Stiff Steering

So I noticed yesterday that when I turn either way it has a stiff spot. The weather is turning cold here but I don't think this is the issue.... Any thoughts on this matter??

 

is this while moving or sitting still?

check power steering fluid level?

tire pressure?

 

This happens whilt the vehicle is moving. The fluid level is good and the tires pressure has not been checked but they are not noticably low

 

You got an 05 so the steering fluid could be bad, id change it and see if that helps.
Edit: Steering fluid rarely goes bad after 5 years, but id check it.

 

how do I drain it?

 

IMO if i were you, just bring it to a shop you'd do more harm than good to your truck. Ask them to check it for you, and if its black then there's your problem. Just be better to leave it to the mechanics.

 

its not black its a reddish gold colour

 

4x4 or prerunner? If you have a 4x4, do you have it in 4WD? Just wondering, cause that will effect how it turns greatly.

 

some other suggestions were steerin shaft, rack and pinion, ball joints , and cv joints. Has anyone else experienced this?

 

I am having the exact same issue with my 2007 SR5 4x4--- did you ever discover what caused the problem?

 

I run it up on the ramps and sprayed the shit out of the u joint in the steering shaft and it has been fine ever since.

 

used a good penetrating oil

 

Just wondering if this fix was still working. My 05 Tacoma just started doing the same thing...

 

I can't find the exact forum I found the info to fix this but it was spray the shit out of the universal at the end of the steering shaft with a pressure washer to clean the crap off of it, spray it with PB Blaster (a penetrating fluid) and then spray it with a white lithium grease. I followed these directions on my '08 Tacoma and it worked and the problem has not reoccured and that was a couple months ago now. The universal is so small and I can see most Tacomas running into this problem eventually. Thank you to whoever posted the fix for this.

 

Kinda makes wonder why Toyota doesn't simply put a boot over the joint like these military standard U-joints commonly sold for racing.

 

the reason is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ^

 

"The reason is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$"
Is it the dollars it would cost to do it or the dollars they make fixing it? I think a little square plastic cover filled with grease snapped over the universal joint would have gone a long way to prevent it from happening so soon.

 

does anybody have pictures or a detailed explination of what part to clean and re-lube? my taco has developed a similar issue

 

I have no pictures but follow your steering colum down and you will see a small universal joint. The instructions I followed to fix mine were: Spray the crap out of the universal joint with a pressure washer to get any grime off of it. Spray it with PB blaster (Canadian Tire) It is a penetrating fliuid). Then spray it with a white Lithium grease (also Canadian Tire). I then took it for a drive and found some difference. I repeated it all and it was normal again. I had to do it again after a few months or more. Still much cheaper than replacing it all.

 

I found this part Intermediate Steering Shaft #2 on www.VillageToyotaParts.com
It costs $167 compared to $382 before taxes in Canada. I realize I will have to pay shipping, customs etc to get it here but I should still save money. Has anyone purchased any parts from this online parts store? I called to make sure the part was in stock. I didn't want to order it to find out it would be back ordered and have to wait 6 months for it. So has anyone used this company for parts?