-joint is located @ the base of the steering shaft. It is part #45203 in the diagram here:

(0208- )

Cost with shipping is about $180. You can also get the 3 new bolts for $1.30 apiece.

Toyota part #45203-35310 if you call a dealership I believe.
 
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I'm about to tackle this soon. Has anyone actually swap out themselves? If so, did you work strictly from the top or thru wheel well? Was is a straight swap with 3 bolts, or did you have to remove the entire steering wheel too? How many hours?

Thanks all
 
Replacement

Replacing the u-joint is accomplished by removing the 3 bolts, and sliding up the top yoke to remove it. The problem my mechanic ran into was corrosion at the lower end, making it impossible to remove, particularly because of the tight working space and fear of damaging the rack.

He loosened the lower bolt, lubed the spline area with penetrating oil, and replaced the part a week later once the oil had a good time to work in.

Lubricating the u-joint with penetrating oil buys a decent amount of time as well while waiting for the replacement part to show up.
 
lifesaver71 said:
Replacing the u-joint is accomplished by removing the 3 bolts, and sliding up the top yoke to remove it. The problem my mechanic ran into was corrosion at the lower end, making it impossible to remove, particularly because of the tight working space and fear of damaging the rack.

He loosened the lower bolt, lubed the spline area with penetrating oil, and replaced the part a week later once the oil had a good time to work in.

Lubricating the u-joint with penetrating oil buys a decent amount of time as well while waiting for the replacement part to show up.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I got a pretty good look at it today. Glad I don't have to take out the entire assembly.
 
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