04 avalon hard steering

[77bronco]

Our 04 avalon has rather suddenly developed a hard steering problem.

If you turn the wheel slowly from lock to look it is smooth easy. If you try to turn quickly either direction it becomes very stiff. Tried doing it at 3000 RPM and still the same. The steering joint looks OK as do the other linkages. Could it be the pump?

There has been no recent work done on this car. Belts were replaced 6 months ago.

Thanks.

[ly2340]

hi,check this out,may help
http://www.toyota.com/recall/avalon.html

[ChiTDI]

Might want to flush the PS fluid while the recall is being addressed.