Why is my truck starting to wander on the road??

I did replace the intermediate shaft (at least I think that is what it was called—it’s the part with the u joint above the rack and below the steering wheel) a few years ago with an aftermarket. So that was the first thing I checked. I didn’t see any movement in the joint. I don’t see any movement at the tie rod ends. What else would cause the wandering? Are there any known problems with this?

The wandering started about 2 months ago, and it’s just getting annoying.

 

* worn out ball joints,
*Worn out rack,
*Could just be the tie rod end on the end of the rack.
*Front end out of alignment
Did You put on big wide tires?
Did you recently lift the vehicle?

 

No big tires. My truck is about as stock as you can get.

How do you check for worn out ball joints or rack?

 

Jack up the front and start wiggling everything to look for loose components yet?

 

yes I did. That’s the part that’s confusing me. I didn’t see anything with play in it.

 

How's the tire condition?

 

Probably just need an alignment.

 

Tires have less than 5k on them.

 

Start with this...........a 4 wheel alignment isnt that expensive in the scheme of things and it really cant hurt even if that isnt the issue. At least that way you will be able to eliminate alignment as the culprit.
The alignment shop can also make a better assessment of any loose or worn out joints in the front end as well.

Ive seen some pretty small things in the road knock front ends out of alignment.

 

While I wouldn’t initially suspect a ball joint.
I find using a big pry bar under the tire works MUCH better than the “grab and shake” method.
The grab and shake just doesn’t work well on the Tacoma. If you feel play when doing it that way, it worn out. Really worn and needs fixed ASAP.

 

Maybe it just wants you to take it on a vacation? ;-)

 

the problem stems at home

you are not getting quality sleep

when was the last time you replaced your mattress and or pillows??






dont blame your truck for your personal problems

 

Lol, that is a problem. But the truck has the problem on my good days too.

 

Mine wanders a bit at highway speeds approaching 70 or above, requiring subtle/minor, intermittant steering corrections. It to disappears at/under 65 mph or so. My tires show completely even wear across the tread. (Tires have about 15,000 miles on them) That doesn't mean the alignment isn't off, but I attribute it to the complex front 4wd set-up and the "unknown brand-name tires". I also adjusted the tire pressure from 35 to 30 (cold) and it seemed to help. YMMV

 

I jacked the front end up again. The ball joints seem very tight-no movement that I could see. I used the pry bar method. Also did not see any movement that would suggest that the wheel bearings are an issue, nor have I heard any type of noise typical of bad wheel bearings.

Truck has 141k on it. I’ve had it since 30k on the meter. It hasn’t been romped or beat on.

 

Have someone sit in the driver seat, truck off but key on so the steering wheel can move, Then have them move the wheel pretty forcibly left and right 1/4 turn from center. Put your hands around the outer tie rod connection and feel for subtle play. Do the same for the inner joint (you will have to pull the boot, use a big zip tie to replace the oetiker clamp on the inner boot). Next feel the rack itself where the shaft comes in from the steering wheel.

 

ok, thanks for the tip. I will try that next.

 

Update.

it was the u joint in the intermediate shaft. I did the all balls u joint mod and all is well.

 

…. to get to the other side

 

Good job. I did that, too. Now don’t forget to grease it every oil change. Just like the rest of your drive line.