why my steering wheel is so wobbly when going over rough road or pot holes?

any one has had this issue? Steering wheel doesnt feel solid and feels loose when driving over rough road. i dont think it used to be like that before.
I have read on here about the zip tie fix. could this solve this issue?
I have also read about the steering wheel tsb. I have extended warranty on my truck so hopefully dealer will still honor this.
any ideas is appreciated.


its wobbles a lot when driving on rough road or dirt road

 

Zip tie fix will most likely help. Have you checked your steering rack/ bushings?

 

I only went checked the tie rods. do you have a picture of the steering rack/bushing?

 

If you mean that there is an audible clicking or clunking sound coming from the steering wheel assembly when you hit bumps, the zip tie fix works wonders. I did it two years ago and haven't had a problem since.

If you mean that the vehicle's steering is loose, like you can't control the truck, I'd take it to a shop immediately.

 

Stolen from ttora

 

anyone have a link to the zip tie fix that was mentioned?

 

Steering Column Zip Tie Fix:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/steering-column-fix.88077/

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/steering-wheel-clunk.290853/#post-7294461
Beat me to it.

 

I dont think I hear any clicking or clunking sound. but If I let go of the steering wheel while i drive over humps, then it will either turn to the right or left on its own.

 

That seems relatively normal. Take it to an alignment shop and make sure your caster is up as far as they can get it. In the meantime, keep a hand on the wheel when you're in the rough stuff.

 

oh I see. this is the one that has those tie rods. Where are the bushings?

 

I took it to firestone for allignment 3 times in last 2 weeks. they couldnt get my steering wheel straight. but now it is straight. They also said they couldnt adjust the caster anymore. both sides caster value now is like 3.33

 

Hopefully it's not this....
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/steering-wheel-fell-off.415419/unread

 

I read that article. I hope its not. that would be insane.

 

My guess is a bad wheel bearing or rack bushings getting worn, maybe both. Mine was doing the same when I had my frame swap. I had them replace the rack bushings when they did the frame. After I got it back, the passenger side wheel baring started growling about a week later. I changed it a couple weeks ago and all is good now. Not sure which it was or both causing the wheel chasing problem as you've described.

 

how can I check for a bad wheel bearing? I will check the rack bushings today.

 

Jack up each side, rotate the wheel, listen to see if you can hear a growling noise. Also get ahold of the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock push in and pull each wheel feeling for movement. It's a good idea to do the same at the 3 and 9 o'clock position, usually movement there indicates bad steering components, tie rods, rack problems.

 

ok thank you. I will try that.

 

See related post at:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/steering-wander-lower-control-arm-bushings.419198/

 

Those will need to be replaced if you want it to be repaired correctly. Steering and alignment issues should be handled by a highly skilled technician with the tools to do the job. If you ever find a technician with these qualifications, at a facility with these tools, treat him right.