Steering feels heavy after new rack installed

After an OME lift and tires the tire shop said I needed a new rack and pinion in order to do alignment. So my mechanic who has done most of the work to my truck even back when he was a Toyota dealership head mechanic put in a new rack, and lower balls joints. So, I know i need the alignment but would that cause the steering wheel to feel a bit stiff and not return with out assistance. Steering pump is not whining and fluid looks clean and at correct level. The only thing I can think is that the pump is weak and lack of correct pressure isn't sufficient to actuate the new rack. Or, a good alignment might cure it. Any input would be appreciated. I might go to the dealership today and have them trouble shoot it since it's Saturday and they are open. I'm kind of in a pinch for time.

 

A alignment will cause all that. Report back after alignment.

 

Mine felt a little stiff after all new parts too, an alignment might help the self centering thing, but that “tight” feeling is just your parts that aren’t eorn out, lol.

 

I decided to just hold off on going to the dealer for a quick check and see how it feels after alignment. I hope it is just new parts not worn in yet and an off alignment, that would be the best outcome $$. Thx for your input.

 

great to hear, will do thx!

 

Toyota OEM Rack?

 

If alignment doesn't resolve the issue, and you are still concerned, take a look at this video about the rack guide adjustment procedure.

https://youtu.be/r4Hhl225E8A

 

One of my favorite youtube channels. thx

 

He’s a member here. @Timmah! is a great guy, super helpful.

 

Since the rack is brand new, I'm suspecting that the steering shaft might have some additional tension on it. This is super common when guys install body lifts. They lock the upper and lower pinch bolts first for each side of the rag joint and then join the two halves with the two bolts and nuts. If there was just the slightest gap between the two halves, joining them together with the bolts ends up pulling tension on the shaft and your steering will feel really tight. The way to correct this to first loosen the upper pinch bolt for the upper half of the rag joint. This will allow the steering shaft to reset and return to a neutral position (no tension on it). Tighten the pinch bolt and take your rig for a short drive in your neighborhood and see if the steering if feeling normal now. If it isn't, try loosening the both the upper and lower pinch bolts and tap on the rag joint with a plastic mallet to try to get it to release tension on the steering shaft. You just want to make sure you have plenty of spline engagement on the lower rag joint half that slides onto the steering rack. You wouldn't want the rag joint to slide way up on the steering shaft with it barely engaged with the male splines of the steering rack. That would be very dangerous. It's my guess this is your problem and you can fix it in a matter of a few minutes.

 

+1 I don't know how tight it is, but I noticed this too. To me, it's an improvement because on the freeway at higher speeds, now the truck will resist bump steer and be more stable. Although it is a little bit more work. I always noticed this with new vs old bearings too. At first it seems counter-intuitive, feeling like there's more resistance, but it's because they're full of grease and not all sloppy-loose.

 

Thanks for your input, much appreciated. My wife took it for alignment and I haven't got the chance to drive it yet as I came down with the wicked flew. Off to Japan in a few days so I might not get the chance to mess with it. Do you have any videos on this one?

 

I did get a chance to drive it and it did improve. Truck drives straight and the steering wheel is straight as well. She wanders a bit and but not bad. When the topper, RTT, frig, and camp gear are loaded it will be interesting to see how that influences everything. I feel decreasing the rake will loosen up the steering a bit as well.

 

Update. Replaced high pressure power steering hose. Now she drives like she used to, When turning a corner in a parking lot or similar the steering wheel returns back on it's own where before it was sticky and needed assistance. My wife noticed the steering was getting pretty bad as she had been just doing around town runs to keep the truck active while I'm in Japan for 6 months. She went looking and found some fluid dripping. I had her just take it to the dealer since she can walk or throw bike in and ride home. It turns out the power steering high pressure hose was the problem. I asked the tech over the phone what his take was on replacing power steering pump and he said it seemed fine and not a problem. I also had a transmission hose coming from radiator replaced. Grand total for both was 1500. I'm glad I'm working. These trucks are "a rich mans sport" as my wife would put it.

 

oops, sorry I didn't see this. Answer is no, not OEM. I was OEM on everything but can't say that now. I assumed OEM was going in since my mechanic always uses OEM. Not sure why he chose this rack but my first thoughts were, "should have put in OEM" Not home right now and I can't remember what went in.