2nd Gen Tacoma Prerunner HARD steering at standstill

Hi guys!
I’ve read a lot of posts on here and still haven’t been able to find an answer to my issue. My wife has an 08’ Tacoma Prerunner RWD and her steering is extremely hard at a standstill. As soon as I roll .5mph it’s not an issue at all. I’ve jacked the truck up and the wheels spins like a top, but at a standstill it’s almost impossible. In the last month I’ve done a little work on her and still have this issue. Working on getting her to drive nice so we can sell it and get a mom car. We got a little one on the way and it’s time to say bye to this taco!

I’ve replaced the power steering pump, lower arms with ball joints and bushings, upper arms with ball joints and bushings, and new inner and outer tie rods. There is no lift on the vehicle and everything is stock.

I’m about to change out the front and rear shocks and was looking into new wheels and tires.

Currently the tires on there are Goodyear Wrangler 265/70R17.

Has anyone had this issue or have any ideas on what it could be?

 

What’s the intermediate steering shaft look like?

The U joint on it do wear out and bind.

 

With the front wheels OFF the ground and vehicle on Jack Stand.
Is it still hard to turn the wheels?

 

With the front wheels OFF the ground and on jack stands I have no issue turning the wheel. Just when the weight of the vehicle is on the front tires at a standstill it feels like no power steering.

 

I’m no mechanic. Just a guy that try to DIY in my driveway.
But if turns easy off the ground. I’d think that would eliminate a parts binding issue.
Maybe a fluid pressure issue in the Power Steering System?

Hopefully someone with more experience can help us out?

 

I have checked the U joint and blasted it with a can of WD-40 the bushings don't look bad and the steering shaft seems fine.

 

Yeah when I swapped the power steering pump I flushed the rack and pinion, reservoir, and lines completely. Its almost like I need more power steering assist or more pressure to build somehow.. all the levels are normal and no leaks. Its killing me to try and figure this one out!

 

hmm... what are your RPMs in gear stopped when trying to turn?

I typically dont condone turning the front tires of a car while completely stopped as its LOTS of extra stress on steering components... that stated, a stock truck in good working order should be able to move normal sized tires around on the ground pretty easy.

 

I’m pretty sure there is a way to test the line pressure.
But unless you have the appropriate gauge set and fittings, I’m not sure it would be worth buying.
Maybe be cheaper to have someone diagnose the issue for you?

Unless you know someone that could loan you the tools needed?

 

lift truck on jack stands, pop off cap from PS reservoir, and burp the PS by turning wheels lock to lock a few times...See if that helps..You could have air in system..it happens

 

^ this would be my next suggestion. ATF is cheap. Flush the PS system and start over.

 

With the truck running or the On Position?

 

Running- you wont be able to turn wheel too well without engine on..no pressure

PS make sure e~ brake is on or block wheels too in back

 

Was it doing this prior to replacing the ps pump or is that why you replaced it?

 

That’s why I replaced it. I tried jacking it up and cranking wheel back and forth to burp the system. There was no air in the system.. I feel like the only thing left is change the steering rack. I did notice a very very tiny bit of fluid near the driver side boot but it is such a small amount I don’t think it’s anything to worry about. Well it won’t be if I end up changing the rack.. that’s literally the last thing. Maybe new shocks? Too much weight on the front tires? Idk I’m about to give up..

 

If the steering is that hard it's one of two things, the pump or the rack. And you've already changed the pump, so I think you have your answer.

 

OP .... what is idle rpms in gear fully stopped?

 

It can also be a bad pump. I read a thread somewhere here about junk pumps right from the get go.

 

This. My truck has the same issue (but its on 305s). If I rev it a little above idle RPM it'll turn them no problem even at a stand still.

 

RPM’s are at about 600-700 fully stopped and in gear.. When cranking the wheel the rpms don’t change at all. When reving the engine it is still super stiff. Somewhere I’m not getting pressure. I just re-flushed the whole system with ATF and made sure there was no air in the lines. Last thing to do is change the rack and pinion.. I’ll be sure to give you guys an update after that. I’ve come to the conclusion that somehow an internal seal (like the o ring around the piston) must be bad or something. I’ll try and do it this weekend if I have the time and I pray that this is finally it!!