Steering wheel question.

[calcrc]

Hi guys. I have some concerns with my truck... since the last month I have noticed some resistance when I turn.

The power steering should be easy when you turn any side , well mine seems to have some resistance and when I force it, it does what it's supposed to do but it worries me. It does not seem normal and it's not how it should be.

I have serious concerns.. getting paranoid that I get in a curve and the steering wheel jams and I smash into a wall or another car .....

I wonder what it could be....

I checked the power steering fluid and it is ok.

Can it be because of the lift, or KDSS ? I noticed unusual were on the bushing on the driver's side.

Any feedback is welcomed.

 

[wsgoat]

Check the steering shaft knuckle. They are famous for developing rust and creating resistance with the steering. A quick test....spray the joint with WD-40, if the steering improves, it's perhaps time to replace the shaft assembly.

4Runner & FJ Cruiser Lower Steering Column Shaft 45203-35310 Genuine Toyota Part | eBay

 

[mybabydaddy]

Did you add wheel spacers or different wheels with different offset/backspacing than stock when you added the lift?

If so, you changed the scrub radius and angles of your suspension, thereby making it "tougher" to steer the truck. I noticed it immediately when I added my lift and Spidertrax spacers. Some of that "toughness" can be possibly lightened back up with alignment adjustments, but not the scrub radius. I have since gone to different wheels that aren't as aggressive as running the Spidertrax, and the steering did get a little "lighter" again.

That's my two cents. But nothing I mentioned above was ever ridiculously difficult to steer, just "tougher" than stock.

If you are experiencing something REALLY difficult to steer, I would take it in immediately and have it looked at.




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[calcrc]

Alright, thank you guys. Going to book a trip to the dealer and have them check it out.

 

[gerhardh]

I just bought a 2017 Limited 4wheel drive and I am not happy with the stiffness of the steering. The Truck does not track well and I have to constantly work the steering wheel.
I already had Toyota check the alignment, but no difference. I traded in my 2011 Limited 4wheel drive truck and I believe it drove much better regarding steering.
Any suggestions
Thanks, Gerhard

 

[calcrc]

So I went to the dealer and he told me it was the power steering yoke. Part number is 45203-60181. They greased it and said it was not dangerous but the part retails for 475$ canadian.... I found it for 175$ in the US. FML

The steering wheel still has the resistance so I will have to change it. Will I need the (how you say it ) part that makes it longer -Adapter- ?
because I have a lift ?

Thanks

 

[GreyLife]

Hi guys. I have some concerns with my truck... since the last month I have noticed some resistance when I turn.

The power steering should be easy when you turn any side , well mine seems to have some resistance and when I force it, it does what it's supposed to do but it worries me. It does not seem normal and it's not how it should be.

I have serious concerns.. getting paranoid that I get in a curve and the steering wheel jams and I smash into a wall or another car .....

I wonder what it could be....

I checked the power steering fluid and it is ok.

Can it be because of the lift, or KDSS ? I noticed unusual were on the bushing on the driver's side.

Any feedback is welcomed.

I purchased a brand new T4R Trail, came directly from Japan to my dealer. The first thing I noticed was that the steering was TIGHT and hard to steer. I had the dealer look at it and I got the basic "go to" answer....everything is in spec. They made a minor adjustment to my alignment after the 4th time, but it was no help. The Runner pulls slightly to the right now. I tried to get them to reverse what they did and I got the same answer....everything is in spec.

It so was not! I couldnt get my wheel to go to lock to lock. I was actually fearful to drive the thing just in case I had to make any sudden reactions to avoid an accident. So I ditched the dealer on this issue and went to my local mechanic that had been working on various cars and trucks for the family for years. What he has been doing is backing off the power steering racks preload about 5-8 degrees each time i bring it to him for that adjustment. He has made that adjustment 6 times now.

I will say that I am finally within the "comfort zone" of steering and handling. I could probably use 1 more adjustment to be happy and be done with getting the preload adjusted. But I have to say, it is quite a difference since he has made those adjustments to the racks preload. I dont know who set the power steering up in Japan but they were definitely overzealous.

And for the record, I had sprayed WD40 silicone spray on all the yokes and it was basically no help.

And the only reason I bring it to my mechanic and not performing the adjustment myself is because it is very hard to get to the preload adjustment in a driveway without a lift. And I also cannot find the proper tool to get this done.

 

[calcrc]

Thanks for sharing man. Tech at Toyota said it was not dangerous but it will have to be addressed.... sooner and not later :