Steering rack or something feels loose???

So I got out there for the first time in my new to me 2012 Off Road. Coming from a 2013 Xterra pro4x I'm definitely pleased with my new truck. That being said the whole time I was out there when the trail got a little rough it felt like my steering rack or something in my suspension was loose. When I gripped the wheel tight the steering wheel didn't shake per-se but it felt like something on the way to the ground wasn't right. Now when I left the trail and drove home I didn't feel anything at all. I even hit as many road bumps and pot holes nad felt nothing weird.

Thoughts?

 

Its normal. There is a u joint ( I believe that's where it's at) in the Steering column that kinda makes it feel loose. It isn't something that's going to break, it's just makes the Steering feel loose. There was a TSB some time ago that Toyota had for it.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/steering-column-rattle-tsb.96634/


There is also a thread on taking care of it yourself.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/steering-column-fix.88077/

 

^^^^What he said^^^^

 

Try this.
Glad i can finally recommend a fix after success on my end. I was dealing with the same issue for a few years until recently.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/steering-column-fix.88077/

 

I really need to do this... drives me nuts every time I drive on a bumpy dirt road.

 

takes 20 minutes, can even be done on lunch break

 

yup, there is a rag joint in the intermediate column that dampens vibrations to the wheel. But there is a lil slop in the center rag joint that creates the sensation you are feeling. 20 minutes and a few zip ties to take up the slack and you are good to go.

My 2013 was the same way,