rockclimber

Hey everyone,
Did a quick search, didn't turn up any info that seemed helpful so here i am.

I have a 2004 tacoma which has recently developed what i can best describe as a clunk in the steering. I can feel it more so than i can hear it. For example easing slowly over cobbles in a rough dirt road, holding the steering wheel firmly i can feel something kinda slip or clunk a bit between the steering wheel and the tires, not badly, but different than it was. I can also feel it on desert washboard roads but it is harder to tell where it is coming from.

The problem doesn't seem to happen on the road, and my steering doesn't feel loose. My suspension is stock.

Anyone ran into similar problems or have an idea where to start looking?
Thanks
RC

Justinvd

What size tires?

rockclimber

Stock size
265x70 r16's

cackalak han

I'm betting it's a worn steering rack. How many miles on your truck and what kind of terrain were most of those miles on? Any hard wheeling?

My old 98 4Runner had the same issue. On those washboard roads, it got so bad that I was almost loosing control of the rig. I never did get it figured out, though. I believe another member on here named LSUMatt or something had/has the same issue. Don't know if he ever got it figured out...

rockclimber

I have about 85k on the truck. Mostly on the road as an every day driver.

I have done some wheeling....nothing really heavy duty as the truck is stock. I have done a bit of desert washboard for fair distances. Of course the washboards smooth out around 45-50mph so....

I don't feel like it affects handling.....just a bit annoying feeling the slip/clunk in the steering and i only notice it off road.

I'll do some looking into the rack......
thanks
RC