Hilux Solid Axle Streering Problems

[unbreakable]

Has anyone found that after a bash in the bush, their steering isn't centred when they get back onto the hard stuff?

I took my 95 hilux for a spin this arvo and found that when i was back on the black stuff my steering wheel was rotated about 45 degrees to the left.

I had a look under the truck when i got home and nothing was loose.

Any feedback or comments would be appreciated.

[sierrajim]

Has anyone found that after a bash in the bush, their steering isn't centred when they get back onto the hard stuff?

I took my 95 hilux for a spin this arvo and found that when i was back on the black stuff my steering wheel was rotated about 45 degrees to the left.

I had a look under the truck when i got home and nothing was loose.

Any feedback or comments would be appreciated.

Mine has done the same a couple of weeks ago after a reasonably hard hit into a hole. Still haven't had a chance to see what it is. Thinking possibly a bent J arm. Still drives straight, steering wheel is not centred.

[MissDrew]

Yeah used to get that.
All sorts of things can cause it

Bent tie rod arm
twisted out put shaft on box
Worn tie rod ends
The ball on the J arm is more then likely worn so it allows it all to move.
The J arm might have a hair line crack i it, this is very common if used hard.

[Sic Lux]

Common as also look at the end of your pitman arm there the ball is pressed in they tend to have a habbit of workin loose not alot you can do for it apart from buy another one also j arm balls are the same.
With the steering wheel being off center if you get the wheel alingment done every 5 to 10 thousand K's just pull the wheel off and move it on the splines. If it has had a big hit best to get it checked over properly

[unbreakable]

I think it may have done the damage at a steep creek crossing. At the bottom of the creek someone had got stuck and trying to dig their way out, created a deep rut. I only noticed the rut under water when the right hand side dipped down quite quickly.

Thanks for the info gents. I'll have a good look on the weekend.

[sierrajim]

I'd already had my J arm ball replaced. This caused almost a 1/4 turn or free play in the steering.

[unbreakable]

On the way to work this morning I noticed that the steering wheel had centred itself back to where it should be. I have no idea how or why!

[madmont]

I had that going on for a while. Turned out to be rear axle was not located too good . The pin on the spring had gouged out the perch so I fixed it. Put a mark on the spring and the perch and see if they move at all

[unbreakable]

I just don't understand how it corrected itself overnight!

[sierrajim]

I just don't understand how it corrected itself overnight!

You might have loose balls.

The J arm and Pitman have the pressed in balls that come loose, they can be reco'd/replaced. before mine became loose enough to cause freeplay the wheel would occasionally go out.

[unbreakable]

Have you been talking to my doctor sierrajim! hehehe

Seriously though, thanks for the advice, i'll have a look tonight and let you know.

cheers

skye