Steering rattle felt in steering column

[JB_96LTD]

Hey guys,

Here recently I am feeling a rattle in the steering column on the 4Runner. It only happens when I go over small continuous bumps (like RR tracks) or when I go offroading and travel over rocks. I took some time this weekend to look underneath the truck at the steering rag joint and turning it back and forth. I did feel like the rattle was coming from that isolated area. The bolt that connects the rag joint to the steering shaft above was tight as well. My other thought is that it could be the steering rack bushings. Anyone know where I may go from here?

[Lee]

steering rack bushings probably need to be replaced.

summit has poly ones :)

[JB_96LTD]

steering rack bushings probably need to be replaced.

summit has poly ones :)


How much of a PIA is it to replace the steering rack bushings yourself? Or do you need an extra set of hands to help?

[Bighead]

http://www.keystonekrawlers.com/Mods/Toyota/SteerBushing/TacomaSteeringBush.htm

http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamods/kristacoma/rackbushings/rackbushings.htm

[JB_96LTD]

Thanks for the links. That helps out a lot.

[MTL_4runner]

http://www.keystonekrawlers.com/Mods/Toyota/SteerBushing/TacomaSteeringBush.htm

http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamods/kristacoma/rackbushings/rackbushings.htm


Those are the best writeups out there for changing the steering rack bushings.
It's no cake walk but it makes a big difference in how the truck handles even if it's not the cause of your noise.

[bamachem]

i would say that it's a very good chance that the OEM steering rack bushings are shot. like jamie said, it's not easy to do, but it's well worth the effort to do it.

[JB_96LTD]

I betcha that the bushings are shot as well. When I was turning the rag joint/steering shaft, I noticed that their was some play between the drivers side mount and the bushing sleeve within it. I agree with you guys that it will still be worth the effort even if it doesn't fix the rattle problem.

[Seanz0rz]

mine does it too. i have been meaning to order the kit from wheelers. kind of thinking that i might have to replace the joints too, but cheap and easy things first!

[Bob98SR5]

i have the same issue too; steering rack bushing replacement did NOTHING to solve the problem.

[JB_96LTD]

i have the same issue too; steering rack bushing replacement did NOTHING to solve the problem.


I wonder if there is a 3rd gen. problem with a sloppy u-joint in the tilt steering area of the steering shaft? Maybe that is where we are feeling the rattle in the wheel?