Notchy Steering

AppleJack · 12-26-2009, 10:04 AM

I searched but nothing seemed to match my issue. When cold, as in the vehicle itself, my steering feels notchy in the wheel right after I back out of my driveway, put it in D and take off. It goes away right after that.
It feels like and old worn out farm truck for a moment, but so far it does not last. I have not noticed any leaks, and the fluid looks good and is full.
I've only had this rig for 3 days. So I cant say how long this has been happening.

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Yota Runner · 12-26-2009, 02:26 PM

I think I was having the same thing happen to my rig. I think it has something to do with the power steering fluid being cold. Since it has warmed up a little I haven't noticed it anymore. Mine was only doing it when going really slow or stoped and when the steering wheel was between about 75-100 percent turned. If anyone else has anymore insight post up too.

AppleJack · 12-27-2009, 01:52 PM

Took it on some mild trails (tires are more street biased) on now the steering squeals at full lock. Is this a rack problem?

Tragic Drive · 12-28-2009, 03:12 PM

Belt tension maybe..

brian2sun · 12-28-2009, 03:55 PM

I doubt it's your rack. Racks will usually leak before they go bad (at least from my experience). Seeing as it is a new truck to you, I would flush the p.s. system or at very least see if the fluid is red ATF.

You'd be surprised how many people put power steering fluid in there when you're supposed to use Dexron ATF. I'm also talking about my 3rd gen 4runner - I'm not hip to the newer Tacos/runners. From your avatar it looks like you have a 05+ Taco, but then again we are in the 95.5-04 section. Ah hell, just read your p.s. cap and make sure it's the right fluid.

sharrack · 12-28-2009, 05:32 PM

my front end started feeling loose..................check your lower control arm bushings.
I raised my runner and the lower control arms are shaking like a leaf in the wind when I move the wheels left to right.
Not to mention the alignment being out of whack from the worn bushings.

Kenny S

hpctoy · 02-03-2010, 08:05 PM

Applejack - mine is getting notchy too. I drained the power steering i'd put in before I knew better and put in ATF and it got much better. Every 3000 or so it gets notchy and I use a baster to draw out fluid and put in new atf and it gets better for awhile. It's worse on cold days. Anyone know if an auto trans additive in the atf power steering fluid would help?

96743runner · 02-03-2010, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AppleJack

Took it on some mild trails (tires are more street biased) on now the steering squeals at full lock. Is this a rack problem?

I had the same problem a while back and it turned out to be a worn power steering belt. I had it changed and no noise at all on full lock now. I would suggest having that changed.

AppleJack · 02-20-2010, 01:51 PM

Well for now I will remove whatever is in there and put in some ATF but if it pops up again I'll just change out the pump.
Thanks for the help guys.

12-26-2009, 02:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
Yota Runner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: WA Posts: 312	I think I was having the same thing happen to my rig. I think it has something to do with the power steering fluid being cold. Since it has warmed up a little I haven't noticed it anymore. Mine was only doing it when going really slow or stoped and when the steering wheel was between about 75-100 percent turned. If anyone else has anymore insight post up too. __________________ 98 4 Runner SR5 3.4 V6 - Anthracite Metalic - 5 spd - 265/75/R16 BFG AT's on Akuza 359 wheels - Trail Gear 60" Rock Sliders - Rola Roof Rack - Custom Front Recovery Points - Hella 500 fogs - Flowmaster 50 series - Clear lenses - 5% tint - GT covers Exact fit seat covers - DVD - Silverstar ultra's... It'll grow up... someday....

12-27-2009, 01:52 PM	#3 (permalink)
AppleJack Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Medford, Oregon Posts: 560	Took it on some mild trails (tires are more street biased) on now the steering squeals at full lock. Is this a rack problem? __________________ Fires, Friends, and Books Decree Wisdom, Strength, and Controversy. To believe with certainty, one must begin doubting.

12-28-2009, 03:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tragic Drive Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Maryland Posts: 437	Belt tension maybe.. __________________ *,Thomas* Supercharged 3.4 in a ARB Locked 95 Runner

12-28-2009, 03:55 PM	#5 (permalink)
brian2sun Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Lake Arrowhead, CA Posts: 1,445	I doubt it's your rack. Racks will usually leak before they go bad (at least from my experience). Seeing as it is a new truck to you, I would flush the p.s. system or at very least see if the fluid is red ATF. You'd be surprised how many people put power steering fluid in there when you're supposed to use Dexron ATF. I'm also talking about my 3rd gen 4runner - I'm not hip to the newer Tacos/runners. From your avatar it looks like you have a 05+ Taco, but then again we are in the 95.5-04 section. Ah hell, just read your p.s. cap and make sure it's the right fluid. __________________ *'97 4Runner SR5 3.4L 4x4 200K Mile Club * Trail & Snow Rig 3" Suspension Lift - 883s/891s, 1" 4Crawler BL, OME Comfort Shocks, 255/85R16 Bighorn M/Ts on 16x7 (4" BS) Cragar Soft 8 Wheels Rear ARB Locker , 4.88s, Sliders, ARB Bullbar, CBI Rear Bumper w/ Tire Carrier (on the way), No Sway Bars, No ABS My Build Thread '05 Honda CR-V 2WD LX * 29+ Hwy MPGs * D.D.**

02-03-2010, 08:05 PM	#7 (permalink)
hpctoy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 35	atf additive in power steering? Applejack - mine is getting notchy too. I drained the power steering i'd put in before I knew better and put in ATF and it got much better. Every 3000 or so it gets notchy and I use a baster to draw out fluid and put in new atf and it gets better for awhile. It's worse on cold days. Anyone know if an auto trans additive in the atf power steering fluid would help? __________________ 1996 4Runner Ltd 190k+ miles 1989 Toyo 4x4 Pickup 250k+ miles - sold 1967 GMC pickup Ford Taurus company car - borrring to many motorcycles to count

12-28-2009, 05:32 PM	#6 (permalink)
sharrack Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 365	my front end started feeling loose..................check your lower control arm bushings. I raised my runner and the lower control arms are shaking like a leaf in the wind when I move the wheels left to right. Not to mention the alignment being out of whack from the worn bushings. Kenny S

02-20-2010, 01:51 PM	#9 (permalink)
AppleJack Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Medford, Oregon Posts: 560	Well for now I will remove whatever is in there and put in some ATF but if it pops up again I'll just change out the pump. Thanks for the help guys. __________________ Fires, Friends, and Books Decree Wisdom, Strength, and Controversy. To believe with certainty, one must begin doubting.

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