Help!!! 2005 4Runner drives like I am drunk!

[Carsonsmom]

I really need some advice. I have had my 2005 4Runner SR5 since it was new and I love it! Have 146,000 miles on it. Have always kept really good Michellin tires on it, etc. For over a year, I have had the steering wheel shake at higher speeds and the weird/off alignment feeling and no matter how many sets of tires or alignments I have had, it never goes away. Now, not only does my steering wheel shimmy at high speeds on the highway, but I also feel like I must look like a drunk driver on the road. Driving at almost any speed, I feel like I have little control with the steering. I have to be very careful or my car will veer off to the side.

My husband and I are trying to figure out the issue in order to know what parts to get. I really need advice!! Rack and pinion bushings? ball joint/control arm?

Thanks

 

[macoyle]

First thought is wheel balancing. Get that checked out first
Then try rotating the tires to see if there may be a flat spot.

If those don't work check out your tie rods and ball joints

 

[Carsonsmom]

We have tried the balancing, alignment and rotation multiple times. Will check the ball joints and tie rod ends.

As you turn the steering wheel side to side, you can see the rack and pinion moving about a 1/2 inch underneath the car.

Thanks for the help!!

 

[macoyle]

Well there ya go lol. That's not good and should be replaced ASAP.

Just to clarify you have a 2wd right

 

[Carsonsmom]

Yes, 2wd. We just wanted to make sure that is what it is because for the 2005, you can't buy just the bushings, you have to buy the whole rack and pinion kit, set, whatever...lol...my technical talk...and it is not cheap.

I don't trust a dealership to tell me what is really wrong.

 

[CXS]

you can see the rack and pinion moving about a 1/2 inch underneath the car!

Yep, there you go!

 

[V8.]

Bad racks are notorious for screwing up aligned cars. My old tacoma use to always fall out of alignment until i Replaced the rack. New bushings make a huge difference to handling.

 

[macoyle]

Check around the Internet for cheaper prices for the new rack and if your able to install it yourself

 

[Carsonsmom]

Looking for the part now. My husband is a heavy equipment mechanic so once we find a schematic, he should be able to install it. I hate even asking him because I know it is going to be a pain in the a**!!!!
:crybaby:

 

[macoyle]

They aren't that difficult honestly

 

[Carsonsmom]

That is good to hear!!! Thank you. I feel bad because my husband has gotten stuck working on so many cars lately because he is such a nice guy.

I cannot believe Toyota wants $1,300 for the part. They are out of their minds! Looking at reconditioned parts now.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Try villagetoyotaparts.com, they often stock factory parts for cheaper than what a dealer will quote you. It still won't be cheap, but hopefully less than 1,300.

Remanufactuered parts are a good idea also, make sure its a reputable company with a good history, there are poorly done remanufactuered parts out there.

As for the steering rack moving as you turn, can you verify that the bushings are worn/torn and this is causing the issue or has the mounting point to the frame or the bolts holding to the frame? I'm hoping the issue is the bolts, but if the rack has broken loose from the frame, I'd be worried about some other potential damage. I don't want to scare you, but I'd hate to have you put on a nice new rack and have it break and cause more problems.

 

[Carsonsmom]

My husband said that there is no movement in the bults but you can see the rubber slide back and forth. Thanks so much for the help. Everyone on here is wonderful!