stiff steering

Hey all,

So my truck is getting noticeably harder to turn. What I find strange is that on the last turn of the wheel its almost like it will "give" and then the last full rotation feels really easy. Maybe some binding, maybe the power steering pump or even the rack and pinion. Anyone else have the same problem?

 

crawl under her and look at the steering rack where the large nut/socket is, on the D/S, you will see it. If yours has the large nut it has the old stlye rack guide... it is litterly two pieces of metal rubbing. This is one possibility.
If it is a socket/depression type, it is updated and has a roller, it is the best you can get. You will need to look elsewhere for the problem.

 

You have that backwards, in concept and application.

 

mi

mine does that when the powersteering is low on fluid...I have a small leak which eventually I have to fix but its ok for now. Once I fill it up I have to cycle the steering from left to right to get air out of the system.

 

Yeah, I'd check your PS fluid level first, it might be low. If it is, re-fill it and then look for leaks. I don't generally hear of our PS pumps going bad too often, but that's always a possibility I guess.

The other thing to do is jack up the front end (both wheels, support frame with jackstands) and see if you still feel resistance, then get under there while a buddy steers it back and forth and see if you can see/hear any problem spots. Just start at one side and look at/listen to everything you see moving. Look for oil/grease collecting on or near the steering rack.

While you're there, might as well check your ball joints and tie rod ends too.

 

I stand corrected...

 

Thanks for the responses! I just replaced my ball joints but I do need to find the time to throw in new tie rods (which I have). The power steerring fluid reservoir is full as of Sunday (26 Nov 17). I always start with most likely to least likely problems which is why I ended up throwing this post out here. Would the rack and pinion have any effect on this?

 

Spray some Lube or Penetrating fluid on the little universal on the steering shaft and see if that helps it. They all stiffen up on the 2nd gen Tacomas and eventually have to be replaced.