Three problems related to steering pinion shaft have been reported for the 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Toyota Tacoma based on all problems reported for the 2005 Tacoma.
I have 2005 Tacoma 4x4 with a frame that cracked and collapsed into its self were the left motor mount is welded to the frame. The motor came to rest on the steering shaft knuckle @ the rack and pinion making it difficult to steer. I called Toyota service center they told me it was the first time they had heard about this problem. Upon researching the problem on the web there are well over 200 complaints same problem. It is such a problem that a fabrication company dmz makes a gusset repair kit to repair and reinforce the frame. It's a bout a 10 hour repair. . Read more...
Friday, September 27, 2013: while maneuvering out of my driveway, and through the 90 degree turns out of a suburb in washington state on the way to I-5 northbound, the steering of my well-maintained 6 speed manual 2005 access cab Toyota Tacoma trd 4wd felt alternately stiff and loose, as though the wheel was ratcheting. The wheel failed to return to center, requiring constant effort through all points of steering, with special care required to overcome the high and low peaks in resistance. Negotiating turns has become an imprecise, physically demanding and therefore unsafe exercise. . Read more...
I was driving down a county two lane road. As I approached a slight curve, the power steering seemed to fail and the truck ran off the edge of the road. I immediately slowed the vehicle, and with lots of muscle I steered the vehicle back onto the road. I jumped out of the vehicle to check for damage such as a leaking steering hose or broken serpentine belt. Not seeing any immediate damage, I slowly drove the vehicle about a mile and a half to my home. After a through investigation of the steering system, I discovered the intermediate shaft that attaches the steering column to the rack & pinion, had a frozen/binding universal joint. This universal joint is exposed to the elements and does not have a lubrication fitting. This item is not mentioned in the manual under periodic maintenance. Under a different circumstance, such as my wife driving the vehicle, this incident my have caused a lot of damage to the occupants and others around the vehicle.