Wierd steering

[MrSeth]

So recently I've had a strange issue with my steering... it goes like this.

Turning the wheel to full lock either left or right, I have 4 spots during that range that are extremely stiff, like PS isn't working.

Its like turn, easy. keep turning, super stiff. keep turning, easy. keep turning, super stiff.

Seems like there are 4 super stiff spots and I have no idea what is causing it.

The PS pump doesn't whine at all during the motion- could it be the little cardan joint on the steering shaft??

Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

 

[sr5hi]

So recently I've had a strange issue with my steering... it goes like this.

Turning the wheel to full lock either left or right, I have 4 spots during that range that are extremely stiff, like PS isn't working.

Its like turn, easy. keep turning, super stiff. keep turning, easy. keep turning, super stiff.

Seems like there are 4 super stiff spots and I have no idea what is causing it.

The PS pump doesn't whine at all during the motion- could it be the little cardan joint on the steering shaft??

Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

toyota 4runnner steeirng shaft - Bing video

 

[Bossman]

Steering Column U-Joint

2005 4Runner Stiff Steering - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

Greasing steering intermediate shaft U joints

 

[AuSeeker]

So recently I've had a strange issue with my steering... it goes like this.

Turning the wheel to full lock either left or right, I have 4 spots during that range that are extremely stiff, like PS isn't working.

Its like turn, easy. keep turning, super stiff. keep turning, easy. keep turning, super stiff.

Seems like there are 4 super stiff spots and I have no idea what is causing it.

The PS pump doesn't whine at all during the motion- could it be the little cardan joint on the steering shaft??

Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

There's one way to possibly check to see if the shaft is locking up/bad that you can try, spray the U joint on the shaft with a good penetrating/lubricating spray and see if the "stiff" areas go away, this will only be temporary and if so it will tell you that it's time to replace the shaft.

 

[rdruss]

I see you have an '04, I did my '03 a couple of years ago, the steering u-joint that is. It's a little bit of a pita, I finally had to put some heat to it to get it to break loose from the spline shaft.

 

[MrSeth]

There's one way to possibly check to see if the shaft is locking up/bad that you can try, spray the U joint on the shaft with a good penetrating/lubricating spray and see if the "stiff" areas go away, this will only be temporary and if so it will tell you that it's time to replace the shaft.

Thanks man, I'll give that a shot! I've got some PB laying around somewhere.

 

[MrSeth]

I see you have an '04, I did my '03 a couple of years ago, the steering u-joint that is. It's a little bit of a pita, I finally had to put some heat to it to get it to break loose from the spline shaft.

Seems pretty inexpensive like $40 something to replace? It looks pretty rusty down there from the CO winters and such. I'm gonna spray it with some penetrant like [MENTION=149207]AuSeeker[/MENTION] recommended then go from there! Thanks for your input!!

 

[Bossman]

The OEM Toyota part is not cheap!

2004 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition SR5 4.7L V8 4WD AT Steering Shaft. Shaft, Steering Intermediate, NO.2 - 4520335310 - Genuine Toyota Part

 

[MikeinNH67]

That is exactly how mine was. As mentioned, soak the steering shaft u-joint with penetrant. It will loosen up but the damage is done and it will become loose in a few months. I installed one from e-bay, cheap to buy but a pain to replace and get lined up.

 

[AuSeeker]

Seems pretty inexpensive like $40 something to replace? It looks pretty rusty down there from the CO winters and such. I'm gonna spray it with some penetrant like [MENTION=149207]AuSeeker[/MENTION] recommended then go from there! Thanks for your input!!

The OEM Toyota part is not cheap!

2004 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition SR5 4.7L V8 4WD AT Steering Shaft. Shaft, Steering Intermediate, NO.2 - 4520335310 - Genuine Toyota Part

That is exactly how mine was. As mentioned, soak the steering shaft u-joint with penetrant. It will loosen up but the damage is done and it will become loose in a few months. I installed one from e-bay, cheap to buy but a pain to replace and get lined up.

As Bossman mentioned the shaft is not cheap...not $40....but can be found for between $125 or so up to $200+.

McGeorge Toyota....

2003-2009 Toyota Lower Shaft 45203-35310 | Toyota Parts

Better deals if you do eBay....

Part Number: 4520335310 - Bing

 

[MrSeth]

Thanks for everyone's input!!! Since my rig is kind of worn out, not super keen on blowing lots on OEM stuff. I mean, for suspension, engine, trans, and 4x4 stuff I'll do OEM, but for this I'll probably do the Amazon thing.

Amazon.com: Tecoom 45203-35310 Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft Assembly Steering Column w/U-Joint Fit for 03-09 Toyota 4Runner: Automotive

The thing is probably going to get parked pretty darned soon and used only for crazy bad weather/offroad camping trips.

 

[MrSeth]

First things first tho! Penetrant, here we come!

 

[lj4r]

has anyone experienced issues using the amazon or ebay parts vs OEM parts $35 vs $220 is significant, Job looks like a pain, some rust and limited access.

 

[gimlithepirate]

has anyone experienced issues using the amazon or ebay parts vs OEM parts $35 vs $220 is significant, Job looks like a pain, some rust and limited access.

For me, there are three factors that decide OEM vs whatever brand:
1) How hard is the job? If it takes 30 hours to do, I don't want to risk the part breaking and costing me another 30 hours.
2) Is there a critical safety issue with it breaking? Example: my sway bar endlinks I'm building, if they break, it will not be fun driving home, but I won't be stranded and I'm unlikely to end up in a ditch as a result.
3) Is there a performance penalty to non-OEM? Example: CV axles. While Napa axles work, they tend to bind at full droop. For me that's a major issue.

In this case, both 1 and 2 are relevant. You are unlikely to have a steering lfailure that puts you in a ditch, so it is worth considering. However, how long is it going to take? Don't put the cheap part in unless you are willing to do it twice.

 

[Hunter61]

Thanks for everyone's input!!! Since my rig is kind of worn out, not super keen on blowing lots on OEM stuff. I mean, for suspension, engine, trans, and 4x4 stuff I'll do OEM, but for this I'll probably do the Amazon thing.

Amazon.com: Tecoom 45203-35310 Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft Assembly Steering Column w/U-Joint Fit for 03-09 Toyota 4Runner: Automotive

The thing is probably going to get parked pretty darned soon and used only for crazy bad weather/offroad camping trips.

Do yourself a favor and get the yoke too. When I replaced my intermtant steering shaft I had to cut the yoke off. There are 3 bolts and those are probably corroded n place too. If I remember right they where 10mm.

Amazon.com: Dorman 425-476 Steering Shaft End Yoke for Select Lexus/Toyota Models: Automotive