Steering rack failing?

Hey guys. Last week I noticed one morning that my steering has spots that are really hard to turn. Ie while turning it is hard to steer then gets easy then gets hard again and it's the same spots all the time. So I checked my ps fluid and it was under the hot min mark. But the fluid was everywhere. All over the belt, hood, rad fan. The lid was on the resivior. So I topped it off and it seemed to help for the first trip then back to "sticky" steering. It's been 5 days since I've filled it up and the fluid level has not changed. I'm not sure what it could be. I'm suspecting steering rack. But where/why did the fluid come out? How can I be "sure" it's the rack? I priced one at advanced and they want like 330ish for one. So I want to make sure I replace the right part the first time. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

It's funny, I too have noticed my truck behaving in exactly the same way recently. Mine is a 2008 with 245,000 KM's on it so I am not surprised if something is going on up there lol.

 

The problem is more than likely the Steering intermediate shaft that goes between the steering wheel and the rack.

There is a universal joint that fails and gets sticky.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/122153-stiff-steering-2.html See post # 23.

 

Ok thanks I checked mine it "looks" fine. I couldn't feel any movement but I soaked it in penetrating fluid I'll see if that helps tomorrow.

 

O yeah not that it's much help but it's an 06 with 161,000 on it.

 

Also I saw that thread before but dismissed it because of the ps fluid being everywhere. Would that have anything to do with the fluid

 

I would imagine an 2006 with 161K miles the universal joint would be in pretty bad shape with all the salt etc on the roads. You seem to have a significant leak also. Did you clean the mess?

I would clean that up and keep and eye on it to see where that is coming from. It could be a simple hose replacement...

 

Any chance you or someone else turned the steering wheel recently with the engine off?

 

That's what it is. That u joint. Thanks guys. Idk about the fluid. Like I said it hasn't moved in over a week. But I may have turned the wheel with the truck off. Idk

 

Yes! Don't turn the wheel with the engine off, bad things happen...

That universal joint isn't available as a separate piece. You will more than likely have to purchase the whole shaft assembly.