Steering not returning to center

2000 tundras steering wheel not returning to center can anyone help. Feel stiff at times no signs of damage or leaks

 

That's an indicator that your lower ball joints could be getting ready to fail.

My 2000 tried to tell me that it needed some attention and I didn't listen closely enough.

Trust me when I tell you that you want to replace them BEFORE they go, not after.

 

Kachow!!!

 

Have you changed anything in the suspension recently? Lift? New tires? Replaced parts?

 

Big maintenance item which you should never use aftermarket parts for. Ultra common failure. Major damage when fail happens. Hundreds of pictures on this forum of people who thought they knew better, their brand was better, or the warning to use OEM was bullshit. If you need part numbers let us know, and you should know the test for bad LBJ is not always conclusive but not difficult. I would NOT drive the truck, even slowly (that’s when failures happen most; slow turns) ‘til you determine if LBJs are the source.

 

This fixed ours

https://youtu.be/IKpalQD-RxU?si=Gm1m7Pt6XjA4-ofv

 

You need to replace your steering shaft seal if you haven't already. That thing is wrecked. It's a cheap part, and there's a sticky thread at the top of the 1st Gen forum showing the p/n and process.

 

I just hit the joints with PB Blaster works fine last a long time.

 

No, I mean your steering shaft seal is absolutley fucked, rubber is totally blown out, and it introduces road/engine noise, potentially water, and smells. See pic below.

Totally normal in these trucks, it's one of a laundry list of common issues covered in the community megathread. More specific details on the seal issue and replacement here: https://www.tundras.com/threads/diy-steering-shaft-seal.48664/

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Not my video but helped me fix my issue after steering rack bushing replacement and total flush & clean of power steering system.

 

That's actually the noise it made, but way louder.

Sounded and felt like someone hit me, but there was no cars close. Kinda' surreal for a moment while my brain tried to figure WTF just happened.

 

I can ditto everything stated above about LBJs; mine [01 taco] exhibited same behavior/symptom day before. I actually drove 30 frwy miles and 6 street miles when it happened making a slow rt turn in a low traffic area- very f-n lucky nobody nearby. Result exactly like SDsurfer. Irony was that it happened 50' past a small mechanics shop. He heard it, came out and knew exactly what it was. Was able to bring out a couple a wheel dollies and a rolling hydraulic jack. I limped it in reverse up 50' of street to his dr/way and he went towork w/his best BFH & drift pin and had the joint out in 10 mins; nearby Toy dealer had replacements and fasteners to him in 45 mins. Had both sides torqued and tires mounted in little over 90 mins after parts showed up. $300 including parts....AND best part: mechanic spoke only Spanish, but knew his Toyota trucks.
Worth repeating: get it done now and only w/Toyota parts.