Steering Clunk (1 Viewer)

[SoCal818]

I’ve got a 2005 Sequoia, 2” OME lift and 33” Falken AT3Ws. When driving down trails, or uneven surfaces, there is a tactile “clunk” in the steering. Almost feels like the steering wheel is hitting a wall back and forth while the truck is otherwise traveling straight ahead. On a smooth road, it tracks fine, feels solid and generally drives well (for a nearly 20-year old truck).

To be clear, in the last 18-months I’ve replaced the upper and lower control arms, lower ball joints, inner and outer tie rods, , steering rack bushings, and sway bar links & bushings. Mechanic says the steering rack is good and the alignment was done (again) a few months ago.

I’m at a loss and now think it’s a steering column issue. A buddy has a third gen 4Runner who said it’s a common problem with his vehicle, as well as with the earlier model Tacoma. Their forums have a few postings about slipping zip ties into the steering column joints to tighten things up.

Any First Gen folks experience this and uncovered a solution? A search failed to pull up anything on this topic. I appreciate any input / advice you all can share.

Thanks

 

[SoCal818]

I’ve got a 2005 Sequoia, 2” OME lift and 33” Falken AT3Ws. When driving down trails, or uneven surfaces, there is a tactile “clunk” in the steering. Almost feels like the steering wheel is hitting a wall back and forth while the truck is otherwise traveling straight ahead. On a smooth road, it tracks fine, feels solid and generally drives well (for a nearly 20-year old truck).

To be clear, in the last 18-months I’ve replaced the upper and lower control arms, lower ball joints, inner and outer tie rods, , steering rack bushings, and sway bar links & bushings. Mechanic says the steering rack is good and the alignment was done (again) a few months ago.

I’m at a loss and now think it’s a steering column issue. A buddy has a third gen 4Runner who said it’s a common problem with his vehicle, as well as with the earlier model Tacoma. Their forums have a few postings about slipping zip ties into the steering column joints to tighten things up.

Any First Gen folks experience this and uncovered a solution? A search failed to pull up anything on this topic. I appreciate any input / advice you all can share.

Thanks

Because everything is better with photos.

 

[Jgrauman]

Column joint could be bad/loose or the firewall bushing shot?

DIY: Steering Shaft Seal

Doing a first "how to" on this forum. The steering shaft seal is a pretty straightforward remove and replace to really make a difference in reducing...

www.tundras.com

 

[Dindu Nuffin]

Mine does the same thing and I’ve chased it off and on for years. Everything between the steering wheel and contact patch is tight, so I just attribute it to usual IFS behavior due to a lack of a steering damper.

 

[SoCal818]

Column joint could be bad/loose or the firewall bushing shot?

DIY: Steering Shaft Seal

Doing a first "how to" on this forum. The steering shaft seal is a pretty straightforward remove and replace to really make a difference in reducing...

www.tundras.com

Thanks Jgrauman. I pulled back the carpet and cover to get access to the firewall bushing. It is firm and pliable so that leads me to believe it’s not the culprit.

I did find something interesting though. While the cover was removed, I grabbed the steering shaft and it has more than a little play in it. To the tune of a half inch in all directions. I think the joint is the problem and that play is showing up as feedback in the steering wheel. Will get it replaced and report back if that solves it.

 

[SoCal818]

Thanks Jgrauman. I pulled back the carpet and cover to get access to the firewall bushing. It is firm and pliable so that leads me to believe it’s not the culprit.

I did find something interesting though. While the cover was removed, I grabbed the steering shaft and it has more than a little play in it. To the tune of a half inch in all directions. I think the joint is the problem and that play is showing up as feedback in the steering wheel. Will get it replaced and report back if that solves it.

Quick update. Took it in for the steering column to be looked at and found my steering rack was leaking (along with a torn cv boot I replaced a few months ago!). I had the mechanic install a new rack and a section of the steering column (I’ll save a few $$ and do the boot myself). Drives great and no frustrating clunks! Hope this helps someone else.