Steering feel...

There is something i don't like about the Tundra and i think i know now. The steering takes too many corrections while driving. It does not return to center by itself after making a turn. I seem to have to turn back to center. It just feels dead.

Its my first electric steering and i don't like it.

any adjustments possible?

 

Have the alignment checked.

-Jason

 

My 10 and my current 18 both did this after lifts. The alignment has to be just right. I think Toyota alignment specs are too wide a range. Mine has gotten closer but I still get fatigued on long trips.

 

It's not just you....
The Tundra has a strange steering feel, not bad, just different I guess. It's better than my last truck, 2002 F250. But still not on par with a modern Ford or Chevy for steering feel and ease of highway driving.

It's most noticeable after I drive our Chevy 3500 at work. Say what you will about Chevy, but most that I have driven in the last 8-10 years always have the best steering feel and road manners.

My Tundra is 3/1 with nice Cooper's, Enkei Wheels, and my local shop is top notch on alignments. The tech understands what I'm saying and what the adjustments actually do. Even after 2 alignments in the last year there's still just something different about it. Yes all components and steering rack is good.

 

my truck is not lifted...

found this on the web....interesting...

http://www.autospeed.com/cms/article.html?&title=Modifying-Electric-Power-Steering&A=111532

 

I could be wrong and often am but I don't think the Tundra has an electric steering system.

I'd head back to the dealer and voice your concerns and see what they'll do for you. Alignment settings can make a huge difference even if they're a little off.

Even with all components good you've still changed the geometry of the suspension

 

Mildly though, with corrected UCAs at that. I have lifted every truck or SUV I've owned mildly or up to 6" on a '98 Ram that I owned years ago. Lift 4runner, F250, Tacoma...

The Tundra just doesn't have the steering feel of any other full size truck, lifted or not.

 

Truck doesn't have electric-assisted power steering, it's still "old school" fluid-assisted

 

Truck steers fine. I’ve taking mine on several thousand mile trips and never once got fatigued by it. This is one of the dumbest complaints I’ve heard about our trucks. I didn’t know your wheel was supposed to automatically correct itself to center. I thought the driver was supposed to keep both hands on the wheel at all times and make the wheel come back to true. I’ve driven fords and chevys and my tundra to me feels the best to me. I guess if you hate your steering wheel so much go get a turd f-150.




Hehe just stirring the pot this morning. I have noticed you do have to make minor adjustments but I’ve always remembered doin that in my trucks. Never really bothered me. Good luck with your issue

 

damn.... need to look for the pump, lol.....so busy installing stereo have not even bothered to check...my apologies....

still feels terrible, lol

 

but at least my stereo Rocks.....lol

 

I like a wheel that self centers with force and I like road feel/feedback. The Tundra is numb/weak in both of those areas. Again, not horrible and not that bad. But in comparison to almost any other vehicle I've driven there is a lot left to be desired.

 

At OP you will get used to it my Rams did it, my Uncles F250 did it and so does my 18 Tundra. I have done road trips in the past with those trucks and one to Connecticut from Kansas City and back with my current Tundra and I haven't been fatigued by it.

 

well, well, well.....

decided to check air pressure and was running around 49psi....door says 30 front and 33 rear (seems it should be reversed). I did 35 all around and problem solved. Can't believe air pressure made such a difference. There goes my gas mileage...lol

really, night and day difference.

this truck is damn near perfect except for the fatal flaw worry....

thanks everyone
eric

 

The larger "stock TSS" 20's door sticker calls for 49 psi....that may be why yours had 49 in them. Judging from your profile pick you have the small stock wheels and yeah, lower air pressure. Delivery inspection failure on dealers part looks like. (assuming your truck is new)

 

I run 45-50psi in my tires. Mushy tires turn like crap.

I agree with consensus, if steering doesn’t feel right it is your alignment

 

yes, stock 18's.....I increased pressure a while back looking for better mileage....the truck did not like it...

bad on me...TRD rear sway bar ordered today also...