Stiff Steering 2015 TRD

Is there a screen in the reservoir on 2nd gen? I looked for a way to access one when I flushed per steering fluid and couldn't see anything. Looked it up on youtube and I see 1st gen's have easy to access screen but can't find anything on a screen in power steering reservoir for 2nd gen. The new intermediate steering shaft was installed yesterday and it made no difference. My mechanic is now thinking it has to be the rack. He disconnected tie rods before doing the shaft and steering wheel was still stiff. He doesnt seem to think its the pump. This is getting expensive. Only had this truck for a few weeks.

 

So I have a new reservoir sitting on the shelf waiting for it to warm up to change! Super fine mesh brass screen.

 

I could be wrong but if the racks not leaking I would be looking for something else that might be causing a problem. Maybe air in the system

 

The rack is not leaking. I admit Im very worried about how Im gonna feel if replacing the rack doesnt fix my problem. Im already into it for about 600 or 700 to replace the steering shaft. Truck is spotless with only 110,000 miles on it. My last tacoma had 250,000 miles and was a rust bucket but had all original front end components and still drove perfectly.

 

So before you replace the rack, what else moves when you turn the wheel? Ball joints, cv axel…drain the power steering reservoir and look at the screen. Maybe do a total flush of the system again, make sure you turn the steering wheel lock to lock as your flushing.

 

Maybe look at stuff in the cabin?
I recall a a zip tie mod for a sloppy steering column?
My 2012 the column was pretty sloppy didn’t keep it long enough to fix.
It’s usually the intermediate shaft but you’ve already replaced it?
Best of luck bud!

 

Never hurts to try the column itself. Divide to conquer.

 

problem solved...It was in fact the rack. I had the intermediate steering shaft replaced and that wasn't the problem so moved on to the rack. New reman rack. Steers like a new truck now. Almost 2 grand into it but problem solved. Mechanic said he has no clue why the rack would go bad on a tacoma with only 110,000 miles and no evidence of leaking or collision or anything.

 

EDIT: NMV OP found the solution. Congrats.


Does it feel like you are turning the wheel without power steering?

Check the plastic gap between the steering wheel console and the steering wheel. who knows if there is something odd scraping or jamming it.

Jack up the front two wheels, check if the tightness remains the same. As it were on the ground.
If it is, you want to inspect the Steering Rack. It "Should" feel lighter without any ground resistance.

 

Did you fix the problem? What was the solution?

 

perhaps running E-rated tires for years did the rack in?