The Toyota Landcruiser Owners Club

[carmellajade]

Hi all,

Well we've been delighted with our 1999 Amazon VX but have a niggling problem with the steering. It seems that there is alot of movement of the wheel to actually get the slightest movement from the car. This seems more noticeable at higher speeds such as on the motorway today.
We never noticed this with our 80 series, but I do recall a mention in a magazine which was giving the pro's and con's to the VX that we currently own and it mentioned something about "vague steering". Is this what we are experiencing??

Obviously, if this is not a charactaristic of the vehicle then I think a trip to our local garage may be in order.
Has anyone experienced the same problem?

[Google]

[lucky]

My friend has a 99 100VX Diesel and the steering is far more direct than my 80 which itself is a lot better than most 80s I've driven. I think you have a problem, track rod ends, shockers, wheel bearings, tyres etc could all play a part.
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1999 Land Cruiser Amazon VX Active 4.2TD Auto
Gloucestershire 4x4 Response
Landcruiser-rocks

[carmellajade]

Thats the answer that I was dreading!.
Will keep you posted

[lucky]

Carmella.

Don't immediately dread it, the reason I put the list of reasons is that it could be something as simple as upping your tyre pressures a bit. All the LCs seem to prefer running with tyre pressures a couple of pounds over the specified amount. When I first got mine it was not so good, but by changing the front anti roll bar bushes and adjusting the steering box on mine I got it as good as new. Went out and bought a set of new track rod ends which are still sitting in a cupboard in my garage.
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1999 Land Cruiser Amazon VX Active 4.2TD Auto
Gloucestershire 4x4 Response
Landcruiser-rocks

[Wandering Willy]

The adjustable steering means that there are a couple of universal joints in the steering column. They wear and become wobbly.

If you sit in the driver's seat with engine off and you can move the steering wheel - these joints may be worn and you need a new steering column!

This is unlikely but it's easy to check - so check!

Willy

[carmellajade]

no, theres no movement in steering wheel when engine off  

[hodgy0_2]

I have recently "traded up" to an 100 series from an 80

And I have to say that one of the benefits is the steering -- which imo is much more direct

you do not have to continually "trim" the steering wheel on the motorway --  much more relaxing

[rmurphy5]

I found the 100's steering much better than the 80 also - I think I need to replace a couple of the track rod ends.

Is there any adjustment in the rack on the 100? I tightened up the one in the 80 after about 150k miles and it helped.