Power steering probless

I have a 2007 Tacoma 4wd,6cyl with the SRD package. The power steering is very stiff & binds up when turning, left or right. I flushed the system and replaced the fluid. This worked for about a week as the steering was almost normal. I don't see any leaks nor is the pump making noise. I am leaning toward replacing the rack & pinion. Can anyone give me some ideas or suggestions before I replace the rack and pinion?

 

Check for posts regarding intermediate steering shaft.

 

Steering shaft U-joint

 

A friend has an 06 TRD with about 85-90,000 miles and it ended up being the rack after trying everything else. He had the same symptoms.

 

Mine has the identical issue - as others have already said, spray the intermediate steering shaft U-Joint with PB-Blaster, then spray it with White Lithium Grease. I sprayed mine about 4 weeks ago and haven't had the binding re-occur once the grease worked in. I'll respray it when necessary.

For me, this is a low severity issue and the repair can be put off. When I replace the intermediate shaft next year (I'm not spending more time on repairs this summer), I will be adding a right-sized rubber Bellows to prevent road salt from corroding it again.

 

I have a 2007 that was doing the same thing, binding at times, seems like more turning right. I flushed the system and it got better for a while, but now I have excess play in the steering. Will a bad half shaft cause this? I researched replacing the rack and that looks to be an expensive PITA.
Thanks 4cyl 4WD 150 K miles

 

Yes if the universal is badly worn it will have excessive play.

 

Try spraying the universal joint with a good lubricant (Fluid Film worked great for me).