BornChaos

I've tried searching for this topic, but im not sure what is the formal name for this issue.

When I go over bumps (changing lanes on the freeway for example, or drive over any irregularity on the surface of the road, my steering wheel jerks. sometimes, the vehicle pulls to the side a little bit. However, there is no play in the steering. The steering is very responsive and does not feel "loose". I have replaced my inner and outer tie rods on both sides of the vehicle. The vehicle seemes to be aligned and has not been out wheeling for a while. I have also replaced my front sway bar bushings and the steering rack bushings with the energy suspension kits. Is there a term for this problem? if anyone could provide some search suggestions (i've searched in the 3rd gen suv and truck tech forums), links or any information at all, i would be grateful.

CJM

Call it a shot in the dark but-steering stabilzer?

BornChaos

call me an idiot, but i don't know what a steering stabilizer is.. or at least i didn't think they were made for rack and pinion steerings for our 3rd gen 4runners

CJM

AFAIK it is a small shock like part inside the rack and pinion of the steering system. It basically absorbs bumps so the steering wheel doesnt shake or jerk around.

What you describe really sounds like bumpsteer, where upon hitting the bump your wheels change direction or the steering wheel jerks pretty hard.

I dont have much expierance correcting it but from what I can gather your rack itself may not be properly within specs or out of whack and the steering stabilizer may also be the cause. I do think 4runners have them, not entirely sure but replacing it.

I dont have this problem in my truck since the entire frontend was replaced thanks to yotas recall (T100), but like I said this maybe the cause-at least its a good guesstimate if better than nothing. Someone with more expierance should know better.

Localmotion

wow, you have done everything to check for play.

Maybe take it to a front end shop and see whats up?

so it pulls to the L or R when you hit bumps?

AH64ID

The rack and pinon steering on 96-up doesnt have a steering stabilizer.


But it does sound like bumpsteer, usually caused by steep angles on steering components. With the amount of lift you have it shouldnt be an issue... I agree take it to a shop if its really bad, or just live with it.

BornChaos

BUMPSTEER omg, that sounds exactly like my problem! I used to own a chevy k1500 silverado, and the steering stabilizers were external, shock systems that absorbed or reduced the "bumpsteer". They were clearly seen by looking under the truck or looking at the truck from the front, but i have never seen such a thing on a taco or 4runner, thats why i assumed they were never made. Didn't realize they could exist inside the rack.

I haven't yet taken the truck to a front end shop, I wanted to get opinions from the good people here first. But I was really looking for a term to describe the issue and I think I've found it! Now to search on bumpsteer.. thanks guys, ill probably just take it to a shop after i do some more searching here.

CJM

No problem, goodluck with it. Tellus what the shop finds..

AH64ID

They don't. The nature of rack and pinion doesnt require one, you could probally fabricate one, but there isnt one on your rig.

SteveO

yeah, definitly bump steer. do you have any pics of your front end, so we could all get a visual on what you are looking at?

Tanto

You could make sure that your Lower Control Arm bolts are nice and tight. My steering felt really loose goes over bumps but was fine on the smooth stuff but some blue Lock-tite and a breaker bar solved that

Elton

pretty sure 3rd gen 4runners dont have a steering stabilizer

cackalak han

Yes, definately post up what you find out. I'm having the same issue.

CLin9383

i know this is an old thread, but anyone have any updates?