[yue_mike]

Can someone help? I have an 2005 Tacoma Double cab and when steering I lose a lot of the assist, and then it comes right back. It's like there are tight spots in the steeering but it is not always the same spot. My thoughts are it is a power steering pump. Any suggestions. It's not losing fluid.

mike

 

[ForTech]

Get it inspected. I had the steering rack replaced in my '05 as did a co-worker also in a '05. Not saying this is your problem, but these types of things are hard to diagnose on an internet forum.

 

[hayes_mah]

I've had the same problem you are describing .... seems to have gone away for now.

No leaks (PS fluid normal) ... thought it was the pump, but there was no "whining" that I would usually associate with a pump going.

I really hope its not the rack ... my '96 needed one replaced - a rebuilt unit installed was 2000+$$. I wouldn't want to guess the cost on an 05+

 

[ForTech]

I really hope its not the rack ... my '96 needed one replaced - a rebuilt unit installed was 2000+$$. I wouldn't want to guess the cost on an 05+

Tell me about it! When they replaced my steering rack they also replaced my two lower ball joints which included the full lower control arms, control arm bushings, and alignment cams. All repairs totaled $2800 including labor and a wheel alignment. Thankfully Toyota extended warranty covered it!

 

[ballon78]

Did u ever get your truck fixed...mine is doing the same thing, i wasgoing to do the pump but some people have had eithier the pump or the rack fail. What was yours? thanks

 

[yue_mike]

By luck I guy I work with has the same truck and his brother is a Toyota Mechanic. He told me to check the the steering knuckle on the shaft just before it enters the steering box on the rack. (right above the control arm). He said they get seized up and it feels like you lose most of the power steering. I had my buddy get in the truck and turn the wheel side to side while I sprayed some fuild film on the knuckle. I works like new. It's been a week with no problems. He also said he has never put a rack on a new style tacoma.

Hope it works for you let me know.

mike