Hard steering

Its a 2023. Its a all stock SR DC 4wd. Steering feels hard like its lost some power steering. Been that way for a while but not sure when it started but I don't think its always been this way. Fluid looks good. Any ideas??

It has 15k on improved road miles.

 

Wave the fluid in the reserve, it may look like its full but they are known to leak at the rack.

 

Looks like it is full. Any other ideas?

 

Any easy ways to test if the issue is in the pump or the rack? Doesnt look like any of the fluid is coming out anywhere.

 

With truck running. Have someone turn steering wheel and watch reservoir for fluid fluctuation/ movement.

 

Steering column going?

 

Under warranty. Why not take it in?

 

here is a link to the YouTube video. The level drops a hair after I crank the engine. And here is what it does with me repeatedly spinning the steering wheel lock to lock over and over quickly.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7hh228Sl9I4

 

I want to understand the issue first

 

Just take it in for warranty repair the dealership will explain what they find so you can understand the issue.

 

thats when they hand me a bill for $190 for 1 hour labor and tell me its fine

 

money light isn't on. would it throw any codes for pump or rack issues or anything else that would cause stiff steering?

 

With the truck still being under warranty worse case is “can’t duplicate” and they will never hand you a bill that’s not first discussed with you.

 

Is it a constant issue, or does the feeling come and go as the wheel turns? The u-joint on the intermediate steering shaft is known to get dry and cause resistance

Pic from a 2nd gen

 

she told me I could be on the hook for labor if there are no issues. Do you know if what you are saying is a Toyota policy?

 

I can’t speak for all dealers but the one I go to they will check it out and if no issues found the ticket says “can’t duplicate” $0.00

This is only true while still under factory warranty.

 

this is very common, the dealer wants paid for their time, either the customer or the MFG.
If you feel they're not very helpful, look towards another dealer.
In the end, regardless of what you find, they are only going to fix what they diagnose. I am not saying it's not a good idea to do some research, but don't let it (or the potential diagnoses fee) get in your way.
Another thing you can do it test drive another like truck and make sure you feel a difference.
Also, any suspension modifications will be an easy out for them to blame this problem on.

 

Yes, its all the time. Ill see if I can get to that piece.

 

Sorry I should have been more specific. That issue typically presents itself as a come-and-go type of symptom depending on where the wheel is turned (as the joint flexes). Sounds like that is not the case for you. Also with your truck being so new I kinda doubt that would be it anyway

 

This is what happened on my 5th gen 4R. Intermediate steering column/shaft needed to be replaced.

A year or so later the rack and pinion started leaking and needed replacement.