2020 Toyota Tacoma Steering Rack Issues: Symptoms and Fixes

How to Fix Steering Rack Issues

Experiencing steering problems with your 2020 Toyota Tacoma can be frustrating. Some owners have reported issues ranging from stiffness to unusual noises. As one owner shared, "I'd say, try it, and if you have a hard time steering, then turn it off. Unfortunately this is where having 4hi/lo doesn't shine, and AWD vehicles take the cake." (source) This guide will help you diagnose and potentially fix steering rack issues based on real owner experiences.

Symptoms

Several symptoms can indicate a problem with your truck's steering rack. Owners have reported a variety of issues, so it's important to pay close attention to how your vehicle is behaving. Identifying the specific symptoms you're experiencing is the first step in diagnosing the problem.

One common symptom is intermittent stiffness in the steering wheel. This can manifest as difficulty turning the wheel at certain times or under certain conditions. You might notice it more when making sharp turns, parking, or driving at low speeds. The stiffness can come and go, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause.

Another symptom owners have described is a groaning noise coming from the steering area. This noise may be more pronounced when turning the steering wheel, especially at lower speeds. The groaning could indicate a lack of lubrication, worn components, or internal damage within the steering rack.

In some cases, owners have also reported a "piston slap" noise, which could be related to internal issues within the steering system or even other engine components. While "piston slap" is more commonly associated with engine problems, unusual noises in the front end warrant careful inspection of the steering system. It is important to properly identify the origin and nature of the noise.

Finally, keep an eye out for any visible signs of leakage, such as reddish fluid near the steering rack or on the ground beneath your truck. A leak could indicate a failing seal or a damaged component within the steering system. Any fluid loss can lead to reduced steering performance and potential damage to other parts of the system.

Most Likely Cause

Based on owner reports and the available data, a potential cause of steering issues in the 2020 Toyota Tacoma is a failing o-ring within the steering system. While the data does not explicitly link o-rings to all the symptoms described, o-rings are critical sealing components within the steering rack and related hydraulic systems.

The o-ring's primary function is to create a tight seal, preventing fluid leakage and maintaining pressure within the steering system. Over time, o-rings can degrade due to age, heat, and exposure to chemicals. When an o-ring fails, it can lead to fluid leaks, reduced pressure, and compromised steering performance.

Fluid leaks caused by a failing o-ring can lead to a decrease in power steering fluid levels. This can result in stiffness in the steering wheel, especially at low speeds, as the system struggles to provide adequate hydraulic assistance. The groaning noise reported by some owners could also be attributed to a lack of lubrication due to fluid loss from a leaking o-ring.

It's important to note that diagnosing steering issues can be complex, and multiple factors can contribute to the problem. While a failing o-ring is a plausible cause based on the available information, it's essential to consider other potential issues and conduct a thorough inspection of the entire steering system.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing a steering rack issue in your truck requires a systematic approach. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Visual Inspection: Begin by visually inspecting the steering rack and surrounding components for any signs of leakage. Look for reddish fluid around the steering rack, hoses, and connections. Also, check the power steering fluid reservoir for low fluid levels.

2. Fluid Level Check: Verify the power steering fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid level is low, refill it to the proper level and monitor for any further fluid loss. Keep in mind that consistently low fluid levels are a strong indicator of a leak.

3. Steering Wheel Play: Check for excessive play in the steering wheel. With the engine running, gently rock the steering wheel back and forth. If there is significant free play before the wheels start to turn, it could indicate a problem with the steering rack or other steering components.

4. Listen for Noises: Pay attention to any unusual noises coming from the steering area while turning the steering wheel. Groaning, whining, or clicking sounds can indicate a problem with the steering rack, power steering pump, or other related components.

5. Check for Stiffness: Evaluate the ease of turning the steering wheel at different speeds. If the steering feels stiff or requires excessive effort, especially at low speeds, it could be due to a failing power steering pump, a leak in the system, or a problem within the steering rack itself.

6. Tool Requirements:

   • Jack and jack stands
   • Wheel chocks
   • Wrenches and sockets (metric)
   • Screwdrivers
   • Pliers
   • Power steering fluid
   • Gloves
   • Safety glasses

Step-by-Step Fix

Based on owner reports and general automotive knowledge, here's a step-by-step guide to potentially address steering rack issues related to a failing o-ring (Note: While not explicitly mentioned, replacing potentially degraded o-rings is a logical step to prevent leaks):

1. Gather Supplies: Obtain replacement o-rings that are compatible with your truck's steering system. Make sure to get the correct size and material for the application. Power steering fluid will also be needed.

2. Prepare the Vehicle: Park your truck on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels. Use a jack to lift the front of the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Remove the front wheels for better access to the steering rack.

3. Locate the Steering Rack: The steering rack is typically located behind the front axle, near the center of the vehicle. Identify the connections and hoses leading to the steering rack.

4. Disconnect Hoses: Carefully disconnect the power steering hoses from the steering rack. Have a container ready to catch any fluid that spills out. Note the orientation of the hoses for proper reinstallation.

5. Remove the Steering Rack: Depending on your truck's configuration, you may need to disconnect other components, such as tie rod ends or sway bar links, to fully remove the steering rack. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific vehicle model. As one owner shared: "The steering rack may be the most involved, but the picture they provided looks like a load of shit to me." (source)

6. Identify and Replace O-rings: Once the steering rack is removed, carefully inspect the connections and fittings for any o-rings. Remove the old o-rings and replace them with new ones. Ensure that the o-rings are properly seated and lubricated before reassembling the connections.

7. Reinstall the Steering Rack: Reinstall the steering rack in the reverse order of removal. Ensure that all connections are properly tightened and secured.

8. Reconnect Hoses: Reconnect the power steering hoses to the steering rack, ensuring that they are properly oriented and tightened.

9. Bleed the System: After reassembling the steering system, it's essential to bleed the air from the system. This typically involves turning the steering wheel from lock to lock several times while monitoring the power steering fluid level. Add fluid as needed until the system is fully bled.

10. Test Drive: Lower the vehicle and take it for a test drive. Pay attention to the steering feel and listen for any unusual noises. If the steering feels normal and there are no leaks, the repair was successful.

Parts and Tools Needed

• Replacement o-rings (specific to the steering rack connections)
• Power steering fluid
• Jack and jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Wrenches and sockets (metric)
• Screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Drain pan
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

While specific part numbers for the o-rings were not provided in the owner data, it is crucial to obtain the correct o-rings that are designed for use with power steering fluid to ensure proper sealing and compatibility.

Real Owner Costs

Based on the available owner reports, specific costs related to steering rack repair were not explicitly detailed. However, it's possible to estimate the potential costs based on general automotive repair practices.

DIY Repair:

• Replacement o-rings: $5 - $20 (depending on the number and type of o-rings needed)
• Power steering fluid: $10 - $20

Total DIY cost: $15 - $40

Professional Repair:

• Steering rack replacement (if necessary): $500 - $1500 (including parts and labor)
• Labor for o-ring replacement: $100 - $300
• Power steering fluid: $20 - $40

Total professional cost: $620 - $1840

One owner commented, "Pretty much every single one of those can be done by you in a reasonable amount of time for a fraction of the cost. You've said you've done your own brakes before." (source) This suggests that DIY repair can save you a significant amount of money if you're comfortable working on your vehicle. However, a different owner also states "Which means you are at least mechanically inclined enough to do all of these. The steering rack may be the most involved, but the picture they provided looks like a load of shit to me." (source suggesting the steering rack is for more experienced individuals.

Prevention

Preventing steering rack issues in your 2020 Toyota Tacoma involves regular maintenance and careful driving habits. Here are some tips to help prolong the life of your steering system:

• Regular Fluid Checks: Check the power steering fluid level regularly and top it off as needed. Low fluid levels can lead to increased wear and tear on the steering components.

• Avoid Extreme Steering: Avoid holding the steering wheel at full lock for extended periods, as this can put excessive strain on the power steering pump and steering rack.

• Proper Tire Inflation: Maintain proper tire inflation, as underinflated tires can make the steering system work harder.

• Regular Inspections: Have your steering system inspected regularly by a qualified mechanic. This can help identify potential problems early on before they lead to major repairs.

• Drive Regularly: "Sounds to me like you need to drive your truck more. Letting your truck just sit and not moving the parts around so everything can lubricate is worse than driving it every single day." (source. Allowing your truck to sit for long periods of time can contribute to steering issues.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from TOYOTA owners:

Owner Experiences

"I'd say, try it, and if you have a hard time steering, then turn it off. Unfortunately this is where having 4hi/lo doesn't shine, and AWD vehicles take the cake." — Bagoforganizedvegete (source)

"Easy install, maybe 10-15 min max. https://mesocustoms.com/products/the-steering-wheel-control-fix-kit?srsltid=AfmBOoqQvW1gm2yDqXuPt9aTjrJi8dBqUN6f4kWA0OtzEYvsV1Ut-_LK" — hookes_plasticity (source)

"For those of you that didn’t know this existed, Meso Customs makes a volume control fix. Toyota, for some unknown reason, decided to put the volume up/down on the left and right side, instead of on the top and bottom of the volume control." — hookes_plasticity (source)

Pro Tips from Owners

💡 "Since this is your first 4wd, I think the salesman was trying to impress upon you that it's not AWD, and not to simply leave it turned on. And you should also occasionally (once every month or two) engage/disengage 4H on straightaways a couple times to keep the solenoid from seizing from non-use." — Vuelhering (source)

💡 "Just pop the panel off and see what's going on. All in all, for an 8-9 year old truck, you should be thankful that these are the issues you're dealing with." — EnterByTheNarrowGate (source)

Real Repair Costs

"I just couldn’t justify 9k for the leather seats, sliding back window, larger screen, Bose system, etc. I wanted my truck to be a truck, not a $50k luxury car" — dontmatta (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix a steering rack issue?

A: The time required to fix a steering rack issue can vary depending on the specific problem and your skill level. Replacing o-rings might take a few hours for a DIYer, while a full steering rack replacement could take a professional mechanic several hours.

Q: Can I drive with a steering rack issue?

A: It depends on the severity of the problem. If the steering is stiff or difficult, or if there is excessive play in the steering wheel, it's not safe to drive the vehicle. A fluid leak can also lead to loss of steering assist, making the vehicle unsafe.

Q: Is this a common issue on the 2020 Toyota Tacoma?

A: While steering rack issues can occur on any vehicle, there is no specific data in the provided owner reports to suggest that it's a widespread problem on the 2020 Toyota Tacoma. However, like any mechanical system, the steering rack is subject to wear and tear over time.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended?

A: If you're comfortable working on your vehicle and have some mechanical experience, replacing o-rings might be a manageable DIY project. However, if the problem is more complex or if you're not comfortable working on the steering system, it's best to consult a qualified mechanic. As one owner shares, even if it looks easy "The steering rack may be the most involved" (source.