My 98 4runner wanders agressively over bumbs or crossing intersections/bridges?

Hollis · 21 Jul 2010, 06:45 pm

I bought my 98 4 runner, 4 wheel drive, limited 6 cyl with 103,000 miles on it--now have 172.000. As long as I can remember the steering has been unstable over bumps, humps, bridges or intersection dips, etc. I guess the best way to describe it is it's like the front wheels feel as if they're fighting each other like one wants to pull in, the other out. So, what your left with is a truck that wanders or full truck sway--which is a little scary at moments at highway speeds, especially if the rear is loaded or while towing. Front tie rods are good and I keep up otherwise on my maintenance. I had a 4 wheel drive specialist shop look into it and they said I need a new steering rack--which was a spendy quote at around $900 to have done. One of the mechanics said his wife's 4runner did the same and he did a band aid fix by replacing bushings? So, I had them do that, at a fraction of the rack replacement. Conditions improved but still noticeable, and have worsened with time/mileage. Is a steering rack a common replacement on 4 runners around 98? The truck is very poor on road trips and frustration builds with each drive. It still runs great so I want to keep the truck. I do some off roading, mostly while hunting, fishing or camping but otherwise this is my daily driver, all stock. Any help or suggestions is appreciated.

Toyota Obsession · 21 Jul 2010, 06:55 pm

You're going to have to buck up and buy the Rack and Pinion.

Also look into getting a Rancho steering damper. That should help with some of the bumpsteer you're seeing.

I would say at the mileage you're at, it's probably not necessarily uncommon, but it's sooner than it should need to be replaced.

Make sure you get one with a lifetime warranty. While you would have to pay for the labor again, you wouldn't have to buy the part a second time.

Also if you Google that Recall it doesn't affect the 1998 Model years and didn't affect the 4WD ones at all. It only affected the 2WD models and was limited to the rear suspension. It wouldn't be causing the problems you have witnessed.

http://www.allworldauto.com/recalls/...call_9204.html

John Doe · 21 Jul 2010, 06:58 pm

Check your shock absorbers.

A seized shock would cause unstable driving over bumpy road conditions.

My 98 4runner wanders agressively over bumbs or crossing intersections/bridges?

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