Ok, so i've got some freeplay in my steering wheel. It has happened once before and the service advisor previously was very willing to help me fix it and he did. However, he is no longer working at the stealer anymore. The freeplay is back and so i went in for an alignment (i needed it anyway) and i figured that they could tighten up what needed to be tightened while the truck was up on the lift. The new service advisor looked up my previous tickets and confirmed that the problem had been fixed there before (loose rack bolt). Before i knew it, truck was on/off the alignment rack and back in the "exit lane" at the service center. I went up to check the freeplay and the advisor insists that this is normal! I know that this is not normal because my buddy's 4runner does not do that. His steering has very little freeplay. His even has more miles and is the same year and make as mine. The tech at the dealer also said that the suspension components weren't worn out.

So after i get home, i crawl under the truck while he moves the wheel back and forth. I can see that the freeplay occurs somewhere before the steering rack. The play is actually coming from inside the steering box. When the steering wheel is moving back and forth, the control arms on either side aren't moving at all. So i know that the freeplay is coming form inside the box.

Anyone know which "bolt" the dealer tightened up the first time? Or is there a bolt i can tighten to reduce freeplay inside the box?

thanks

can't help you, if we don't know what Make, Model and Year your Vehicle is?????

Doh! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />
It's a 2000 limited 2wd

The bolt he's refering to is on top of the steering box. I had a '94 Hilux Surf and had to remove the battery as well as washer fluid bottle. Beneath was a slotted screw held in place with a nut on top of the box. Lift the front end off the ground to release the pressure and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock a couple of times to feel the free play. Next, back off the nut so you're able to turn the screw clockwise to tighten. Don't crank on the screw, just turn it about 1/4 max. and keep the screwdriver on it while you tighten the nut so it doesn't turn as you tighten. Try turning the wheel again, full motion to see if there's a difference. Finally drop the rig and take it for a rip, steering should be much more responsive.

Thanks for the info.

One thing though. You are reffering to a 94 hilux surf. Mine is a year 2000. Is it still the same configuration? I believe they are different generations. Please advise.

thanks

Yes they are different gens, but willing to bet the steering box is similar, if not the same. You can always get a service manual and look under steering free play for your particular model.

Hmm... this fix sounds easy enough. I wonder why the stealer couldn't have just done it and gotten it over with instead of trying to tell me that "the freeplay is normal".
Let me tell you now... its NOT normal! lol

thanks for all ur help. I will try to find the bolt you are referring to.

thanks again

Ok, here are some pics. I can't find the bolt you are refering to. I will post pics of what i see under the hood and underneath where i see the steering box.

These first two are looking down into the hood.





These next two are what i see while underneath.





I cant seem to see what you are talking about based on these pics. Am i looking in the right spot?

thanks

Ya you were right. Didn't realize the steering rack. I had the old style pitman coming out of the box. Anyone with a 3nd gen have any ideas???

Anyone have a service manual here for the 3rd generation that could maybe look this up for me? Money is a little tight for me right now. Otherwise, i would go get my own set of manuals.

thanks