[question]Ball joints and steering linkage

[Albannach]

If you haven't had the steering recall done and your truck is on the list then Toyota main dealer will replace this free of charge and adjust wheel camber and toe, tracking.

The recall is a solid bar, there are 4 balljoints connected to the bar or the hub (6 if you count the steering box and idler, but the OP states both of those are new). I can't remember any bushes, the OP clearly states worn bushes in his first post.

[Albannach]

Anyway, I think the OP is wrong. He has worn Track rod ends, not worn bushes.

[dieselboy]

If you haven't had the steering recall done and your truck is on the list then Toyota main dealer will replace this free of charge and adjust wheel camber and toe, tracking.

OOhh I forgot all about that! I remember reading the steering recall is something to do with some steering component cracking - is it the main steering rod that Toyota replace?

Where, exactly, are the bushes you think are worn? I don't recall any bushes (other than the ones in the idler arm and steering box), I was asking for clarification.

You are getting to be an arsey little boy lately...

Andy, follow these steps: 1: Take a deep breath, 2: blink a few times, 3: if you really want to then read the post #1 again. I havent been arsey (until now) but this <- is said in jest!

To be honest may be I havent been clear so I apologise. In short this steering component:
http://www.roughtrax4x4.com/?doc=16&cid=157&vid=1591
is where all the track rods and steering bits bolt to and this connects the left to the right side of the steering together and then to the steering box. Where all of those pieces connect to (on the holes of that rod) there are rubber bushings. It is these parts on my truck which look like they have seen better days and if I'm honest seem to be flapping about. The track rods are new. I also had these replaced not that long ago when they were siezed and I needed tracking doing.

If, as previously said, that the steering recall replaces this part then I can visit Toyota to have this replaced for free as I do not think it has been done already - no yellow markings on that part or in engine bay area.

[dieselboy]

Anyway, I think the OP is wrong. He has worn Track rod ends, not worn bushes.

[dieselboy]

Toyota have got back to me and explained Toyota Japan have on their records that my vehicle has already had the defective part replaced whilst living in Japan.

So for this rod below, is there an exploded diagram which lists the individual part numbers for the connecting pieces to this rod?
Am I barking up the wrong tree?

[Albannach]

You're barking up the wrong tree. There are no bushes on that link rod.
The inner track rods connect to the end of the rod, the pitman arm and stering idler connect to the inner holes and the steering damper connects to the lug. No bushes anywhere.

[dieselboy]

I managed to find out that it's apparently a taper which takes up the slack.
I'm trying to understand why it seems I have play in those joints / connections.

[Albannach]

The taper doesn't take up any slack, they are taper fittings. As I said before, if you have play, the track rod ends are worn.

[dieselboy]

The taper doesn't take up any slack, they are taper fittings. As I said before, if you have play, the track rod ends are worn.

I understand what you are saying, so dont get me wrong I don't know the ins and outs like you do, however I cannot understand how worn track rods could appear to effect every connection to the main steering rod. Even the connection to the steering box.

[Albannach]

I understand what you are saying, so dont get me wrong I don't know the ins and outs like you do, however I cannot understand how worn track rods could appear to effect every connection to the main steering rod. Even the connection to the steering box.

They're either all worn or not tightened up properly. You say a lot of parts around there were replaced recently. Who fitted them?

[dieselboy]

If there is no bushes then what would it be thats worn.

And fitted by two garages.

cheers

[Albannach]

If the only things that can be worn are the track rod ends or the swivel joints on the pitman arm and idler. But it's unlikely that they are all worn. It's equally unlikely that they are all lose.

I'd get someone else to look at them PDQ, are there any forum members near you?

[dieselboy]

Not really I don't think.
Although I KNOW the ball joints need looking into so I'm having all 4 replaced this Saturday. (I tried for last Saturday but there was a problem with alcohol )

How much play should there be in those linkages?

Put it like this, If I jack one wheel off the ground and grab it left to right, the main steering arm can be seen rotating up and down apprx 20 to 40 degrees.

The mechanics I've asked to look into it for me have told me it drives the way it does because of the big tyres. To which I say they are wrong because when I first had the tyres fitted it still drove like a new motor, apart from the tram lining in the 1st lane of the motorway occasionally.

Again, thanks.

[Albannach]

How much play should there be in those linkages?

None

Put it like this, If I jack one wheel off the ground and grab it left to right, the main steering arm can be seen rotating up and down apprx 20 to 40 degrees.

Does it do this rotating no matter what side you jack up? Also, is it rotating or moving up and down, or is it moving up and down whilst rotating?

Bigger tyres will accentuate any faults and wear things out quicker.

[dieselboy]

Have only noticed when I was checking the ball joints so only tried one side.
Its moving up and down. Imagine saying yes by nodding your head, it's this sort of movement but the bar is lengthways on the truck so when looking from the side it looks like its rotating - if that makes sense.
The whole linkages isnt moving up and down though. If it's moving at all then its along the direction of travel.