persistent scraping noise from steering wheel

Early this morning,I went down to Toyota dealership next town to get clarification on this from one knowledgable parts rep.

Apparently,your info is only " half-true ".Toyota maybe recommends ATF Dexron II or III in owner's manual,we can use the company brand automatic transamission fluid for Tacoma power steering system and the shop also carries Johnsen's power steering fluid ( which superceeds Toyota recommendation,it has more additives ) that is suitable for 2000 Taco.

* Toyota automatic transmission fluid - red color
* Johnsen's power steering fluid - clear color

Both fluids are suitable to use in any 2000 Tacoma power steering system.

 

Miraculously the scraping noise temporarily disappeared in the last 2 RAINY days here.

 

Beautiful sunny day,the scraping noise resurfaced and I could it through out the day when driving.

 

Could be a constant velocity joint.

 

Did you check the linkage? or its cover? wetness will lubricate the cover--no noise

 

i took my truck offroading and my clicking sound is gone now. kinda weird, but i find it funny that a dealer wanted to charge 500+ for a spiral cable installed and now the sound is gone. makes me believe the cable was never bad to begin with. all i did was hit a trail... really???

 

IS that like relative bearing grease?