Steering Feel/Slop Changes Every Drive

[TRDORmike]

Hi Guys,

Just wondering if anyone else notices their steering feel changes between drives. Some days it is heavier and tighter(little to no slop), other days it is looser and lighter. This is not something just in my head because I have been keeping an eye on this more and more as the days go on. Seems that the steering also tightens up and stiffens up when I drive/accel fast OR turn vehicle on/off after already driving. A/C on or off does not seem to make any differences. If anyone has any ideas or similar situations please share.

Thank you,

 

[DesertFish]

I've noticed something similar to this. I see you also have KDSS. I've noticed on the times the steering feels looser/sloppier, the suspension is more compliant/softer feeling (in a good way). Was wondering if you've noticed anything with ride stiffness in any relation to the steering feel.

 

[csommers]

I've noticed this as well. I see it more when the truck is light (low on gas). I have KDSS as well.

 

[TRDORmike]

Interesting... Yes I do have KDSS on mine as well.

I love my truck but the steering feel/shimmy is making me hate it LOL.

 

[Rhino13]

I have the KDSS as well and I get an intermittent steering wheels vibration or “wiggle”. Too early for tie rods. Is this similar to your issues?

 

[Tlowe]

I notice it when i first start up and am pulling out of a parking space or something, but it quickly firms up. and then randomly other times it will be stiff from the getgo. I too have KDSS

 

[nb rob]

have any of you guys replaced your KDSS stabilizer bushings yet? P/N 48849-60040

They wear away and you can see where the sway bar can move quite a bit laterally.

The good news is that they're cheap (I bought mine for $15 each), and they take 15 minutes to change out with your vehicle on the ground, one side at a time. I did the link bushings too-- also cheap, but mine weren't nearly as worn as the stabilizer bushings

lifting your vehicle seems to make them wear quicker.

not saying that's the issue-- but it is a very cheap place to start, and they wear out faster than anything else on the truck it seems

 

[DesertFish]

I've only got ~9k miles on my 4R, can't imagine bushings going bad already. It is definitely an intermittent 'issue' I put that in quotes because while the steering is a bit more sloppy, it really just feels like more of a rally type vehicle, better than normal. I'd say I experience once out of every 15-20 drives. I actually prefer the way the vehicle handles when I notice it, and I usually notice the suspension feel first, then the steering. The ride is much more compliant/softer, soaks up bumps and potholes way better.

Part of me wonders if the KDSS isn't going into its high-speed setting and is behaving as if below 12 MPH. I have no idea if KDSS would have any impact on steering feel, but at least for me personally I notice a change in steering, similar to what OP described, but with the suspension change as well.

 

[epjfsa]

I've noticed something similar too, and one possibility (which I haven't checked) is fluctuations in tire temperature. We already know the front suspension is hyper-sensitive to wheel balance, so I wouldn't be too surprised if it caused this. Don't think it could be KDSS, since it likely has little to do with steering feel itself on a level surface.

 

[bevel_drive]

I have a 2014 limited (non KDSS) and have the same experience. I can go over the same stretch of road at different times, sometimes with a shimmy, other times without. Temperatures may fluctuate, so tire pressure may be an effect. It is a very noticeable shimmy, and I wish I could sort this out!

 

[arehman11]

I have a 2014 limited (non KDSS) and have the same experience. I can go over the same stretch of road at different times, sometimes with a shimmy, other times without. Temperatures may fluctuate, so tire pressure may be an effect. It is a very noticeable shimmy, and I wish I could sort this out!

Bumping an extremely old thread, but this is exactly the situation I’m finding myself in. Sometimes mine drives great and other days it’s so loose and squirrely feeling that it is awful to drive. Mainly when turning one direction. Did anyone ever figure out anymore on this?