How much left to right play in steering wheel?

This truck is new to me and I don't drive it much, but every time I do, I find myself concentrating on the steering.

It seems pretty.... Hmm, sloppy? (not sure if that's the right word) but it's not stiff for sure.

Yesterday, after making sure there was 35 psi in all tires, I noticed it has quite a bit of play, left to right, in the steering wheel where nothing happens as you go down the road.

I don't know how normal this is, but I can't imagine the steering is a constant task for you guys?

It does not pull left or right. 2021 with about 20k. Thanks!

 

Hmm.... I wouldn't say that mine has play. Its not stiff or anything but I feel like it stays "true". Have you had a tire rotation or alignment recently?

 

Yea I had had the tires balanced and rotated... Drove the same. No change. So had an alignment and they didn't even charge me, as they didn't adjust anything, said it was right on.

 

Hmmm.... that's as far as my limited knowledge goes. I'm curious what other folks suggest.

 

What size tires are you running?

 

If your alignment is correct then it would be the tires. Very strange they didn't charge you. If they did check the alignment then there would have been a charge regardless if it was in spec or not. A caster setting that is too negative will cause the a darting issue.
Also is the truck completely stock? Aftermarket rims, lifts and tires can all change the driving characteristics.

 

Your tie rod ends might be worn.

When I bought my truck it felt really sloppy, and I replaced the inner and outer tie rod ends. I also replaced the ball joints as well. Once I did all that the car drove real tight.

20k miles is really early for any of those items to wear out though.

 

Very unlikely, 2021 with 20K on it. I've change alot of front end parts on Tundras but none had 20K on them. All were well over 100k.

 

Can you do a video of movement? It's a very subjective thing since what is a quite a bit of play to one person could be barely nothing to another person.

On that note though, mine has small amount of play since it was new. Never really overthought it.

 

Everything is stock, tires are in great shape... Probably at least 80% tread left

 

It's a local shop that we spend a lot of money at. They are super honest and good people. It took about 10 minutes to check everything and nothing had to be adjusted, the owner shook my hand and said come see me when you need tires or something fixed.

Everything is stock and appears to be in great shape.

 

Stock

 

Yea.. I sure can. I don't drive it often, and to be honest, I've never had a new vehicle like this. I bought an 89 Toyota pickup in high school and spend 12-14 hrs a day in a charger or Rav4 for work.

The Rav4 has a very tight / immediately responsive steering. Obviously the Carger isn't comparing apples to apples, but when it's not in the shop, the steering is really tight and responsive on it too.

As new as this Tundra is, I expected it to be similar. I just keep thinking there is no way people aren't asking about this is everyone else's truck is the same!? The 1989 doesn't ride as nice! Lol but the steering is probably a bit better!

 

I would suspect the caster is out. Some techs don't want to do an adjustment which is done at the lower control arms. The bolts tend to sieze so they shy away from it and just set the toe. Yours should be fine because of the year and mileage. I would go to a shop that specializes in alignments and have it check. If the alignment is out pay to have it done then Toyota Corp will reimburse you.

 

The steering is never going to feel like the Rav4. Go down to the dealership and test drive another Tundra to make sure it's not a "normal" thing your feeling for a Tundra.

 

Good idea. My neighbor has a 2020, I'll go borrow it for a short spin.

I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

There you go. That will give you a baseline to see if it's yours specific or just characteristic.

 

FYI, I can drive my Lexus through the one bay at Lexus dealership, and the lasers will provide an alignment print out in about 2min.. no charge whatsoever.. I’ve spent some money there over the years but tech has improved immensely to the point where you don’t need “an hour” to check alignment on a vehicle

 

They can't read your caster which is responsible for straight line stability. They are also refered to as an alignment check because they are limited on what they can read. Also most dealerships and repair facilities will charge a fee for the service. Nice that your Lexus dealer offers it for free.