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Suspension Check | Damaged Steering Rack?

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by LoneStagTX, Dec 25, 2024.

  1. Dec 25, 2024 at 7:09 PM
    #1
    LoneStagTX

    LoneStagTX [OP] New Member

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    Hey y'all. Got an interesting one here. I can't find too much information on this specific situation. Here's my post on Reddit that includes videos of what I'm referencing: POST

    I initially noticed some bump steer in which my steering wheel would move by itself in the direction of uneven pavement or small bumps on the road. No unordinary noises. When doing a quick suspension check, I noticed play in the 9 and 3 o'clock position on both front tires. Moving the tires caused thumping underneath the driver's area. I then noticed the steering wheel moves perfectly in tandem with the tires and the thumping. I've researched the major suspension and steering components, but I can't find a situation where the steering wheel moves with everything else.

    Note that beside the bump steer, I haven't had any noises while driving and no visible issues with the power steering fluid.

    Would love some suggestions or to hear from anyone with a similar experience. Thanks in advance!
     
  2. Dec 26, 2024 at 6:42 AM
    #2
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

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    Is the steering unlocked? You should be able to turn the tires with the steering wheel. If not, it’s locked.
     
  3. Dec 26, 2024 at 7:28 AM
    #3
    LoneStagTX

    LoneStagTX [OP] New Member

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    It is locked. Im guessing that's the thumping I was hearing. FYI... I just learned having both tires jacked up gives you the ability to actually turn the tires (and therefore move the steering wheel). I'm the definition of a beginner trying to learn vehicles and some DIY, so I may have recorded very normal behavior.

    But anyways I'm going to redo the test with only one side lifted and the other tire on the ground. Will update!
     
  4. Dec 26, 2024 at 8:44 AM
    #4
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

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    You gotta start somewhere lol. You’re correct, the clunking was the wheel bouncing on the left/right limits of the lock.

    Be safe when that thing is jacked up in the air! Ok, done with the dad speech. Have fun exploring!
     
    Scarif_1 likes this.
  5. Jan 28, 2025 at 5:41 AM
    #5
    Greg D

    Greg D New Member

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    Check bushings. The newer models have some bad bushings that allow some movement
     
  6. Jan 31, 2025 at 8:26 PM
    #6
    Scarif_1

    Scarif_1 New Member

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    I too misread the clunk as play in a worn inner toe rod. Figured out I was good with a second pair of eyes telling me the steering wheel was moving with the wheels.
     
    Trail Runnah likes this.
  7. Jan 31, 2025 at 11:00 PM
    #7
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

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    Good deal. It’s much better than manually moving the steering angle at the front wheels and then noticing that the steering wheel does NOT turn in response. :eek::D
     
  8. Feb 3, 2025 at 2:37 AM
    #8
    Greg D

    Greg D New Member

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    Check the steering shaft coupler joint to. You definitely need two sets of eyes to check rack bushings. Kind of hard to spot. I don't have enough wear on inner tie rod to clunk yet. Check sway bar bushings and end links.
     
    Scarif_1 likes this.
  9. Feb 3, 2025 at 12:24 PM
    #9
    Trail Runnah

    Trail Runnah New Member

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    Same here. I even took it to a shop, they brought me into the service bay and showed me how everything was good.
     
  10. Feb 4, 2025 at 1:04 AM
    #10
    Greg D

    Greg D New Member

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    There seems to be a little more feedback on my steering than the older generations. I have seen a few pictures of the steering shaft coupler looking pretty bad. Somewhere under battery tray. Probably depends on the environment it's been in if used. On a fluke, make sure your spare is tight and no hitch in receiver to eliminate everything possible. Even if it's new, the attention to detail hasn't been what some 4runner people expect new.
     

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