Lifelongtoy

I have a little too much play in my steering wheel. What causes that? More importantly how can I fix it?

GSGALLANT

Vehicle specifics always help when you're asking a question, but assuming you don't have rack and pinion steering (which I think only came out in 3rd gen 4R's), there's an adjustment on the top of the steering gear box. Loosen the lock nut, turn the adjustment screw clockwise, then re-tighten the lock nut. Do it in steps of 1/4 turn at a time, trying it out in between steps... you don't want to tighten it too much, because your steering wheel will not "self-center" coming out of a turn.

Bejiita

Worn tie rod ends would be my guess? Get it aligned its like 40 bucks :-D

91_4x4runner

What exactly does turning the screw do out of curiousity?

GSGALLANT

It reduces the backlash in the steering gear box.

GSGALLANT

Yeah... check the pitman and idler arms for play also.

Lifelongtoy

Thanks everyone. Getting alignment tomorrow.

Bejiita

And yah what he said about tightening that bolt/screw combo I tried that before on my old truck hoping itd make the steering firmer but after it didnt I learned what it really does.

the_supernerd

I also say check your idler arm. It is common for the bushings to wear in those and cause excessive play. You can rebuild them cheap if you do it yourself.

SwampThing

Yep, like they said check your tie rods pitman and idler arms. Alignment will only do so much if those are shot. Gotta replace mine actually lol...

ToyYoda

Check the power steering gear box pitman arm ball joint (which is permanently attached to the arm). Mine was bad and everything else was fine. I had 6 inches of play in my steering wheel. I drove like I was drunk everywhere I went trying to compensate for all the play fast enough to not drift into another lane or overcorrect and serve. I just bought a new pitman arm and everything is back to normal.