Ok so i have a 98 4runner and my steering is very sloppy. when the truck is off i can move the steering wheel back and forth a good 5 to 6 inches easily, and when driving at almost any speed i am constantly correcting the wheel to keep it going straight. i also have bad bump steer. i have searched and found some great info on ways to tighten the steering but thought i would post here because my problem seems to be worse than what other people are experiencing. i almost dont want to drive the truck because it feels so loose. if anyone has some suggestions that would be great.

There are so many things to replace and tighten that i kinda dont know where to start. i am planing on replacing the tre's and upper and lower ball joints but i think theres gotta be other problems to. could it be just the tre's and bj's thats causeing so much play? or should i be looking at other major factors to?

 

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...el-bounce.html


hopefully should answer your question.
Sounds like you should start with replacing your ball joints.

 

cool thanks downpour that is some good info

 

ok so i replaced the ball joints and havent noticed any difference, but when i had everything apart i could see how loose the inner tre's were as well as the shafts going into the rack. they were really loose and i could move them around quite a bit. so i orderd a new rack and tre's and ill see what improvement that makes.

 

thats what i was going to suggest...check tie rod ends...check drag link and pitman arm too while youre under there...all those parts can cause sloppy steering, could also be an internal gear box issue.

 

I really love when people with older suspensions comment on newer suspension problems.
We don't have drag links or pitman arms, dude.


OP, I was going to suggest checking the rack. The rack itself can ware out. But thats less likely then the inner tie rods. I'd start with inner/ outter tres, after that do the rack bushings (energy suspension) and then do the "steering shaft slip joint tack weld."
Search TTORA for that last one.

 

my bad...i work on semis mostly, and am a fairly new yota owner...didnt know

 

steering rack bushings?

 

I agree above, inner outer tie rods probably need replacing. Also check the rag joint, it is the rubber isolator they use instead of a universal joint, if that's all stretched and worn it'll steer funny.

Do this test as well: With key on engine off, have a friend sit in driver seat and turn the wheel half turn back and forth. While they do that you go under the truck and see how much the rack moves back and forth. Also check all pivot points looking for 'play'