Question about steering input, 2018 SR5

[JAXJeremy]

Noticed that my 4R requires what I would call additional steering input (small adjustments in moving the steering wheel either left or right) to keep it tracking straight, more so than my other vehicles.

Planning to have the alignment checked when it comes due for the first oil change, but I was curious if anyone else experiences this. Did a google search and found a couple of things about the steering not returning to center. For example..

The rack & pinion or steering does not return to a "home" position. Simply put, if you turn around a corner, the steering wheel does not easily return to "straight". if you are driving down a straight path and turn the steering even one degree, let go of the wheel, it will continue that path until the vehicle runs off of the road. This car has 2100 miles on it. The dealer has checked the camber, the tow, the numbers on the electronic actuated rack & pinon. The service manager drove the car and agreed it was not correct; however it was "in the limits" of Toyota specifications. He said he drove other new vehicles and they react the same. If you drive down any straight away, you have to constantly be correcting how the car steers. There is no home position which is unlike any vehicle I have driven. I think an accident is waiting to happen and it looks like Toyota is not willing to admit they have a problem.


I have don't have a lift or other suspension modification and my 4R has less than 7K on the clock..was thinking it might be the tires, but that's doubtful. Thoughts?

 

[Hans Moleman]

Sounds like you need more positive caster to improve on center feel and straight line tracking.

I had alignment problems brand new. I had to get it re-aligned twice before they got it right.

First time they did the alignment at 1000 miles, they only adjusted the toe which didn't really help.

The 2nd time, the dealer had a more experienced tech redo it. He knew exactly what the problem was and added more positive caster (3.2°). Now it steers and tracks perfectly. I can take it to triple digit speeds (mentioned in another thread but got serious backlash :madgrin and still feels stable.

I don't think some techs know how to a proper alignment. As long as the numbers are green they send you on your way.

Keep in mind, the new vehicle warranty only covers alignments for the 1st year or 12k miles. You need to get it done correctly pretty quickly before it runs out, otherwise you will have to pay for it.

 

[tristero]

I can take it to triple digit speeds (mentioned in another thread but got serious backlash :madgrin and still feels stable.

 

[JAXJeremy]

Sounds like you need more positive caster to improve on center feel and straight line tracking.

I had alignment problems brand new. I had to get it re-aligned twice before they got it right.

First time they did the alignment at 1000 miles, they only adjusted the toe which didn't really help.

The 2nd time, the dealer had a more experienced tech redo it. He knew exactly what the problem was and added more positive caster (3.2°). Now it steers and tracks perfectly. I can take it to triple digit speeds (mentioned in another thread but got serious backlash :madgrin and still feels stable.

I don't think some techs know how to a proper alignment. As long as the numbers are green they send you on your way.

Keep in mind, the new vehicle warranty only covers alignments for the 1st year or 12k miles. You need to get it done correctly pretty quickly before it runs out, otherwise you will have to pay for it.

good info..I read that some people experienced alignment issues straight from the dealer, just surprises me that would be the case with a new vehicle, especially a Toyota. But what you say about the caster makes total sense.

It's not terrible, but still annoying for a brand new car..Going to see if I can get in with my dealership to have them adjust and do my 1st oil change.Thanks.

 

[BCMUSA]

I thought I was crazy, but I am experiencing the same thing. Please keep us posted.

 

[BCMUSA]

good info..I read that some people experienced alignment issues straight from the dealer, just surprises me that would be the case with a new vehicle, especially a Toyota. But what you say about the caster makes total sense.

It's not terrible, but still annoying for a brand new car..Going to see if I can get in with my dealership to have them adjust and do my 1st oil change.Thanks.

My steering feels extremely sloppy. The front end always seems like it has a mind of its own and goes any way it wants until I correct it.

The steering just doesn't feel firm to me. In the highway I can visibly shimmy the steering wheel back and fourth pretty strong and the vehicle doesn't move.

Takes A LOT of input from me to get the steering to respond.

Anyone else have this problem?

 

[fixer5000]

my dealer tweaked my caster. solved the problem

 

[tm965]

My steering feels extremely sloppy. The front end always seems like it has a mind of its own and goes any way it wants until I correct it.

The steering just doesn't feel firm to me. In the highway I can visibly shimmy the steering wheel back and fourth pretty strong and the vehicle doesn't move.

Takes A LOT of input from me to get the steering to respond.

Anyone else have this problem?

not normal

 

[JAXJeremy]

not normal

x2 that is definitely not normal. My steering wheel doesn't shake at all..

 

[JAXJeremy]

my dealer tweaked my caster. solved the problem

was yours behaving the same way? what was the caster before and what do you know what they adjusted it to?

 

[fixer5000]

was yours behaving the same way? what was the caster before and what do you know what they adjusted it to?

i didnt get any printouts before or after but i do know they set it as close to limit as possible. i suggested they set it as close to 3 as they could. cured my wandering issues right away. it was needing constant corrections to keep it going straight. drove me crazy. my dealer seems very good ( acton toyota ) they even grease my driveshaft if i ask for free when its in there for its free oil changes.

 

[Xetabur]

My steering feels extremely sloppy. The front end always seems like it has a mind of its own and goes any way it wants until I correct it.

The steering just doesn't feel firm to me. In the highway I can visibly shimmy the steering wheel back and fourth pretty strong and the vehicle doesn't move.

Takes A LOT of input from me to get the steering to respond.

Anyone else have this problem?

Both my 4runners are that way. It is very annoying.