Steering issues just popped up

Hi guys, first time poster here.
I recently purchased a 2005 Tacoma 4x4 w/access cab, 4ltr and 6spd transmission. This Tacoma looks like it was mainly a garage queen with no accidents - according to the car fax.

The Tacoma sat in my driveway for about a week - no steering issues had been detected up till now. I had scheduled to have a tow package installed on the Tacoma and when I went to take it in to my NAPA service center the Tacoma was very difficult to steer out of the driveway and down the road. The steering seemed to loosen up and smooth out a little as I went down the road, but it still felt a little "notchy".

My mechanic did a quick check on the steering system and it all seemed to be OK (pump working and fluid levels up), but a more in depth analysis would be needed if the steering continued to act up.

Yesterday's drive showed that the steering started out stiff, the steering loosened up and developed its "notchiness", then the notchiness subsided almost completely as I continued down the road. At the end, the steering was normal, but a slight and brief notchiness would be felt from time to time.

Anyone in the Tacoma forums dealt with anything like this and what do you suggest?

Thanks for your input.

 

The steering shaft assembly has a u joint on it. They can dry out and become stiff, and will eventually lead to a failure.

 

My power steering pump failed on me once, felt just like that. Only issues when driving slow (duh).

It was obvious on mine to be a pump because the fluid was trashed.

 

Eric the car guy on YouTube has a video of a 4runner showing how to replace the shaft if that's your issue. I'm sure there's a write up of some kind on here as well.
Edit: video embedded

 

as an additional warning... if you do this job DO NOT ROTATE THE STEERING WHEEL WITH THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT REMOVED... there is a clockspring under the steering wheel cover that allows electrical contact for the airbag to work while the steering wheel is rotated. It can only rotate so many times before it tears itself apart... the aftermarket part is >$200.

 

this just started on my 05 about 2 weeks ago, its a real pain in the ass... steering wheel is super stiff for the first like 2 inches of turning to the left or to the right, but after that initial turning it becomes smooth again. this happens at any speed... gonna spray the shit out of it this weekend with fluid film, maybe slap some grease in there...

saw this thread

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/stiff-steering.122153/

good picture from that thread:

 

Had to replace mine. I wouldn't wait too long on replacing it. Binding at the wrong time could be bad.

 

Holy rust; I say get some grease and grease the heck out of that steering column just keep it all greased up; create a nice layer to prevent salt and what not to get on it.

 

how hard of a job is it to replace? ericthecarguy's video was pretty informative, i know for a fact that its going to be "rust-welded" at both ends

 

It was a bit of a pain to do. I made sure to spray it down well with a penetrating lubricate and tap on it with a hammer about 15 minutes before I started the job. Make sure to have a couple good pry bars to spread it open. I used the video listed above for basic information on doing it. Like any mechanical job, be patient with it.

I believe I started with removing the bolts and pulling the bottom end out first by sliding it up the shaft.

 

Hi fellows!
Thanks for all of your replies.

I watched ericthecarguy's video and it was very informative. I'm too arthritic to go crawling around underneath my Tacoma anymore and I don't have a lift or any pneumatic tools. So, I brought the Tacoma into my dealer and informed them of the problem (in detail) and mentioned that I believed the problem was in the u-joint of the steering shaft. The dealership went thru the entire front end and, sure enough, the problem was in the u-joint.

The dealer did all the work, my wallet is a little lighter, but the Tacoma now drives great and I shouldn't have to worry about steering issues after a complete check-up.

Again, thank you for all of your replies.