Steering Issue: What does this sound like to you?

I have a 2016 Tundra with 102K miles.

At about 60K, I noticed when I steered hard right in a parking garage, i'd feel something in the steering "catch". At first I thought this was a suspension issue, but it is largely felt only in the steering wheel.

Since then, the problem has gotten slowly worse. Now I don't necessary need to turn hard right. I can occasionally feel this on moderate right and left turns at low to medium speed.

Took it to toyota dealer, tech said it feels like either the steering column (expensive) or the u-joint at the bottom of the column (cheaper).

Has anyone had a similar issue? Any other ideas as to what this could be?

I really don't want to throw money at parts to try to eliminate the issue.

Thank you!

 

From what I've read about these trucks, I would suspect the steering rack is going south. Do a search for threads relating to steering rack failures to get an idea of the symptoms.

 

Sounds to me like the rag joint (aka u joint). Easy enough to check it for play by hand while it’s still on the truck and pull it off if necessary.