Power steering

Hello.... im having a issue with the power steering sometimes its hard to turn and other times its good anyone have or had this issue

 

Is it making a noise of any kind? Possibly the pump is old and partially seized or your serpentine belt is slipping on the power steering pulley.

 

No noises..... just the steering stiff sometimes

 

Welcome to TW.
There is a knuckle on the lower intermediate steering shaft that rusts and binds.
It is visible drivers side, turn wheels hard left.

Could try using some penetrating oil to see if it helps.

 

^^^^^^^

I’d bet a beer it’s the u joint. Just spray it good with some pb blaster.

 

Ha I’d take that bet just to have one with you!!

 

Have you checked the fluid level? Mine was a hair under minimum & my steering was getting stiffer. Topped it off to the proper level & presto, normal steering effort returned. Checked for leaks & didn't see any, so I'm guessing just too long since I checked it, gonna check it monthly from now on, only takes a second for a quick look.Plan on doing a complete flush & fill in a few weeks.

 

Mine does it too on a 4 cylinder.
Only when you stop or apply brakes.
I get used to a slower approach to parking spaces and allow for less braking activity.
I did have a drain and flush system done and that improved the occurrence.
My friends who have driven the truck complain about their torn rotator cuffs allot!

 

what is Toyota part number? are both knuckle and steering rod replaced?

 

This whole thing is sold as one assembly from Toyota, called lower intermediate steering shaft #2. Costs about $300.

However, several folks on here including myself have rebuilt it using a greasable aftermarket u-joint. Costs only $20 and much better than OEM. See here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-lower-steering-shaft-rebuild-diy.543377/

 

https://toyotaparts.bochtoyotasouth...--base--2-7l-l4-gas/steering--steering-column

This is what purchased #6