Steering issue

[HODGES]

I’m having an issue with my steering. It usually happens when turning on pavement, going slow. It feels like the steering is sticking. Normally when you turn and let go of the steering wheel it spins back into place. Sometimes my doesn’t. It almost caused my wife to get in a wreck today. Any ideas? 2014 LC

 

[CharlieS]

Do you have a lift or other alignment that has changed the caster?

 

[TeCKis300]

I agree with @CharlieS . The primary function of caster is to impart a return to center force for steering. Somehow, it's out of wack, and we're trying to figure out why. Is there any other symptoms other than steering not returning to center? How does she track going down the road?

It could be the alignment tabs slipped? Something more insidious with some failure in a suspension component/joint. Something in the steering rack?

I would stop driving the car honestly and take it to a shop to be diagnosed.

 

[bloc]

Icon billet delta joint UCA's per the build thread.

Agree. Caster or maybe a UCA issue.

 

[HODGES]

I agree with @CharlieS . The primary function of caster is to impart a return to center force for steering. Somehow, it's out of wack, and we're trying to figure out why. Is there any other symptoms other than steering not returning to center? How does she track going down the road?

It could be the alignment tabs slipped? Something more insidious with some failure in a suspension component/joint. Something in the steering rack?

I would stop driving the car honestly and take it to a shop to be diagnosed.

Truck tracks perfect. I’m taking it in tomorrow. thanks!

 

[HODGES]

UPDATE: My tech at Toyota thinks it’s the lower ball joints. They’re non-serviceable and you have to replace the entire LCA if you want them replaced. He’s trying to get it covered under warranty.

 

[Markuson]

UPDATE: My tech at Toyota thinks it’s the lower ball joints. They’re non-serviceable and you have to replace the entire LCA if you want them replaced. He’s trying to get it covered under warranty.

My ball joints were toast, but still didn’t cause what you describe. Who knows… Glad they’re on it though.

 

[AnyMal]

Icon billet delta joint UCA's per the build thread.

Agree. Caster or maybe a UCA issue.

For real? Ive had my eye on those.

 

[montegofd3s]

UPDATE: My tech at Toyota thinks it’s the lower ball joints. They’re non-serviceable and you have to replace the entire LCA if you want them replaced. He’s trying to get it covered under warranty.

Not true, they can be sourced from @cruiseroutfit though they are massive (like the size of your hand), and you will probably need a press to install them.
I believe these are them, but just call the parts dept to confirm.

Ball Joint - Fits Lower 2008 -2021 IFS 20x/LX570 Applications (SUS43350)

Toyota Land Cruiser Ball Joint

cruiserteq.com

I am not sure this is actually your problem though. It sounds more like a alignment issue. Is it only happening at basically full lock?

Edit: I see you changed the UCAs not long ago, and maybe it is the angle of this picture, but the the center line of the UCAs compared to the coilover looks a bit screwy. It would seem like you would have some odd caster issues considering where the upper ball joint is located, or again maybe just the picture angle?

 

[99toylc]

Why don't you look at the steering column u-joint.
I found a similar problem in my old RX330 where winter weather salt water started sizing the u joint and caused weird "binding" and occasional hard spots in steering mostly in slight turns and now experiencing the same in my 2008 Tundra.

The replacement is recommended but I was able to get away with it by cleaning it and lubricating it with white lithium grease and at the same time protecting it from water ingress on both vehicles and it's been good for a few years now - worth a try.

 

[HODGES]

Not true, they can be sourced from @cruiseroutfit though they are massive (like the size of your hand), and you will probably need a press to install them.
I believe these are them, but just call the parts dept to confirm.

Ball Joint - Fits Lower 2008 -2021 IFS 20x/LX570 Applications (SUS43350)

Toyota Land Cruiser Ball Joint

cruiserteq.com

I am not sure this is actually your problem though. It sounds more like a alignment issue. Is it only happening at basically full lock?

Edit: I see you changed the UCAs not long ago, and maybe it is the angle of this picture, but the the center line of the UCAs compared to the coilover looks a bit screwy. It would seem like you would have some odd caster issues considering where the upper ball joint is located, or again maybe just the picture angle?

View attachment 2925450

I’ll take a look when I get back home. I think it’s just a wierd picture angle