2005 4runner sport v6. 260 K. The truck was maintener by the dealer for the first 100 K and then I took over. One thing I never got to was ther power steering fluid. Last week the steering got stiff and a little jerky. I changed the fluid by sucking it out, exchanging a little at a time, until it looked clean, at least much cleaner. I exchanged almost a quart. However, the steering isn't much better. Do I need to exchange another quart, or should I be checking other things.
Power steering problems...
- Thread starter dvto2
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Since you live in a snow/rust state check the universal joint on the steering shaft, spray some penetrating lubricate on it and see if the issue improves, if it does that steering shaft portion with the universal joint needs to be replaced.
It's a common issue in rust areas after as many miles as you have on your's.
rdruss
Senior Member
It's just above the steering gearbox, you'll see a 2-bolt coupling, a ribbed shaft coming down from it and the u-joint is toward end of that shaft. Probably can't see the u-joint, either get underneath or pull d/s front wheel.
I had the problem of stiff steering and that was it, changed shaft and nice smooth steering again.
Do service your P/s fluid though.
I had the problem of stiff steering and that was it, changed shaft and nice smooth steering again.
Do service your P/s fluid though.
firebirdguy
Member
what p/s fluid are you using for the exchange? 4th gen 4runners call for dex2/3. not universal power steering fluid.
MikeinNH67
Senior Member
+1 for that shaft u-joint. It's not easy to see especially from above. I was able to lube mine up enough to free it but it still needs to be replaced at some point soon.
I have never heard of the U joint breaking, just being worn out/corroded/rusted and thusly needing to be replaced.
Just an FYI, no one I know of solved the issue just with a little lubricant, that's just a temporary quick test to know it's the issue.
If I were in your shoes I would go ahead and order a new shaft.
wouldnt want that to let go on an offramp or something, i suggest replacing it too
That_Titanium_4RNR
New member
Great game plan....NOT...if the lube made the steering smooth again then obviously you have a bad steering shaft joint. Lube wasn't meant to fix the issue, only to see if it changed your condition. And your condition changed....So replace that thing!
White04SR5
New member
2004 4runner steering wheel shake
Can y'all help me figure out why my steering wheel shakes like this?
here is a you tube video that will show what is going on...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IidS...ature=youtu.be
I know that this isn't the right way to go about getting help on a forum and that i should post my own thread for my own problem but when i tried to post my own thread for this it said that i couldn't because i haven't replied to enough threads yet....? why is that even a rule? Why should i have to reply to something someone else posted just so i can be granted access to post my own questions.... i swear some forums have so many rules its ridiculous...
Anyway. Any advice or help would be much appreciated. I didn't know where else i could post this question so just decided to find the most recent thread on a 4th gen steering problem...
Can y'all help me figure out why my steering wheel shakes like this?
here is a you tube video that will show what is going on...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IidS...ature=youtu.be
I know that this isn't the right way to go about getting help on a forum and that i should post my own thread for my own problem but when i tried to post my own thread for this it said that i couldn't because i haven't replied to enough threads yet....? why is that even a rule? Why should i have to reply to something someone else posted just so i can be granted access to post my own questions.... i swear some forums have so many rules its ridiculous...
Anyway. Any advice or help would be much appreciated. I didn't know where else i could post this question so just decided to find the most recent thread on a 4th gen steering problem...
The rule is to discourage Spammers.
firebirdguy
Member
unfortunately the rule doesnt stop them...
andywickstrom
New member
I've noticed in our 03 V8 4Runner that the steering has recently felt a bit loose. We noticed it especially on a gravel road while turning into rough parking spot in the woods. I turned into this sort of deep gulch as I pulled in to park - the gulch was just for a moment, then the road was fine. But that maybe was the last straw for it and after that I could basically drive straight while the wheel could be off of level - which is definitely not how it used to drive. Our truck is getting up there in age - were are at 251K (highway) miles on it. We had it looked at and the wheel bearing had something to do with it. Is that right?
I have a 2005 SR5 V6 with 144,000 miles. Yours with 260,000 is huge. My steering is perfect and I changed PSF like you have. Hope yours is not a leak somewhere.
Mine PSF has always looked clear, but things wear out. PSP could be failing. Any squeels? Does it leak any fluid?
Seasparrow
New member
Youtube video shows a few tips
Flat spot on spline needs to line up with new joint (old clamp) so bolt can pass through. Also part of old joint (the clamp) may need to be reused.
I have never done this I am just saying the video is probably worth watching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqPF_SNueyg
Flat spot on spline needs to line up with new joint (old clamp) so bolt can pass through. Also part of old joint (the clamp) may need to be reused.
I have never done this I am just saying the video is probably worth watching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqPF_SNueyg
MikeinNH67
Senior Member
Replaced my steering shaft on the weekend. A pain to get the lower part off the rack but now no intermittent hard steering and the looseness is gone too. That u-joint was toast.