Steering light feeling, vagueness on center

[gatormark91]

New LC100 owner here. 2000 with 116K miles. Everthing is really solid on it, but I am finding the steering to be VERY light feeling and with a good bit ofplay on-center, maybe about 3/4 to 1 inch left or right before anything starts to happen.

Now, my two other vehicles for comparison are a 2016 5.0 Mustang ( NOT a comparison) and my wife's 5th-gen 4Runner. The 4Runner steering feels nice and tight, making the LC feel pretty sloppy. At 70mph in the LC, it's not concerning, but you can see where concerning is a feeling not too far away!

The LC tracks straight, but the steering takes a very light hand. It does it at low and higher speeds, so not thinking alignment, but going to get that checked.

Any recommendations to check besides the usual tie rod ends and ball joints? Or is this just normal for an LC100?

Thanks!
Mark
Orlando, FL
Mark

 

[DirtDawg]

Search "steering rack bushings", should be in the FAQ as well. There are 3 mount bushings that hold the steering rack to the vehicle that wear down over time. These can create the looseness that you are describing despite tie rods being fine.

Edit: here's a link: Steering Rack Bushing Replacement

 

[PADDO]

and after you check your rack bushings it would be worth measuring the vehicles front and rear heights to make sure you've got some front to rear rake - 3/4 to 1 inch rake seems to work well for most. Also check your front L and R heights are equal or within say 1/4 inch. Adjust torsion bars if necessary to get your rake and cross level set up. Front wheel bearings that are due for relubricating and retorquing will contribute to steering vagueness too.

 

[jLB]

I'd start by looking at:

Steering rack bushings

tie rod ends

caster setting​

 

[Mike6158]

Mine did that and it was steering rack and bushings. It got progressively worse and I changed it at 180k