So this is probly the only place i've been finding answers to the many questions i've been coming up with since i bought my 4runner. I'm very happy with it but i've had it since late february '08 and i've had a series of issues with it. The steering wheel used to shake while driving at freeway speeds, the steering wheel shook while braking and there was play in the steering so i took it to the mechanic. They had the tires balanced, replaced all 4 shocks, replaced a tie-rod and replaced a ball joint. I changed the brakes and replaced the brake master cylinder. So everything was fixed up pretty good but i'm still noticing play in the steering. It's no where near as bad as it was but enough to be driving down the freeway and having to correct the steering before i cross into another lane. It's a 97 4runner sr5 2wd. I was looking at the linkage while it was on jackstands and i had someone turn the steering wheel back and forth and i don't see any hesitation what so ever. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

I would recommend doing the same thing but with the front wheels on the ground so it would require force to turn the wheels, (truck is not on jack stands). This way if there is any play in the steering you should be able to see it.

 

It's either your whole rack or maybe just the steering rack bushings. I'm thinking you will need to replace the whole rack, though...

 

www.wheelersoffroad.com has the steering rack bushings in polyurathane for $16.95 plus shipping for a total of $26.90ish. I think that might be your best initial bet. I have read that anything over 100K and those factory bushings go soft and lots of play is introduced.

 

alright. thanks for the input. i'll start with the bushings and go from there. i'll be sure to post the results. thanks again.

 

I had the same issue and checked driveshafts, steering racks, u-joints, suspension, rotors and etc. Finally went to the dealer to balance my tires again (Firestone balanced it three times and this is why i thought it was balanced correctly) and solved the issue.

 

i haven't gotten around to ordering the bushings yet, but i'm going to this week. i also wanted to put in that the power steering fluid level was showing full while the engine was cold. so i checked it again after the engine was warm and found out it was low by about a 1/4 inch or so. so i added more fluid and surprisingly it helped the steering play, or at least i think it has. i haven't been feeling the drifting. it could all be in my head but i thought i would add that in.

 

I ordered the parts but I have yet to have the time to put them on. I'll update again once they have been installed.

 

The parts have been installed. And seem to perform much better. Thanks everyone.

 

thanks for updating after new parts-everything still feeling good?

You recommend these bushings from Wheelers?

 

Yea, it's better now and i do recommend the parts, they're awesome. i also bought the bushings for the sway when turning, anti-sway kit maybe? feels much better. i believe i still have a little issue of play in the steering but not anywhere near what it was. i probly need to balance the tires again. i dont think they got it totally right the first time and i replaced my brake pads myself but i think i need the front rotors turned, little bit of steering shake when i hit the brakes quickly.

 

You'll be happy with the OEM sway bar bushings; the polyurethane counterparts are good, but they love to squeak.