On road the steering wheel on the LC is tight and tracks straight. Off road I notice that the wheel knocks and rotates a bit. Even as I am typing this up it seems like the answer is "no duh" but it just feels kind of weird. Figured I would ask here. How much "play" is too much?
How much steering play is normal off road
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That's not play. That's feedback. It is a bit of a "no duh" thing as you eluded. So... I have to ask... have you driven other trucks off-road? The 100 - especially a 2006 - is lot of truck to learn on.
I thought about your guestion. I feel a bit more description of the speed, terrain and tire preassure your running would help get a more specific and useful set of answers.
As far as the linear comment, I ride mountain bikes (20+yrs) and would say 4 wheels, adds an axis to the mix that two wheels doesn't have. If that makes sense.
"How much steering play is normal off road"
The same amount that is 'normal' (for your vehicle) ON ROAD. There is nothing about being off-road that changes the condition of your steering components. You are just feeling the 'feedback' as someone already mentioned.
Also, the surfaces (ON ROAD) that you encounter, generally offer the same rolling resistance and there isn't much influence 'laterally' except when cornering or making sharp low speed turns. OFF ROAD is very different.
Expect it to feel different. Wheel it and have fun.
The same amount that is 'normal' (for your vehicle) ON ROAD. There is nothing about being off-road that changes the condition of your steering components. You are just feeling the 'feedback' as someone already mentioned.
Also, the surfaces (ON ROAD) that you encounter, generally offer the same rolling resistance and there isn't much influence 'laterally' except when cornering or making sharp low speed turns. OFF ROAD is very different.
Expect it to feel different. Wheel it and have fun.
What your likely feeling is slop in the steering shaft slip joint splines. There is a slip joint in the shaft typically behind the tilt mecanisim, this is there so the shaft can collapse in the case of an accident. I know in the older Tacomas this was common and never hurt anything but was quite annoying offroad! The fix on the Tacoma was to pull it apart and tack weld the slip joint enough to stop the play and clunk but to where it would still break in a collision. I'm not sure if it is the same in the 100 but mine has the exact same feeling my old Tacoma had, some day I'll pull it apart and see if I can fix it. When I welded the Tacoma it made a world of difference!
I'm so glad you commented as I feel that's exactly what I have in my 2000, having over 400K miles though and that slip joint is a little more worn than usual.
I had my guages out and all the column covers off and was able to isolate it to the junction in the shaft where the tilt wheel pivots. I didn't realize that is what it was as when I saw it it was like a metal and nylon joint with just a tad of play in it to make a little pop or knock type sound.
I researched a new shaft but at over 225.00 before my labor time I am not going to dive into it.
Can you detail more about folks welding or modding it to take the dang noise away?
I haven't done it on my 100 yet so not sure if it's the same but on the Tacomas and 4runners it's as simple as a couple decent tack welds at the end of the slip.
Hmm,
Looks like it's time for me get out the FSM and see what I can come up with.
So it's something that could be done while the column is still in the vehicle and such?
I'm sure illl be removing trim and getting things out of the way.
Off to Tacoma World to dig into what it looks like and such.
Looks like it's time for me get out the FSM and see what I can come up with.
So it's something that could be done while the column is still in the vehicle and such?
I'm sure illl be removing trim and getting things out of the way.
Off to Tacoma World to dig into what it looks like and such.
The slip joint on the right of that pic is what makes noise on the Tacomas and 4runners.
Shot this today...
I have my drivers seat out and a local guy recovering my lower cushion for now so I decided to dive into my steering column. Problem is the parts I want to get at require me to pretty much remove the column and I'm not comfortable doing that just yet.
I think my clunk noise in somewhere within that slip joint OR the universal joint right below it that is tied to the section thru the firewall with the rubber section but I found out a way to duplicate the noise and then make it go away.
I am pretty delighted as it's NOT a safety related noise, just annoying. We are planning on taking the LC to Ocracoke in a few weeks so i feel better knowing it's nothing to be worried about from a safety standpoint.
I'm not going to lie, if I knew it would fix it I'd have the local welding shop just tack it for me while it's in the truck.
The slight clicking noise you hear is just a well worn in cable reel assembly. I have tried to make it click less by using a small zip-tie to keep it held to one side.
I have my drivers seat out and a local guy recovering my lower cushion for now so I decided to dive into my steering column. Problem is the parts I want to get at require me to pretty much remove the column and I'm not comfortable doing that just yet.
I think my clunk noise in somewhere within that slip joint OR the universal joint right below it that is tied to the section thru the firewall with the rubber section but I found out a way to duplicate the noise and then make it go away.
I am pretty delighted as it's NOT a safety related noise, just annoying. We are planning on taking the LC to Ocracoke in a few weeks so i feel better knowing it's nothing to be worried about from a safety standpoint.
I'm not going to lie, if I knew it would fix it I'd have the local welding shop just tack it for me while it's in the truck.
The slight clicking noise you hear is just a well worn in cable reel assembly. I have tried to make it click less by using a small zip-tie to keep it held to one side.
Can I ask if anyone here has dropped their steering column withOUT removing the ignition switch?
I may get both new shaft assemblies towards the end of the year. However I see the four large bolts that hold the column up and would like to drop/remove the column but leave the ignition switch stuff alone if possible.
Also I'm wondering if it's going to be better to find a lie mileage used column as there are bearing assemblies that keep the shaft centered I think.
If anyone can offer insight or point me in a better way I sure would appreciate it.
I may get both new shaft assemblies towards the end of the year. However I see the four large bolts that hold the column up and would like to drop/remove the column but leave the ignition switch stuff alone if possible.
Also I'm wondering if it's going to be better to find a lie mileage used column as there are bearing assemblies that keep the shaft centered I think.
If anyone can offer insight or point me in a better way I sure would appreciate it.
I have been chasing this exact same problem and I think I've found out that my front wheel bearings are loose. Yours tight?
I'm hunting down this same issue. Did you determine the cause and a solution? Thanks!