Steering hard for Toyota Corolla.

[success4u]

Hi,
I have a 2002 Toyota Corolla in which the Steering is really hard.
I went to the Toyota dealership to diagnose the problem where they suggested to just change my Winter tyres and do the wheel alignment.
All the other parts like pump, belt, steering rack etc. related to steering are ok.
But my own mechanic is telling me that the alignment of wheel will not solve the problem of hard steering.
I went to other good mechanic to cross check and he also said me same thing that the weel alignment will not solve it.
I have already spent some good bucks just for diagnosis and I don't want to pay more for it.
So here in this forum if anybody can help me with your good suggestions.
Will the wheel alignment really solve the problem of stiff steering?
Thanks,

[fishexpo101]

Steering hard, as is the wheel itself is hard to turn, or the steering feel is way off (tires don't seem to want to turn)? Is it hard to turn when the car is stationary or when it is in motion? When does it seem worse, after acceleration hard, during or after braking, or after big suspension movements?

First off, jack the front end of the car in the air to take the load off the front wheels and turn the steering wheel. Should turn very easily, if it doesn't, you have some binding in the steering system that need to be looked at. Then drop the wheels down until they just start to load up, but before the car is fully on the front wheels - repeat the steering test, how does this feel now? If it is markedly different - could be a suspension or alignment/tire issue. Again, investigate to find the root cause.

To eliminate the tires as the possible source - try swapping the rear tires to the front or putting all-seasons back on the car. Winter tires have such improved traction characteristics - that they can resist turning when the car is sitting still. Though in my experience, my winter tires were always had thinner tread and were easier to turn. Steering feel on the otherhand, the felt too light, unstable with the softer winter tires on it.

Condition of power steering fluid - is the level full, does it have any odd odor? Has the fluid be changed in the car's lifetime? Alone assume that the steering components (pump, rack, fluid lines, tirerod, etc.) are indeed OK, might be worthwhile to give them a visual inspection yourself. Most of the problems with the suspension can be picked up with a quick visual inspection, as the part will just look wrong.

If all this checks out - could be alignment related. Though the alignment has to be way off to cause the steering to be this hard. Usually, if the tire scrub radius is way off (distance is too great), it will cause the car to have very "heavy" steering feel. If they are uneven from side to side (same with SAI and included angle) can cause all sorts of havok with the steering, from heavy steering to pulling.

[success4u]

thanks for your quick reply.
steering is hard whlie the car is in motion as well as while not in motion.
i feel more hard while making turns.
when the toyota dealer checked the steering was normal while the car was lifted up. all the other checks for it are normal as informed by toyota dealer.
i will wait for your answer. so will the wheel alignment solve the issue.
thanks,

[fishexpo101]

The steering that is hard when sitting still and in motion should point to a steering issue. Sounds like it could be a slipping belt or even a bad power steering pump (not enough power assist).

Wheel alignment should be checked as a preventative measure. It is possible all this is due to a bad alignment, but hard to say without the alignment numbers. Should be done anyways as a bad alignment will affect more than just the steering - will cause excessive tire wear, poor fuel economy, and unsafe vehicle dynamics under acceleration, braking, and cornering.

This is assuming that the steering feel has changed significantly from the last time you remembered. If you are coming from a different car to the Corolla - most people find that the steering is much harder in the Corolla.

Also, if it hasn't already been done, flush the power steering system - it can be as simple as siphoning the old fluid out of the power steering reservoir and refilling with fresh fluid. Done repeatedly over a short period of time, this will get the majority of the old fluid out and replaced with fresh fluid.