steering problem

Hi everyone, I'm having a steering problem, as I turn, certain areas have resistance in the steering. There are no leaks, I flushed the oil as someone suggested in another post but the problem is still there. Just wondering if someone has another solution or if there is a problem with the rack and pinion ( someone told me that there is a valve in there that might be sticking).
Does anyone have any idea that I did not think of or had the same problem and got it figured out. I would hate buying a new rack it doesn't fix the problem.
Thanks

 

Lube the universal joint in the steering shaft. I had this problem last month with a similar sensation to what you describe. I sprayed it up with some PB Blaster and it cured it.

 

Most likely this.

Check the joint for play as well. If the joint has been dry for some time, it can be worn and the shaft needing replacement.

 

Thanks, i'll check that out, it's -27 right now so i'll wait until it gets a bit warmer.

 

Thank You, I sprayed the universal joint and it seems to have fixed the problem, will keep monitoring it for a bit since I just drove the truck for about 3 kms.

 

The problem is back but to a lesser extent for now, so back to square one.

 

I've been having the same problem with the sticking. I took it through the car wash and it helped for a week and then the binding came back.

Can someone describe or provide some pix of where the u joint is that needs to be greased??? I looked around a little and it didn't jump out at me.

Thanks

 

IMO, (respectfully) you guys are playing with fire to let this issue go....

Toyota does not protect their steering joints from the weather like GM does, therefore salt, snow, water, all can hit the joint. These are sealed needle bearings, they are good or they are bad. If you are getting stiff spots, and believe me I understand this issue as it happened to my '06, you need to get the steering shaft replaced. IMO... ASAP! If you can get lube into the joint, you can get water and salt in there too.

There are multiple NTSB reports on this very issue, I don't think it's anything to mess with. You don't want to be driving it when it decides to lock up or snap off.

 

any idea what that might cost to replace?????

Just started with my 07 Tacoma.

 

I went to pick up some PB Blaster and grabbed some Fluid Film instead. Regardless, it seems to have done the trick - at least for now.

Thank you again, TW!

 

yep.. save your money for a proper repair, it won't last long. Hopefully it won't lock up on you and put you into an oncoming bus. IMO, this is nothing to mess with.

 

^^ This. It is a safety item. Don't mess around with trying to keep it alive spraying with different lubes. Its the u-joint on lower intermediate shaft (No. 2 in the parts manual). The u-joint is not a separate piece so the whole shaft has to be replaced. It can be had for around $160 or so from one of the OEM discounters and can be replaced yourself.

 

I will have the dealer check it when it goes in for frame replacement.

 

Thank you everybody for the generous feedback......excellent forum!