drivetrain binding turning sharp turns?

[Avet14]

k, my 07 V6 has been doing this off and on since the day we got it and I wanted to check here before I bring it to the dealer.

During sharp left U- turns with the wheel cut in all the way there's a very noticable bumping in the steering wheel much like if you had too large/wide wheels, however I'm all stock.

It's not in 4H so its not an issue of locking the diff, it comes directly from the front axle it seems like. Any ideas?

 

[ssnider]

The same thing happens on my 06 V8 when I make sharp right turns and my previous 4runner (1993) did it as well.

It only happens when I crank the wheel all the way so I just don

 

[Black Majik]

I get the same making U-turns. It's a thump coming from the right front.

I'd like to know too.

 

[Avet14]

The more and more I drive this car the more and more I feel like I should have just bought a used landcruiser instead.

We used to own a 99 landcruiser that had been involved in a rollover, and that thing was still more solid than the T4R and had none of the quirks. Whether it's the roof rack, the impossible to diagnose dashboard rattles, or the rear-seat lock striker, Toyota has failed with quality control on the T4R.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Try greasing the bump stops for the steering. Cut the wheel full left or full right, shut the car off and look at the steering linkage on the wheel that's turned out. You can see where the steerin linkage will contact it's stop. Put a dab of grease there and see if that's it. The other thing is the tires need to be able to skid a bit in a tight u-turn. Make sure they're up to recommended pressure. Good luck!
:cheers:

 

[boston_kevin]

The more and more I drive this car the more and more I feel like I should have just bought a used landcruiser instead.

We used to own a 99 landcruiser that had been involved in a rollover, and that thing was still more solid than the T4R and had none of the quirks. Whether it's the roof rack, the impossible to diagnose dashboard rattles, or the rear-seat lock striker, Toyota has failed with quality control on the T4R.

Sorry you feel this way. As far as quality is concerned, Toyota has slipped a bit since the late 90's (all manufacturer's have simply due to the number of vehicles they have to turn out each year). The current pricing on the Landcruiser puts you into at least 2 fully loaded 4Runners, so they don't turn out the same quantity which may impede the quality. Just ask BMW... Their quality on the 5 series dropped as the demand went up, however the 7 and 8 series still maintained top quality due to the smaller production volume.

The "binding" is more likely a little rubbing as CJ3Flyr mentioned. It's not uncommon when turning at a full lock on the wheel. A little grease on the bump stop and it goes away.

 

[Uneek]

You might be able to get a good deal on a used Land Cruiser right now given the current cost of gas. However, if you're trading in your 4Runner the deal might not be so good anymore since the values of SUVs has come down a lot.

Certainly Toyota has slipped, but they're still better than competition.

 

[pipspeak]

I get a bit of front binding in 4H (pretty normal IMO) but none in 2wd. I did used to get a weird groaning sounds when on full lock, especially when goign over a bump, but that was the steering stops and greasing them made it go away.

All the talk of landcruiser vs. 4runner is a bit odd. The LC is a different class of vehicle and for the money of course you're gonna get better quality. What's the point of comparing apples and oranges?

IMO the 4runner is still a pretty good balance of price/features/quality (except perhaps the limited). The LC is built like a tank, costs an arm and a leg by comparison and gets horrific gas mileage.