Low Power Steering Assist?

[Jebb209]

This is my first 4runner and I've had a few complaints from family and friends when they drive it. Now I've become fixated on figuring out why my steering feels heavy and also it won't snap back into center position. It feels like I'm always correcting it to drive straight. I've cross rotated the tires and replaced the UBJ, LBJ and tie-rod ends and just had an alignment... Any suggestions or adjustments I can make? Power steering is full as well. A flush is in the near future.

Thanks,

Justin

 

[AZPartsGuy]

I just rented a 2018 F150 2.7l eco while my 01 4r was in the shawp.

I too wonder why my PS is so heavy and the ride is so harsh and the wind is so loud and...

I think we just got old trucks my dude.

 

[phattyduck]

Did you get a printout with your alignment? If so, post that up.

Lift the front end - is the steering still tight?

-Charlie

 

[nevada]

maybe the u-joint in the linkage is seized up.

 

[Jebb209]

I just rented a 2018 F150 2.7l eco while my 01 4r was in the shawp.

I too wonder why my PS is so heavy and the ride is so harsh and the wind is so loud and...

I think we just got old trucks my dude.

Oh I'm aware of the little quirks these trucks have but this seems especially different.

Did you get a printout with your alignment? If so, post that up.

Lift the front end - is the steering still tight?

They printed it out, it was actually a friend of mine who did it. Suspension is tight. Same with steering gear.

-Charlie

maybe the u-joint in the linkage is seized up.

Good point! I'll check it out.

 

[SaulG]

flush fluid may help..do NOT forget that there is a filter "screen" in bottom of resevoir.
Many of them are filthy/restricted you can remove and clean !!
Some have been "fixed" by PO's with screwdriver [punctured]

 

[Kanoe]

Hey,

How long have you had the 4runner? was the previous owner a tinkerer?

There is a guide bushing, spring, nut and locknut on the steering rack. Drivers side rear, down below the steering shaft. Big huge nut, at a guess about 1.5 to 2 inches across. If the OP had replaced this with the newer style (as we do), or even just tightened it up too much you can feel it. There is a proper method to adjusting this set up. If it is too tight you will have heavy steering and non-return to centre. When I switched to the newer style I had to adjust mine a couple of times to get the steering just nice.

Of course, there are a lot more likely reasons for your problems, just giving you one more to think about.

 

[Jebb209]

Hey,

How long have you had the 4runner? was the previous owner a tinkerer?

There is a guide bushing, spring, nut and locknut on the steering rack. Drivers side rear, down below the steering shaft. Big huge nut, at a guess about 1.5 to 2 inches across. If the OP had replaced this with the newer style (as we do), or even just tightened it up too much you can feel it. There is a proper method to adjusting this set up. If it is too tight you will have heavy steering and non-return to centre. When I switched to the newer style I had to adjust mine a couple of times to get the steering just nice.

Of course, there are a lot more likely reasons for your problems, just giving you one more to think about.

Weirdly enough a friend of mine who does a lot of front end work just told me about this! I'll have it checked out and update this thread.

Thank you