Rattle coming from steering, help (2 Viewers)

[JAC83]

I have an FZJ71 and since I lifted it a few months ago I've started to notice a rattle through the steering wheel, it feels as if something is loose. The steering has no play whatsoever, I've checked all the nuts and bolts and they are all tight, the cruiser drives just fine.

It's noticeable when you are driving on rough terrain/pavement with potholes or washboard like concrete, on smooth pavement it isn't noticeable.

What could it be? has anyone experienced anything like this on their 70s?

Thanks.

 

[TwoThirtyDirty]

Loose wheel bearing? Leaf spring u-bolt? Worn/loose drag link/tie rod end (would be more noticeable since the lift because of greater drag link angle = bump steer). HTH

 

[roscoFJ73]

You might have caster problem. Mine started out like a bad rattle when I hit a bump and then it got worse and did it all the time.
Its probably the steering mechanism rocking left and right so fast it feels like a rattle.

Check your steering damper 1st

 

[JAC83]

Ok, Ill check those out next week, just a few extra facts on my rig, it's a 2.008 model and it has coil springs in the front.

Thanks for the sugestions and keep them coming please .

 

[roscoFJ73]

Ok, Ill check those out next week, just a few extra facts on my rig, it's a 2.008 model and it has coil springs in the front.

Thanks for the sugestions and keep them coming please .

Its hard to see a 2008 model having steering rattles

 

[JAC83]

Its hard to see a 2008 model having steering rattles

I know .

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Very similar issue on a 1990 LJ78 with approximately 2" lift. I can not find any loose or warn components in the front end. My trouble shooting has included new tires, checked alignment and all of the tie-rod ends have been replaced. Each step yielded some improvement however the steering wheel still has some "shake" on marginal roads and actually seems worse while the vehicle is in a slight turn. I am not sure where to go next and am relunctant to keep pouring money into parts that may or may not improve the problem. .........................1978HJ45

 

[roscoFJ73]

Very similar issue on a 1990 LJ78 with approximately 2" lift. I can not find any loose or warn components in the front end. My trouble shooting has included new tires, checked alignment and all of the tie-rod ends have been replaced. Each step yielded some improvement however the steering wheel still has some "shake" on marginal roads and actually seems worse while the vehicle is in a slight turn. I am not sure where to go next and am relunctant to keep pouring money into parts that may or may not improve the problem. .........................1978HJ45

Looked at the caster angle? That is almost universally the problem when you lift a vehicle and get the shakes.
Its fixed by adding shims of the appropriate thickness.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Looked at the caster angle? That is almost universally the problem when you lift a vehicle and get the shakes.
Its fixed by adding shims of the appropriate thickness.

Thanks for the reply however I am somewhat confused as to where you are suggesting I add the shims. I confess I am not the most "mechanically" inclined and have to rely on the front end shop to rectify the problem. Thanks again..........1978HJ45

 

[roscoFJ73]

Looked at the caster angle? That is almost universally the problem when you lift a vehicle and get the shakes.
Its fixed by adding shims of the appropriate thickness.

Thanks for the reply however I am somewhat confused as to where you are suggesting I add the shims. I confess I am not the most "mechanically" inclined and have to rely on the front end shop to rectify the problem. Thanks again..........1978HJ45

I saw your log on name and thought leaf springs.
Coil suspension use castor correction bushes,not shims as leaf springs do.
Castor is the term that desribes the angle viewed from the side that your axle housing has.
About 2 degrees is right for most vehicles,but as you lift the suspension,the axle wants to rotate,changing the castor angle.

This pic is of the HZJ78/79/105 control arms but I imagine your LJ78 would not be too different.
(click on the landcruiser OFFSET CASTOR BUSH pdf file)
Ironman 4x4 Suspension Fitting Instructions
As you can see, it will change the angle back to stock but only so much. For a higher lift you need all new control arms

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Sorry for the confusion with the "log on name" ( I am fortunate enough to own several Land Cruisers however the latest model is the only one with a steering shake). I have downloaded the file and am headed to the front end shop. The 2" lift ( previous owner) has cost about $400.00 per inch so far trying to correct the shake so hopefully your suggestion will help.
Thanks................1978HJ45

 

[JAC83]

So it is possible to fit caster correction bushes wrong? I though they were foolproof...hmm, I'll check mine out as soon as I can.

I have OME correctors installed, I assume they are the same as the Ironman ones, right?

 

[Eric Winkworth]

Could it be the U joint on the steering shaft?

mine made an awful rattle when it was fubared

 

[Gun Runner 5]

When I called my parts supplier to order the offset bushings I was told to try a high quality steering damper prior to installing the offset bushings. The previous damper was removed because the new tie rod ends did not have a mounting bracket to install the original unit which was fairly worn anyway. I have a heavy duty unit enroute and plan to weld a mounting bracket to install it as soon as it arrives. It is makes a difference I will post the results on the forum. ...................................1978HJ45

 

[roscoFJ73]

When I called my parts supplier to order the offset bushings I was told to try a high quality steering damper prior to installing the offset bushings. The previous damper was removed because the new tie rod ends did not have a mounting bracket to install the original unit which was fairly worn anyway. I have a heavy duty unit enroute and plan to weld a mounting bracket to install it as soon as it arrives. It is makes a difference I will post the results on the forum. ...................................1978HJ45

Good advice,my suspension shop checked mine 1st up