1999 Tacoma Prerunner Steering Wheel Creaking when turining

Hello guys,

I just joined today because I have a question regarding my 1999 Tacoma Prerunner. Around two months ago I began to hear a creaking noise when turning the steering wheel, it sounds like this noise is coming from the steering wheel itself. I took it into the shop and was told it was a problem with the power steering pump. I ended up getting it replaced and there were no issues. Fast forward to today and the creaks are back and worse than before. If anyone could help me figure out what the issue is I would really appreciate it.

 

Welcome. How long in the 2 months has it been since replacing the pump until today? Also, how much has it been driven in said time?

 

Hello,

The noise began in mid to late December so held off on driving it for a while. I had a mechanic install a new power steering pump the first week of January. It had been driving great up until earlier this week. Now it creaks every time I turn the steering wheel and the steering wheel has begun to become stiff on big turns (U-turns for example). Since the noise began I have only been driving it short distances to and from school, or occasionally to the store. So I would say it has been driven between 30-40 miles since the noise began.