Not sure what to check next...

[TannerW]

While driving on the interstate going about 70mph I am having a feeling in the steering that is similar to what a hydroplane feels like. It's not terrible and I'm able to keep it under control but it bothers me. I have had tires replaced due to cupping on the tires and what the tech said was "an alignment from hell" thanks to PepBoys awesome work. I have had rear and front suspension checked and have had both front bearings and CV axles replaced in the past 1,000 miles and both front and rear brakes replaced. I am just not sure what else to check. Could it be tie rods or my whole steering rack going out? Just looking for any input and if anyone else has had these problems. I drive a 2006 V6 with 205,000 miles. Thanks.

 

[radlynx]

I would think it's your lower control arm and ball joints.

 

[Seymore Butts]

While driving on the interstate going about 70mph I am having a feeling in the steering that is similar to what a hydroplane feels like.

That and cupped tires are the classic symptoms of shock absorber failure.

 

[White4runner305]

I have a 2008 4runner and same thing happened at the alignment place. My tires had serious camber and caster issues the tech couldnt fix. My car would be all over the highway. Had it checked by a few mechanics and everything seemed to be fine. Until I went to install a leveling kit and the mechanic said he cant do it because my shocks were completely gone. Gave me a excuse to upgrade to bilstein 5100's. I cant tell you that was the solution just yet. Waiting for them to arrive and I'll install them next weekend.

 

[jbtvt]

To check shocks and struts push hard on your hood and rear bumper, if car keeps bouncing you need new ones. Might be helpful to try on a known good car so you know what you're looking for if you never have before. If you're feeling something in the steering, which is what I'd suspect from a hydroplaning description, get under the vehicle and have someone turn the wheel back and forth. If you have loose steering you'll see more movement on one side of a steering joint than the other, like if your tie rod is moving but the wheel itself lags behind, you know the tie rod end is bad.

 

[jgue467]

steering rack kit: Amazon.com: 4Runner Tacoma Prado Steering Rack Mount Bushing Kit (95-03) - PSB 401: Automotive

 

[AuSeeker]

steering rack kit: Amazon.com: 4Runner Tacoma Prado Steering Rack Mount Bushing Kit (95-03) - PSB 401: Automotive

While the steering rack bushings maybe the OP issue, the kit you posted will not fit his 4th Gen T4R.

 

[Jembrmstr]

Sounds like something I was dealing with, eventually replaced control arm ball joints and it fixed it a little, drove it around for about 3 months and the drivers side seal in the rack and pinion blew out. Ps fluid everywhere. Now I’m not saying this is what’s going to happen to you but I’d start with the cheapest thing first and then go from there. It may be a new rack and pinion but your in luck, the 4Runners share the same rack and pinion with the Lexus 470 and prados so it’s not like they are hard to find! One guy does a really good video on YouTube on how to take apart the inner tie rods to DIY the whole job. Just make sure you triple the time you think it will take to do.