Steering Heavy then Light while Turning?

2015 Tacoma V6 4WD, 50k miles. Last month the steering started feeling funny while turning. It goes from heavy/tight to light/loose while turning the wheel. It can change back and forth two or three times while making a 90 degree turn. Just sort of morphs from one to the other- not sharp changes.

It's usually there, but can feel better sometimes. Sometimes improves as you drive, but not always.

No sound from power steering pump, reservoir is full. Tie rod ends and all 4 ball joints seals look good. CV boots are good. We do live in winter salt territory- upstate NY, so things are starting to get rusty down there.

Ideas? Thanks.

 

Look at the intermediate steering shaft universal joint.
It can be viewed in the drivers wheel well. Look at the universal joint.

 

It might look like this

 

Agreed with Shooter, But if you do it yourself 100% make sure you lock your steering wheel of the 12 o’clock position
Oh ya. Air tools!!!!!!

 

Because if you don't and the steering wheel gets spun with it disconnected you will tear up the spiral cable behind the steering wheel due to over rotation.

 

Thanks guys! I will check it out. I'm assuming the universal is "permanently lubricated"- no grease fitting? I upset the "clock spring" in the steering wheel on another car so I don't want to do that again!

 

Hit it with some lubricant, then turn it, and spray again

 

Yes indeed. There's a rebuild thread that has the part number for a u-joint that works and is greasable, but you can also find aftermarket intermediate shaft assemblies for as low as $34 shipped.

 

Thanks. When I changed the oil and greased the drive shaft two days ago I jacked the front off the ground and worked the steering lock to lock 4-5 times. Today it almost felt normal. I'll get under the wheelwell as soon as I get my jack freed up- under another car at the moment (when it rains it pours...). I appreciate the advice.