I was a Mechanic all my life and I think your a really good mechanic. I wish you were in Pa..

It's great to have you back, Eric. I find it sad that junkyards crush their vehicles so quickly, with less access to the 'pic a part' theme of an older generation. In the old days that part would have been easy to find.

Thanks Eric, I just had this happen on my 03 with over 200k on it, for now lubing that joint did the trick, but the long run will eventually catch up....

Big Love Eric! Your videos bring me such joy

2005 4-runner in the shop with the same issues 211K miles. Started with steering pump (not it). Now they are onto the lower steering shaft coupler but having a hard time getting it off. Will let you know and thanks for sharing. Had them check out the rag joint as well because of your video. Also helps me justify hiring someone to deal with this one. Thanks!

Thanks! Hope we have you here in the philippines! Proud 1994 4runner Owner here!

Your honesty is what its all about.

Sweet! Good to see these videos back again.

Hi Eric, Out here in new zealand we used to have a similar problem with the YH50/LH50 series Toyota Hiaces. the joint was exposed just below the grill panel on the front van. there was never a problem with the upper one as its protected inside the van.

05 Taco 240,K Mi just started steering freeze. Gotta a recall for the Propeller Shaft...will have them replace this while it's there. Thanks for heads up Eric!

I worked in the parts department at a Toyota dealership and it's extremely common for those intermediate shafts to go on Tacomas, 4Runners, and some Tundras.

I have had an intermittent problem for months on my Fj. Nobody can find out why the steering is tight and wont recover after taking corners, then it may go away for a day or two. I'm going to go check this shaft out today. I hope this is the problem!!

thanks Eric for this full and detailed video.. i had a leak in the steering gear box and went to a shop and they fixed it by installing the repair kit from toyota which i believe has the seals and what not.. But then had to take the car to an alignment shop where they found that the steering wheel was way off and they had to take the steering wheel off and correct it's position and then correct the alighment since the car was leaning to the right side.. is the above procedures correct?

Appreciate the difficult camera shots just to show us. Good job!!

Eric you are the real car guy. Thanks bro you are helping the masses.

Thanks for the video. The problem im having is the mechanic that replaced my rack didnt align the steering wheel and put together it backwards. Not taking it back since he took several months to replace the rack.

Doing the same thing on my 08 4Runner. Skid plate bolts rusted solid. All the bolts on the shaft were rusted solid. Other than that, not too bad. This is a great video with some good tips, thanks!

Very helpful. Thanks for posting.

Thank you for the video! What's the part number of the part that you replaced here? I'm assuming it will fit all 4th gen 4runners?

thx Mr.Eric. iam a big fun of yours.i really like ur videos.pls do a video on power steering fluid flush thank u

Had the same problem last year with my 01' durango. There was a slight play in the steering wheel. Followed it down to the intermediate shaft and seen that the u-joint was damn need rusted through. Im actually surprised it didnt break whenever i turned the wheel. Got a new one on ebay for a lil over $80 which wasn't too bad. Installed and turns real nice now

Thanks for this video, Las saturday I did it on my 06 4Runnner SR5, but the worst part for me was the long bolt that hold the rack & pinion on the driver side, thanks!

This was very helpful. My 2004 4 Runner had the same exact symptoms. I found this video and took a look at that U joint. When I looked at it and it was not as rusted as the one in the video, so I didn't think it was the issue and I didn't want to have to take it apart if it was not the problem. So I sprayed some wd45 all over that U joint then turned the steering wheel back and forth. Once the WD 45 worked into the U Joint the symptoms went away. The symptoms returned after driving it a little because how thin the WD45 is. So I put a bunch of bearing grease in and around the U Joint and the symptoms went away again. I my case the grease in the U joint should give me a little more time to get the part with the U joint replaced.

You live in a rough weather area! 140k and rust and corrosion everywhere. Wow. I sometimes take it for granted living in Phoenix that none of this occurs here.

Very informative and well described video!

I like these long videos. It has all the details!

Now I know what to do with my 2004 Toyota 4Runner. You're the man Eric. Thanks.

Thank you Eric for another great video!

Eric, I just wanted to say thanks for the awesome videos that you make,great work.I too have a 04' 4runner with rack and pinion issues.Mine is a wander and semi-stiff steering. The rack bushings are shot and am definitely gonna check out the steering u-joints. My 4runner has 165,000 and runs great, but this steering issue is driving me nuts.A thousand thanks.

I wish Eric lived near me so I can take my vehicle to him! Getting harder to find guys like him who do their jobs with a passion.

Eric, great video as always. I'm having an issue with a creaking metal sagging noise when I steer my truck. I've notcied the noise is most noticeable on my outter CV joint closest to the wheel on the drivers side. Bad CV axle assembly? Truck has 44k miles used as a work truck. Powersteering fluid is fine, haven't noticed any steering bind, but likes to pull right. Again noise on drivers side CV, when turning left. Any info appreciated!

eric sometimes the trouble is the bearing in the steering column, in the tilt part of the column(a pain to repair by the way), most folks get a used one instead of trying to replace the bearing, nice repair--

Thanks for the reply (: turned out to be the tire, a belt broke on it, I got another tire to put on it yesterday, runs perfect now

Have an 04 here in Michigan with 291000 miles, intermediate shaft froze up due to rust about a year and half ago. Took my air chisel and rattled the u-joint which shocked off a great deal of rust, lubed with penetrating oil and followed with a high pressure seeping grease. Spray every oil change and has been good thus far and steers like new. Will see how long this lasts, not sure what effect the grease and lube will have long term on the rubber boots.

Good video. Thanks for all your hard work to put these videos together. What kind of camera do you use? it has nice quality. I have a 2002 Honda Odyssey, kind of like the one you have? The steering wheel shakes ever so slightly when you turn it. It seems to be fine when you are on the straight away. Could it be something loose, like a joint in the steering rack assembly?

first off, that air hammer is sweet, I think ill be going out to buy one! and second, thanks alot! I thought the rack on my 96 Camry was on its way out, but sprayed U joints with WD40 drove a couple miles and it was much better, sprayed it again, and it was again much better, Ill just keep it lubricated till I have time to replace, but this saved me a huge amount of time!! thanks!

Great update video eric

Very good video and information, thank you! I'm curious, could you have just repositioned the actual steering wheel on the splines right after the clock spring in the cabin? In order to align the steering wheel if it were off by a few splines? Or is it important for some particular reason to adjust at the splines next to the rack only?

They have updated high pressure hoses now with a muffler on them to alleviate that issue. If you have noisy ford power steering from those model years, try swapping out the pressure hose with a new one with the integrated muffler.

just was watching kail muscle good tips on getting more buff in drugs just hard work

I got a 3rd gen Tacoma that has this potential issue. Gonna see if this is the fix. Thanks ETCG.

Erick , thanks for the videos, ..I have a problem with my 4runner 2003 4.7, abs, ...there is a squeze on the abs unit , I already checked relays, scanned, no codes by the way, ..no lights on my dash...the yaw sensor is fine, ..the sound the abs unit is doing is making me crazy...Lol....thanks dude!...let me know if you ever come to Costa Rica..

Thanks so much. I have a 92 Celica that has stiffness. I had put the car on jack stands. Stiffness originally felt periodic like a u joint prblm. I tried fluid clean/flush which cleared problem for 1-2 days. Stiffness came back worse. Am thinking rack replacement but will check u joint(s). Question: How can I positively eliminate the pump as the problem?

I have the same problem on my 2007 Tacoma. I thought it was the pump because the pump did have a leak. I replaced the pump and the problem lessened but still remained. I guess the added pressure from the new pump masked the problem somewhat. I sprayed the steering knuckle with PB Blaster and the the stiff steering problem went away for about 3 days but came back. I guess I'll be replacing the knuckle.

How stoned were you in this one eric? Lol your eyes look red as hell, haha great video though as usual! Always very informative, not too many vids on the racks, thanks buddy!

Thanks Eric great video.

Excellent video!! I have an '02 Tundra torn apart in the driveway with steering issues that sound exactly like what you are dealing with here.. I've been chasing this problem for WEEKS now.. It feels like turning the wheel SHOULD have some co0mponent rocking back and forth, but so far NOTHING! Out of desperation, I stripped off most of the components on the drivers side, inside and out, to get to the intermediate shaft. It's old and ugly, but doesn't seem to have excessive play in it.. Nevertheless, tomorrow it's coming out so I can get a good look at it! If it's bad I'm not sure what I'll do.. Not real keen on spending $750 on a new intermediate shaft when the truck is barely worth $2000.. 😂

Thank you Eric You is a big help

Just a fast bit of advice. When you order your new rack order a new high pressure line. Replace all hose clamps.

I know it didn't happen to Eric, but this a classic example for customer to blame the tech. Steering was "worked on" by mechanic and now its broken again. This can damage a shop's reputation through no fault of their own. I'm really glad Eric had the video of him checking the u-joint before.

hey eric, love ur vids. i got a quick question. why does my steering grind when I turn? I recently took the truck off a "jump" with 3 other guys in it. got some air, but ever since then its just grindy when I turn. It is a 2007 Chevy Tahoe LTZ complete stock steering/suspension,

good job!! learned something new today!!

Of course, you are right. Also take in mind that a well made model of lets say toyota, the corolla that has been on the market for quite some time has less possibility to develop a common problem than a newbie model, and that is normal, the Porsche 911 almost didnt change in 40 years, thus making it almost perfect in every way because it has been ever so slightly better from year after year. Im not a porsche fan boy btw haha

Not turning the key all the way off reminded me of this. Toyotas, Hondas, and really a lot of imports do not engage the steering lock until the key is removed. Any column that makes a significant "clunk" when you remove the key is made this way. That clunk is the mechanism releasing the locking bolt.

Looks like that rig has seen a bit of salt in its time.

my focus makes a clicking sound seems to come from somewhere round where those joints are,i will try and spray some oil on them first see if smtg changes..thnks for this video i'm sure it will help me

All GMC trucks exhibit nearly the same problem. They start out by having a small thunk coming from the front end when hitting bumps and progressively worse! I have had three GMC half tones and I replaced the intermediate shaft in all of them! You can buy an aftermarket one with Greece zirks which solvers the problem or drill the top of the knuckle and install zirks on a new factory one!

I actually had one of those, exact same problem. It loosened up for me and it came back the next day...

I have a 2004 4runner and I have a significant amount of rust under the truck, what would you guys recommend I do? Sell the truck or get the rust damage fixed.. Thank You in advanced.

Are you just using used motor oil on those bolts?

hi do you know whats causing the steering wheel not to go back straight , when your steering to the right and it stayed to the right.

I have the same SUV but it has rust under the bottom. Do you have any suggestions I. What I should do to get rid of the rust!

Hey Eric it's been a while I need my fix on your videos,, I'm a addict so give me something OK LOL miss your stuff!

i love what you do for me, toyota. camrys love those too

oh! thank you! cause my ford mustang with 105k miles on it sounds the same way as i turn the steering wheel all the way, i'm just worried i thought i have issues in my steering pump coz my toyota rav4 does not do that and i tried my friends 1999 mitsubishi eclipse with 115k miles doesnt make any squeaky noise like that.

hi eric some correction fluid ran along the gaps where the fasteners go, before you take it apart. help to get everything back to where you took it off from, hope that makes sense

I think I'm imagining things but it looks like you slightly changed you YT screen name a wee bit. Before your vacation it was EricTheCarGuy and now it seems to be all in lower case, ericthecarguy. Interesting video btw.

Very common failure on all Toyota's. Almost EVERY steering issue related to binding is the intermediate shaft. It should be loose and flop around with zero resistance when they're good. Any resistance means it's bad.

greetings 'm from El Salvador and I liked your video to wanted to know if by chance tines video change zipper toyo corolla 98 conpartieras me thanks

Eric- I have a 2005 4RUNNER that has excessive play in the steering wheel (no binding). Could this shaft be worn out or would you suspect something else? -thanks

So I have 2018 4Runner sr5 4x4 do you know what causes it to have a wonder at highway speeds

Is the process the same with a 2009 Toyota Tacoma?? Once I lube the u-joint with BP Blaster and Lithium greese... The problem goes away for awhile with a good lube.

At a full turn, my 06 makes a clacking sound, is this the same remedy?

@halleffect1 well to be honest my garage floor doesn't have one drop of oil after 6-7 years. I have no idea where it is all going. Either burning up or what I think is it's caking up on all the engine

hi mr.eric im from philippines im one of your fan..,,,, ive got 2009 honda city and I've problem on my electronic power steering.... (EPS) i already replace EPS module the problem was when i turning the steering wheel on right side it was lil bit hard.. when i turning on left side position its smooth normal turn... what do you think is the problem sir?... isn't the (torque sensor) got problem?

Hi, I have a Acura EL 2005. I have Power Steering Irregularity and bubbles in my oil reservoir. When I take a curv, the steering give little loose and come back, loose, come back. why..?

My Toyota 4A-GE has a steering problem which started after replacing tie rod ends, rack ends and b joints, the steering steers itself to the left and tyres turns as well, when i steer it to end right side its steers all the way to the left, changed pump nothing changed, what can be the problem?

Thanks for another informative video:D

Is that the collapsible part? Why isn't that joint greased a bit? That would make it stay rust free for longer periods of time. Wouldn't it?

Thanks for the tips, that very helpful :)

Nice and informative video.

@aydinburton93 Hey no problem, and like I said I could be mistaken on the setup under there but usually with rear-wheel drive vehicles (trucks included unless they are AWD to my knowledge) usually have that setup I described to you. Either way you would be better off taking it to an alignment shop. The tie rod ends would be the same as if in Eric's video either way, but you're still shooting in the dark unless you have an alignment rack; some things are best left to the pros!

Ours just went on a 2003 RX300. Dealer only part?

Perfect...thanks again

I replaced this piece and the rest of the sound when I moved the steering wheel

awesome info thanks

great video sir. good thing you got that before it came apart.... that sounds like a lawsuit lol

If the steering wheel is off a little bit or too much. you don't need to fix it by alignment or crawl under it to re-adjust the threads. Just make your tires straight and remove your steering wheel and put it back on straight.

Hi Eric , I have been a follower of your great videos for more than two years now and I have been buying tools on ebay for some time. also i have been repairing my cars since 1977. I haven't read all other comments so it is possible that my comment already exists. I find it rather stupid of toyota to leave a u joint in a critical part as the steering exposed to weather, mud, splash and salt. It should be protected by a rubber boot like any other part of the steering system. What do you think ? i hope that by now you have resolved the issues regarding your moving out of the the factory and found a new good place. Kind Regards Frank in Sydney Australia

When I saw your video on the rack job I could not get over how much rust was under that truck, seriously, does the owner ford a river on his way to work and back home every day? I am spoiled by living in So Cal for sure, but damn that Toy is a rust BUCKET! Great channel.

SUPERB INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO. DEVASTATING RUST ISSUES.

Eric quick question.. My tacoma seems to not have a straight steering wheel. I have gotten it aligned about 6 months ago and steering wheel was straight. Slowly it gets to the point where my wheel isnt straight. When I take my hands off the wheel on the high way my truck tracks dead straight and doesn't pull either way. That means my alignment is good right? But perhaps problem with something else? Not sure why alignment would go bad. Have a cracked leaf in rear would that effect it?

So I changed my power steering pump and I used prestone. which my car uses atf 2 or 3. I'm guessing I messed up the pump because its so hard to turn the steering wheel and I got a code PO553. I got a 03 lexus gs300. Do you think I'm guessing right?

I love these 4Runners. I just wish they came with the 6spd manual from the Tacoma.

what kind of oil can is that red one? or does anyone know what a good one of those is? i have a crappy one but it leaks all over

Had the same problem on a 89 nissan. Everybody at the shop thought the rack was bad too until I pulled that shaft off.

What could be the reason why once I turn the Steering wheel all the way to the left it doesn't roll back as I am driving forward but if If I turn it all the way to the right it rolls back to straightening position. I have to roll it back to the right or it will stay turned to the left.

I have a 2011 Toyota axio transmission problem .the transmission is holding back d vehicle I replace a new transmission but d problem is the same please help me fix this problem.

I had to replace my last week. It took me 1hr 30mins cause the damn shaft was rusted out. Dealer part only

I have a 2003 v8 4.7 4runner i personally just replaced the motor and transmission myself in my front yard. What a nightmare. But runs like a dream now. Has 330k miles with a low mileage (114k) mile motor n trans. My problem is my power steering. All hoses are on. Its full of fluid. No leaking fluid. No noise. Pully is turning fine. There is no power steering.. its so dang hard to turn. Is there any vacuum hoses or something im missing ??