Steering issues.....

[outkast14]

So I recently bought a 04 Limited V8 4wd and its from Ohio. So its rocking a little rust....to say the least. Recently when driving it I notice an issue with the steering. When driving it straight for a good amount of time and then you go to make a left or right turn it is stiff and it does it whether I'm cruising at 40mph or stopped making the turn. Let me know your thoughts on where to start with diagnosing the issue.

 

[rjb75]

I just bought an 04 V8 as well and had the same problem. The cure is to replace the intermediate steering shaft. The u-joint in this shaft can't be greased like a driveshaft u-joint and when the grease dries out, it causes this issue. They can be had for approximately $170 from online OEM Toyota parts stores.

 

[Hapeacres]

yes this fixed my problem as well!

 

[CAN-03runner]

That fixed mine too

 

[outkast14]

Thanks. I'll check it out. At least its cheaper than a steering rack.

 

[Bossman]

Some additional threads on the u-joint for your reference.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/96639-steering-column-u-joint.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/153652-2005-4runner-stiff-steering.html

 

[SiZ]

Wow, good info... Mine has the exact same problem. It had been sitting around quite a bit over the last year or so and I assumed it was the pump that had gone bad.

 

[Gatafly]

I sprayed my u-joint down with a good lubricant and it fixed the problem for 2 weeks. Sprayed again and it lasted another 2 weeks. After the 3rd time spraying it the issue never came back. That was 6 months ago and I had no money for the new part at the time and as soon as I did I bought the intermediate shaft. Well it is still sitting in the box and my steering is still fine. OP, you may want to try lubing it a few times first and see if that works. May have been some crude in there that the lube cleaned out. I am sure I will eventually have to replace it, but for now I guess I will just hang on to the part and wait.

 

[wyattroa]

Does anyone have a part number for the shaft? I keep finding different part numbers for this and want to make sure I get the right one on there. Not sure if it matters, But i have a v8 2003.
Robert

 

[BOSMECH]

I had this problem with my 03 and I lubed it with Tri-Flow but WD40 will work.
I lubed it like every month or so and never had the problem again.
So save your self some money and just spray the shaft.
Turn it to the full left and spray then full right and spray it be good to go and then do it once a month and you will be fine.