Steering suddenly feels loose - what's wrong?

[nysimonsez]

My '04 Ltd's steering suddenly feels very loose and almost gives no road feedback. The steering used to be a bit heavy (which I liked) when turning but now I don't have to make much of an effort to turn the steering wheel. Frankly I'm not sure if it's sudden or I just didn't notice the deterioration over time but it would have been over a pretty short time. I had shocks/tires changed over 10k miles ago and it was fine after the change.

I've read somewhere that it may be the steering rack bushings going bad. Where can I locate it so I can inspect and how easy is it to change? Anything else that can cause this problem?

thanks

 

[nmsail]

My 03' Sport has a similiar feel, it walks a little on the highway. I've noticed this getting a little worse since I bought the vehicle in early march, and haven't gotten the alignment done or anything (but was thinking about it with new tires at the end of summer). I would like to know if anyone has any experience with this as well.

Thanks!

 

[borgzman]

Bump this..

Loose steering in my '03 also.
I noticed it started to feel loose 3 weeks ago. Its the same as described in the above posts.
- Tires = 30K, 35 psi always
- New Shocks and alignment 6 months ago
Should we concentrate checking steering components?

Thanks!

 

[Bossman]

If the symptom is excessive play in your steering, my 2003-2009 T4R Haynes manual troubleshoots the following:

1. Loose wheel bearings
2. Excessive wear in suspension bushings
3. Steering gear worn
4. Incorrect wheel alignment
5. Steering gear mounting bolts loose
6. Worn tie-rod ends.

 

[audiqtr]

I'm gonna guess tie rod ends. check Inner and outer. damaged or worn ends will cause excessive tire wear and will eventually cause damage the the steering rack components as well. You should address it quickly.

it could be wheel bearings as mentioned above too, but you should be able to hear it if it's the bearings

 

[galactic_04]

I'm with him! Tie Rods are the most likely culprit... either that or balljoints.

When the balljoints went on my Mr2 it felt like unbalanced tires on the highway and it felt like the whole car would shift sideways in corners... a very unsettling feeling. If you don't have that vibration in the front tires, I'm going to go with tie rods

 

[chaz]

how about adjustment, http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/57115-steering-wheel-knock.html

 

[CJ3Flyr]

how about adjustment, http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/57115-steering-wheel-knock.html

Yes, this is an amazing adjustment and worth a try!:cheers: