power steering problem

Hi Folks..

I have a 2008 V6 4x4 AC that I bought new in September of 2007, so I have owned it for just over 9 years. It currently has 152k on the odometer. Other than regular maintenance, I've only done the brakes, tires and muffler.

As the temps are getting colder now in the northeast, I'm noticing the steering is really tight in the morning when the truck is cold and temps are in the low 30's. By the time I get to work (25 mile commute) the steering feels normal again.

The PS fluid level is good. Any ideas on what the problem might be? PS pump? Rack?

Thanks.. Loco

 

I see you are from MA, snow country. There are some issues with our trucks in snow and salt.

Check the lower steering shaft. The universal joint in that shaft is undoubtedly seizing up. There are no grease/ lube points on this shaft. And wait until you see the price,of it.

You can almost see it if you look in the left front wheel well; and right above the steering rack, is where you can see the attaching shaft.

Let me know if it is that joint. I didn't have that problem; but a lot of others have had problems. No fix for it, has to be replaced, to be safe. You may be able to oil it up; but it will come back.

 

Oldracer is exactly right - the lower steering shaft is a problem area. Spray it with a penetrant lubricant to see that the issue goes away, and if / when it does, replace the lower shaft. Lubing it alone is NOT a solution in itself.

 

Thanks Guys.. Is this the part you're referring to?


Toyota Part No.: 45203-04020
SHAFT, STEERING INTERMEDIATE
This part fits the following vehicle options:

• Production Date: 09/2004-05/2008
• Fitting Vehicle Options: GRN245, 250, 265, 270, TRN24#, 26#

 

Yes.

The universal joint on the bottom end of that pic, is the problem.

Snow, water, road salt, gets thrown up on it; and there is no way to grease it properly. Even a shield to deflect the road splash would help; but I suppose to add a shield or grease fitting would hurt the bottom $$$ line.

oldracer

 

jjloco,

Did you determine if that was your problem. Usually the first drive in the morning after having driven in a rainstorm/show-storm; it shows up. Turning the steering wheel feels crunchy. May free up; but as with any universal joint; it will get worse. Kind of scary, when you think about it.

Did you get a price for the shaft?

I was just wondering what the shaft costs now; and the labor to replace it. If I can remember, it was rather pricey; and the labor also.

oldracer

 

You folks were correct. It was the the lower steering shaft. The local stealership wanted $640 for parts and labor. My local guy did it for $348. Then the stealership told me i needed both left and right lower control arms to the tune of $1600... I told them not to touch because when i had my brakes done at my local guy back in November, he told me the front end was fine. Yesterday I had the front end checked by 2 independent shops. Both said the front end was fine. So they tried to screw me. They failed my state inspection on partial bogus claims. (steering needed to be fixed, but they also failed it for lower control arms) After the steering shaft replacement, I had it re-inspected at an independent inspection station where it passed with flying colors. They said the control arms were fine with zero play.
I'll never go back to DCH Toyota in Milford MA.

 

jjloco

I was wondering if you had the work done yet. I feel glad we steered {pun} , you in the right direction. And thank you for getting back to us; it may help someone down the road.

As for the dealership: Unfortunately your experience at your dealership; is far too common. My selling dealer, tried to screw me a couple of times. Probably some people don't realize that they have options.

oldracer

 

My mechanic actually told me I could continually spray it as mentioned here, but I'm not getting under the truck every few days/weeks to spray this thing. As mentioned, lubing/spraying is not a solution but rather a band aid. Eventually the universal could let go leaving me without steering. It was $350 well spent IMO.