Very loose/light steering?

[flnycus]

Hi all, apologies in advance if this is a stupid question but im a relatively new owner of a pre owned 06 v8 sport.

Over the last day or so i've noticed the steering has got very "loose". It is usually pretty firm. I checked the tire pressure, seems ok, at my last oil change about 1000 miles ago they said i might need some new tires in a few months, but the thread looks ok for now. The steering fluid is at Cold min, im guessing it should be at hot max? Also it's black, i have no idea if thats the normal color?

Any suggestions? Steering fluid? Need new tires or something else perhaps?

Thanks!

 

[djj1973]

Hi all, apologies in advance if this is a stupid question but im a relatively new owner of a pre owned 06 v8 sport.

Over the last day or so i've noticed the steering has got very "loose". It is usually pretty firm. I checked the tire pressure, seems ok, at my last oil change about 1000 miles ago they said i might need some new tires in a few months, but the thread looks ok for now. The steering fluid is at Cold min, im guessing it should be at hot max? Also it's black, i have no idea if thats the normal color?

Any suggestions? Steering fluid? Need new tires or something else perhaps?

Thanks!

Their not stupid questions...

As far as I know the power steering fluid should be between cold min and cold max when the vehicle has been sitting, like over night. Should not exceed hot max after immediate use. Now, you should have either the red tranny fluid in the reservoir or the clear power steering fluid. Either will work. In fact my manual calls for tranny fluid. Through the reservoir, the color looks almost black on mine but is very new fluid. If you pop the lid off and its still black, may not hurt to have it flushed.

Tire condition is a little hard to determine without pictures. I'd start with the fluid.

 

[bbumbles]

Sorry to say get use to it I have a 08 limited bought new done it since day one tried tires shocks alignments and this is how it is I have come to terms with it. Sorry for the bad news but it looks like the steering may have got lighter on 06+ we have an 03 sport that is nice and tight at 175K.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Which tires do you have now? Tires and alignment that includes a max caster setting and a near max toe-in setting may help. My '07 is really tight and nice...
:cheers:

 

[flnycus]

Thanks guys, the thing is the steering was nice and "truck like" for the last year but it seems to have changed recently. Definitely loose, i seem to turn it alot more just to go around the corner. I have the crappy Dunlop's still on there. Im thinking they will have to be changed now right? They have 40,000 miles on it. Perhaps a new set of Revo 2's and an alignment might work.

(I did check the steering fluid, looks good).

 

[chaz]

scroll down to dcons post for adjustment possiblities. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/57115-steering-wheel-knock.html

 

[flnycus]

Thanks chaz, im going to take it into the dealer. Someone also mentioned it could be the tie rods? I have no clue.