2001 Steering & alignment - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

selpaw · 04-17-2011, 10:11 AM

My 2001 w/ 188000 miles has a steering quirk. After I do a 90 degree right turn, the car will have a tendency to veer to the right. With a 90 degree left turn it will veer to the left. If I drive on a straight road for several miles it will eventually run straight. At that point it drives great. Any answers

***TrailDust*** · 04-17-2011, 03:26 PM

Check with your mechanic, but I think it could be an issue commonly called "memory steer," which is when the steering wheel and wheels want to return to a position other than center. This may cause a steering pull or drift to one side after turning. Some of the causes could be misalignment or improper installation of tie rod ends, an unbalanced power assist, binding in the ball joints, binding in upper strut mounts, or maybe binding in the steering linkage. Again, unless you're comfortable working on steering issues I'd consult your mechanic.

buchaja · 04-17-2011, 04:59 PM

I have the exact same condition but pulling in the opposite direction in my '03.

My alignment is good. And, I have less than 35k miles on the car. This is a known problem, with TSB issued. I cannot find the TSB related to our vehicles, but a recent internet search revealed one for the later model Tacoma.

I posted about it earlier but didn't get any replies, so I guess it's not too common.

If it helps, I also have new struts, strut mounts, and tires. Please post if anyone resolves - or has resolved - this issue.

fourwheeler · 04-26-2011, 02:49 PM

I had this issue once and it was resolved by replacing the front strut mounts. The strut mount bearings were bad and would not allow the car to return to center after turning. With you just replacing your strut mounts I'm at a loss for suggestions.

selpaw · 05-19-2011, 06:59 AM

As it turned out, my problems were caused by new, but defective front strut mounts. Once new ones were installed problems went away.