Steering Column problems of the 2004 Toyota Tacoma

Loose steering on 2004 Toyota Tacoma 4x4. Isolated loosness to upper steering shaft spline connection. Tack welded spline to fix play in steering shaft. My steering had gotten progressively worse so after a lot of examination I found what appears to be the problem. I would like Toyota to come out with a redesigned steering column. I have taken vehicle to the dealer about this with no resolution from them.

I have a 2004 completely stock Toyota Tacoma that has never been off road with 36000 miles on it. The steering column upper shaft at the slip joint below the tilt ball joint has become loose. There is play in the steering now causing control of the truck to become less and less precise. I am not the only one with this problem as many people have complained about it on many different Toyota Tacoma forums. People have had to replace the upper steering shafts but the problem comes back within a few thousand miles usually. Toyota needs to recall and redesign a much sturdier part that keeps the steering play at original specs for control and safety.

Purchased 2004 Tacoma for $18,000, from right Toyota in scottsdale, az in June 2006, received bill for $25,000+!! so much for agreeing on a price! I also purchased an extended warranty for $2200 (included in the $25,000). Weeks after getting the truck I noticed the rear passenger side seemed to give when turning corners. I assumed I needed to adjust to driving a truck with hard suspension. Unfortunately it persisted so I took it into camelback Toyota and had them check it out. They assured me that everything was in tip top shape, I got the feeling they never really checked anything out. They just assumed that it would be unusual to see this stuff breakdown, a valid thought, but they were of no help. Here it is now, a year and a half later, and its just getting worse! so I took it into earnhardt Toyota and the first 2 visits they performed needed front end alignments and tire balancing. They looked at it recently after me yelling at them, and told me that my entire suspension system needs to be replaced. Apparently my leaf springs are bad ($1700 purchase and install), and front struts ($650), and rear shocks ($450) as well! so $2800 to repair a truck that I purchased directly from Toyota not 1. 5 years ago, and even purchased a warranty. They assured me that everything was covered under the warranty. They lied. Now I owe $18000 on a $14000 truck! steer clear of right Toyota, they totally scammed me.

1) normal driving, on road and off of highway on dirt roads 2) loose steering shaft, rattles on rough roads or when hitting obstacles in road. 3) dealer claims suspension modifications have voided my warranty on steering components. Dealer refuses to do warranty work on vehicle for non related components.

Noise and excess play in steering wheel when driving over bumpy surfaces. Found upper steering shaft slip joint improperly machined /crimped resulting in abnormal noise and excess play when driving under certain conditions. Dealer replaced upper steering shaft with and identical part. This part has not been redesigned and will fail again. Part is not available as it was replaced under warranty and the dealer kept the old part. Have found from others through the internet that this play and noise is very common but no one knew the cause until recently.