Steering Binding when turning Left.

[bzettler83]

2005 4runner V8 - Listed.

So recently I replaced the LBJ's both sides, rebuilt the Total Chaos UCA's with new bushings and ball joint
, new wheel hub assemblies complete with bearings. Also did the passenger side CV axle.

Also installed the Doug Thorney headers, the steering stem is not touching the header.

Every time I turn right about a quarter turn I get a bit of resistance, like something is too tight, or binding. No issues turning to the left, and no noise or signs of rubbing.

Any suggestions?

 

[Inv4drZm]

Try disconnecting the tie rods and turn left/right to see if its isolated to the steering shaft or the spindle area.

 

[zeekevin]

What brand axle did you use for the replacement? That could be the source of the problem

 

[bzettler83]

What brand axle did you use for the replacement? That could be the source of the problem

I have CVJ on both sides, had to replace the passenger side because I had a stick rip apart the inner boot and rather than just replace the boot I just went with a new axle.

So last night I figured out the problem. THANK YOU TO Inv4drZm for suggesting disconnecting the tie rods to isolate the problem, and sure enough the steering shaft is rubbing against the header. What is interesting is that it seems like the steering shaft is bent because as you turn the wheel the shaft only rubs on every other rotation.

As you can see in the pictures as the shaft rotates the distance from the header and shaft changes.

Shared album - Brian Zettler - Google Photos

Shared album - Brian Zettler - Google Photos

 

[That_Titanium_4RNR]

I have CVJ on both sides, had to replace the passenger side because I had a stick rip apart the inner boot and rather than just replace the boot I just went with a new axle.

So last night I figured out the problem. THANK YOU TO Inv4drZm for suggesting disconnecting the tie rods to isolate the problem, and sure enough the steering shaft is rubbing against the header. What is interesting is that it seems like the steering shaft is bent because as you turn the wheel the shaft only rubs on every other rotation.

As you can see in the pictures as the shaft rotates the distance from the header and shaft changes.

Shared album - Brian Zettler - Google Photos

Shared album - Brian Zettler - Google Photos

Are you going to use the smooth type carriage bolt that others have used to get more clearance, or are you going to do a little clearancing of the header tubing with a hammer?

 

[bzettler83]

If you looks at the pics its not rubbing at the bolts its rubbing below that in the "ribbed" section of the steering shaft.

My initial thought is the shaft is bent but would be perplexed as to how that would happen. I may just grind down the area that is rubbing and call it a day.

But based on the pics it is supposed to move like that?

 

[bzettler83]

Are you going to use the smooth type carriage bolt that others have used to get more clearance, or are you going to do a little clearancing of the header tubing with a hammer?

Just to address this.... I would never hit the header with a hammer. I used the smaller bolts, and used a grinder to take a very small amount of material off of the steering stem.

Looks like I will be taking the steering shaft off again and doing a little more grinding.

 

[That_Titanium_4RNR]

If you looks at the pics its not rubbing at the bolts its rubbing below that in the "ribbed" section of the steering shaft.

My initial thought is the shaft is bent but would be perplexed as to how that would happen. I may just grind down the area that is rubbing and call it a day.

But based on the pics it is supposed to move like that?

Just to address this.... I would never hit the header with a hammer. I used the smaller bolts, and used a grinder to take a very small amount of material off of the steering stem.

Looks like I will be taking the steering shaft off again and doing a little more grinding.

Yeah my fault I didn't check your pics first! That's pretty interesting that you are hitting the steering shaft there, everyone else I have seen has been because of the bolts. Not saying i would hit headers with a hammer either but its been proven to not make a noticeable difference in performance, regardless though I would have done the same thing as you in this situation

 

[AuSeeker]

It's strange that it only hits when turning right and not in both directions, something must be binding and flexing the shaft to have it do that.IMHO