I have a 00 tacoma 4x4 v6. I am having a problem with the steering. When driving the truck will jerk to the left on occassion. It could be dangerous and has done it a few times in curves. Its like the steering is trying to over compensate. I had a Z71 before my tacoma and it did something similiar and it turned out to be a sensor failure.

Any ideas on where to start and what it might be? Does Toyota have a simliar power steering sensor as GM? Thanks for any help!

 

Bump steer or steering dampner...?

 

I don't thing the 2000 Tacoma's have a steering dampner. I know 3rd gen runners don't so I think its the same set up....Put your front end up on jacks and check all of your steering components and suspension for anything loose or faulty.

 

I am going to be reviewing my haynes manual over the holidays. I checked under the truck and did not see anything noticeable and there are no new noises, leaks and the problem is random. It does seem to do it more to the left. I searched on here and found no one with this kind of problem?

I have put 60K on my truck and this is the first problem. You got to love a Yota!

 

Had an alignment recently?

 

Does the steering get tight or hard sometimes while turning?..If it does ..it could be from the rack(directional vanes sticking..internally)..

 

have you hit anything really hard with the front end? like a big ditch, or parking block?

there could be something bent

 

I did drive over a rr track to recover a buck I killed but I have plenty of clearance for that. The problem started a month after that though?

I had an alignment about 7 months ago and the steering does not get tight or hard. It just jerks to one side out of the blue. I guess i will have the front end aligned and have them check it out for something I missed. I would like to fix it myself but got to figure out with the problem is first.

 

have someone wiggle the steering wheel back and forth while you look at the tie rods and ball joints, also the wheels, look for anything not moving with everything else

you can also jack the front end up, and make sure it is one jack stands and not going to fall, then grab the front wheels one at a time and the top and bottom. then push with one and and pull with the other to wiggle the wheel. if it moves when your hands are top to bottom then its probably a ball joint. now with your hands at 3 and 9 o clock do the same, if it wiggles then its probably your tie rods. if it wiggles both ways then its probably your wheel bearings

 

Agree with Artistang--you can also pop the tie-rods off and there is a twist test.

More important--what size tire do you have--33-35's? THen i would look at the upper ball joint and tie rods

 

Yep, check ball joints. Just hug your tires and try to see if there is any motion (from top to bottom) play. Have someone turn the wheel side to side and see if there is any other play as well. Check your steering rack bushings which hold it to the crossmeember as well.