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Hello My Fj Cruiser 2007 4x4 (automatic) had a frontal accident. I fixed it already. The Hit affected the front right side more than the front left side. So besides the esthetics and radiator, a/c condenser, etc... the Rack & Pinion and the Right Spindle knuckle were replaced. The job was done in some local car-shop, not on the dealership. The problem I have now can be explained like this;When I just drive straight, the car pulls a little to the right.When I hit the braked the cars PULLS to the right. I also feel some mild vibration in the steering wheel but the vibration is not present 100% of the times I use the brakes.When I Turn to the left I can turn the steering wheel One and 3/4th of turn (which is normal I think)BUT When Turn to the right I can only turn the steering wheel One and 1/4th of turn (this is a problem I guess..) The car was aligned in a alignment shop (computerized) so the problem is not there I think.Please let me have your valuable opinion. Thank you.
Optional Information: Year: 2007Make: ToyotaModel: Fj Cruiser 4x4 AutomaticEngine: 4.0 Lts 6 Cil Already Tried: Just alignment and switching the front tires. nothing else.
You may have more than one problem here. When you apply the brakes and the vehicle pulls to the right is usally an indication that the left brake is not working correctly. If the vehicle is drifting to the right while driving and you state that the turning radious from right to left is different something is either out of adjustment or something is bent from the accident. I would find a good alignment shop and have it re checked. The need to check all 3 settings, chamber, caster and the toe, I have seen to many times where they don't check all three. Its not just enough to find a good shop but a good mechanic who has a lot of experience.
Well I actually went back to the alignment shop 3 times for re-checking this "drifting to the right" problem.And I need to mention that was before I noticed that the turning radius was different. I just noticed that a few minutes ago.But in that shop they have this laser measuring computer for alignments and they do check chamber, caster AND toe. And all of these figures are within the "normal" range now. Maybe you can also tell me WHAT PART could be bent from the accident that could be causing the "radius difference" problem, I mean if something bent is the problem..These guys from the alignment shop looked for something wrong, I mean related to their area of expertise but they found nothing. I was expecting to receive a more detailed answer like what could be happening here besides the brakes and alignment since that was done. The brakes I am planning to get them checked but the fact that the turning radius is different....is giving me a headache now, and actually that's why I don't want to wait until Monday, I need to know now (well, if it's possible of course)...
I need to know if you are going to be able to assist me with this question please.Thank you... Otto
You need to have the steering gear assembly checked. I have seen before were the enternal gears in the unit have slipped (out of time) causing a larger turning radius to one side more then the other side sounds like your issue is the steering gear assembly!
Well I'll have the steering gear assembly checked then. Thank you. And I'll also have the brakes checked as well since the car pulls to the right when they are applied (right?) But, how about the PULL when I am not even using the brakes ? The alignment, as I stated already, was done in a good shop for that purpose you know ?
If the steering is damaged(which it sounds like it is) it can also damage the control valve part of the steering gear assembly (It controls applying pressure to the right or the left to assit in turning) more then likely it is damaged also (all part of the sttering gear assembly) It really sounds as if you need to have the steering gear assembly replaced. This wiil take care of both issues Thanking you in advance!
OK, It looks like I need to go to a car-shop then... (which kind you know?).I have another question (this will give you an extra by the way). In my Sequoia 03, my 4Runner 05, my 4Runner 08, my Tundra 08 (yes, I am a big Toyota Fan)...in all these cars when you turn on the engine you just turn the key for a milisec and the car will turn on the engine by itself...I don't know the name of this amazing device. BUT in this Fj Cruiser that is not happening. It just works as a "regular" car. Is that the way is supposed to be ? If not, what could be the problem and how should I fix it please ?
I think I need to ADD (to the steering issue) that the Rack and Pinion replaced was taken from a Junk Yard. But that has no part in this problem right ? Since it is a USED part I thought I should probably mention that fact..
The rack and pinion is the steering gear assembly, and I would call them and let them know about the problem with it! so they can supply you with another one, because the gears are out of time not centered
Experience: ASE Master Technician with over 30 years of experience, including Toyota and Toyota Hybrid.
Thanks for your Support !
Thank-you hpe it all goes well for you