Stiff Steering - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

vultrix · 05-25-2007, 08:57 AM

Hello everyone!!! I have 99 toyota camry 2.2L and I have found lately that my steering is stiff when I make turns. Seems like I really got to turn hard on the steering wheel in both directions. I checked belt and tension and seems good, fluid is down a little but not much and no noises or groans from pump! I'm thinking that it could be front strut mounts starting to sieze up making it hard to turn! Anybody got any ideas or help, I'm all ears! THANKS

keithy · 05-25-2007, 10:23 AM

Strut mount rarely fail to the point that it affect the steering.
if PS fluid is down, there is a leak somewhere. Have you checked the rack and pinion assembly, especially near the rubber boots area? There might be a slight leak which will not drip to the floor.

dc_98_cam · 05-25-2007, 10:38 AM

I recently took a look at my power steering fluid, after getting a dealer inspection report that p/s fluid was found to be leaking. The level in the reservoir bottle had not dropped much, so it must be a minor leak. However, the color of the fluid was almost black, with no trace of red, as it should be. Consequently, I disconnected the return hose, which is the larger of the two reservoir bottle hoses, at the power steering pump ( just a pinch clamp ... replaced it with a screw type clamp), and drained about a pint of fluid. I replaced the dirty p/s fluid with a similar amount of Lucas power steering fluid leak sealer and conditioner. After a hundred miles or so of driving, I think that I will repeat this process, but go back to automatic transmission fluid, which is recommenced in the handbook. .... I think that it is possible that your stiff steering problem is related to dirty or oxidized fluid .... Not sure if it is too late to salvage with fluid changes, but might be worth a try. ... Also, be careful if you try this drain/fill procedure .... It is easy to get dirty ps fluid all over your drive belts. You might want to cover them with plastic or something.

vultrix · 05-25-2007, 04:08 PM

I had my belt tension on my power steering adjusted also checked the fluid and it's still nice and red like it should be! Strut mount bearings are good. When the front end is in the air , steering seems alot easier but still having stiff steering problem when making turns. I read that it could be that the steering shaft universal is binding??? Maybe rack and pinion??? What's your thoughts???

dc_98_cam · 05-25-2007, 06:32 PM

When I get something like this, I usually take it up to the local muffler shop and have them put it on their rack. They can take a good look around, and usually find something that I have missed. .... cost is minimal.

vultrix · 05-25-2007, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dc_98_cam

When I get something like this, I usually take it up to the local muffler shop and have them put it on their rack. They can take a good look around, and usually find something that I have missed. .... cost is minimal.

I did have a mechanic check things out and he did tighten the tension on belt. When I got home I figured what the heck and flushed the fluid and added some new and things did improve...havent drove enough to see if it will come and go but I will post back !!!

vultrix · 05-26-2007, 02:11 PM

99 Camry 2.2L Well my problem with the stiff steering is coming and going it seems! Like I mentioned before, power steering belt checked and adjusted, strut mount bearings ckecked ok, and changed fluid! After I changed fluid it seemed to work good for awhile but it came back. I checked the u joints and lubricated (don't know if these seize) but I have no way to tell if it is something in the steering assembly is seizing or if it is a possible pump or rack going???