Steering Column Axial Play
 

Hey All,

My 4runner has a knocking coming from the steering column. Seems to be in the area just behind where the wheel bolts on. Driving down a washboard at slow speeds is the worst, sounds like a knocking sound, almost like really bad rod knock in an engine.

There is defintally something loose in there, from a brief examination the steering box, front end joints and idler arm are all fine. In fact the idler arm has only 5k miles on it, so its probally not involved in this problem.

Searching came up with problems like side to side movement, which turned out to be loose bolts on some bracket down there.

After going to toyodiy.com and looking at the p/n's for the steering parts it looks mega expensive. I would like to not spend money, but if I have to, then it must be done. Steering is a vital area.


thanks

sway bar bushings?

also recently replaced, on the front end anyways. Rears are origional.