Tight steering

Greetings! I’ve got a 2017 Tacoma 4x4 with the V6. The steering has gotten very hard to turn the wheel when stopped, steers pretty easily when moving 10 mph or more, has virtually no resistance when front tires are off the ground. That tells me it’s not linkage, steering shaft, ball joints or anything like that. When it’s off the ground and I turn the wheel back and forth (engine off) fluid does circulate through the system. That indicates no blockage to me. I read that if I’m 4 wheel drive it will be stiff and I’ve determined it’s not in 4 wheel drive. I read that the pump can fail without leaking or making any noise, though I’ve never seen that before as I usually drive Chevrolets. Well I ordered one. Got it back together and I’ve got the same problem. Off the ground and engine off, I bled the system by turning the wheel lock to lock a couple dozen times, always keeping an eye on the fluid level and keeping it topped off, then started the engine and repeated the process, then set it down and discovered that it’s no better. This truck was involved in a very minor traffic accident, only the left fender and bumper needing replacement, and since I don’t usually drive this vehicle I’m not sure when this problem came up. It’s only got 50k miles on it and has never been abused. Any help would be most appreciated. Oh, we did swap the aftermarket tires and wheels back to the original tires and wheels that had 0 miles on them due to being some kind of package the Toyota dealer optioned it with at the dealer and the originals came with the truck. So they’ve only got 7500-10000 miles on them. Also the engine does kick up a little when turning the wheel like it’s supposed to.

 

I don't know how it works or doesn't, but you have electric power steering.

 

No, it’s not electric, definitely a mechanical hydraulic system. The connector that plugs into the high pressure banjo fitting sends a signal to the ECM to boost engine speed when it senses a strain on the system, like when it’s idling and you turn the wheel. The owners manual is clear on this, you either have electric or you have hydraulic, and there’s no hybrid. But thanks anyway.

 

Most definitely not.

 

Teeeeeeechnically, Volvo power steering is electric over hydraulic. But I get what you're saying...and definitely not electric in the Tacoma.

Some things I would suggest trying.
-Get 4 pieces of 12"x12" sheet metal and put some grease between 2 sheets and put them under the steer tires...making some grease plates. The steering may not be bound up when weight off wheels but when you put weight on the suspension, there could be things binding. This will eliminate the tire contact patch potentially causing issues.
-If you rev the engine up to 1500-2000rpms, does the steering get any easier?
-Any idea of alignment numbers? Going from AFTM wheels to OEM wheels could drastically change the scrub radius. Usually more attributed to tire wear and handling but can still change steering feel.

 

Thanks for your reply. The idea about greasing up some metal plates is something I’ve got to try, makes good sense. That’s why I love these groups, nothing wrong with brainstorming.
As for the alignment, I don’t drive it nor have I been involved in the maintenance aspect for this vehicle at all, until now, but as far as I know it hasn’t been touched since it left the dealership in late 2016, but there’s been no abnormal wear on either the aftermarket tires or the original setup, and last night we discussed putting the other tires just on the front to see if it makes a difference but… always a but, the key to the deadbolt on the shed door is awol at the moment. It’s always something.
I’m going to find some plates and try that, that should give me a better idea of what might be the problem. I’ll update later. I appreciate your input.