steering jolts off-road ?

[andycook]

when offroading at weekend, noticed jolting in steering system getting worse.
its not a ball-joint, as checked and repalced all of these (tie-rod ends, pitman arm, idler arm, steering damper, wishbone ball joints).
I have also tried tightening the steering box via top adjustment screw.

its when you are driving over rough rocky ground, you can feel and hear a jolting/knocking through steering wheel as the wheels get pulled to each side by the terrain.
Steering freeplay doesnt seem that bad, and wheels turn pretty much as soon as i turn the wheel.

steering box seems secure to the chassis.

any ideas what could be causing this? as Im sure its not normal!.

[TonyN]

Sounds like you've replaced most of the usually culprits, check your wheel bearings, anti roll bars and also check nothing else is loose like the exhaust rattling or something hitting the steering system or column.

Check the rubber doughnut on the lower column isn't loose as well.

[andycook]

doughnut! youre making me hungry!

where is this doughnut?

how much play is normal in the steering box-to-column shaft ?
as there doesnt seem to be a bushing in the firewall ?
just a rubber bellows and there is quite a bit of movement here.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Is the nut holding your steering wheel on, tight?

[andycook]

yes, as i had the steering wheel off last year, and problem was there before and after

[Greebo]

U.J.'s at bottom of steering column?

[Ptarmigan]

Too much Caster angle?

Just my 2-centavos but too much caster on the front wheels could cause this effect. Does the steering strongly self-centre on asphalt and/or feel a bit heavy? If so maybe think about backing off the castor a bit.

Good luck,
Jon

[Bogus]

Just my 2-centavos but too much caster on the front wheels could cause this effect. Does the steering strongly self-centre on asphalt and/or feel a bit heavy? If so maybe think about backing off the castor a bit.

Good luck,
Jon

This post originated in 2006, hes probably fixed it by now, or even got rid of the 4 runner and got a Colorado.

Bogus