I had the 4runner jacked up today putting my new torsion bar bolt on the passenger side and decided to check the wheel for any movement. I shook the wheel from side to side like the way the wheel would turn and noticed there is quite a bit of play. There is a rattling noise coming from there but I've never pinpointed it. Any suggestions?

 

Check the steering components. Tie rods could be worn out, idler arm could be worn out, or the steering box might need to be adjusted. Have a buddy wiggle the wheel back and forth and try to see where the play is coming from.

 

yeh i definately need a buddy for this...is the idler arm the arm attached to the frame on the passenger side or is that the arm attached to the steering box? My steering box is leaking like hell at the moment but there seems to be zero movement coming from the drivers side.

 

Your idler arm is attached to the passenger side.

 

yeh i checked everything...turns out to be a number of things. ball joints r dry so they might b shot. cv boots busted and tierod ends loose.