Heaving steering wheel ...

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Ali79

Ali79

10 Year
Joined
Feb 24, 2012
Threads
2
Messages
15
Location
CO
Hello Everyone,

I'm a proud owner of a 2003 UZJ100 with 91K on it and I've had for almost a year, all stock.
Since I bought the car and the steering wheel becomes heavy when turning while moving at 1-2 mph, or parallel parking. Its like the whole system shuts off and its totally on manual mode!
The only thing that helps is letting the car move while turning the wheel, but of course you can't parallel park the car in a tight spot if you do so ... "in Downtown".

I asked the dealership to check the front end of the car and they said that didn't see anything abnormal or signs of wear and tear, no leaks, noises or sounds and the PS fluid is at the right level and isn't over-used.
I'm really at a loss here :confused:, I don't know what else could be the cause of this ... Some other mechanic suggested to replace the whole steering rack but with no evidence its the culprit, I can't justify the $1k+ cost for parts and labor.

Any ideas or clues would be greatly appreciated.
 
Try a new set of tires and get a good alignment job first. Then, start replacing suspension bits if not happy.
 
Sandroad said:
The steering can get heavy if the center differential is locked while on pavement.
Click to expand...

^^ THIS!
If the Center Diff Lock warning bulb has failed [not uncommon] you could be driving with the diff locked, which feels very much as you describe. Put the trans in neutral and push the diff lock switch, then drive. If its freed up, you have your answer.
 
With increased turning effort at idle speeds I'd check a few things. Front tyre pressures OK? Tyres not worn out? Back off the serpentine belt tension and check if the PS pump pulley turns freely. Lift the front end and do the PS fluid change out as per the stickie in FAQs where the reservoir is drained and return line disconnected to drain waste fluid, by running a couple of quarts of fluid through, lock to lock, with wheels off the ground you'll get any air out and maybe identify any stiction points. Also check the reservoir suction port is clear when you have it empty. With wheels off the ground check for bearing play, heavy steering and or squirrelly handling are symptomatic of wheel bearings. Not sure if you have VGRS, if so you might try the Microsoft approach and reset its module by pulling neg battery terminal for 10 minutes. All I got, let us know what you find.

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD
 
Thank you all for the suggestions, I really appreciate it.

Sandroad said:
The steering can get heavy if the center differential is locked while on pavement.
Click to expand...
That is something I am not sure of to be honest, I will check on it today and post the findings.

re_guderian said:
How's your serpentine belt?
Click to expand...
It was replaced when the timing belt and water pump were replaced with new ones for the 90K service

phippsj said:
Try a new set of tires and get a good alignment job first. Then, start replacing suspension bits if not happy.
Click to expand...
I replaced the Michelin tires with Continental CrossContact which are amazing, still the same problem. "Tires were due for a change"
 
PADDO,

Thank you for taking the time to reply. When I first got the car, I took it to my mechanic who gave a fresh dose of fluids across the board, including the power steering. Before and after the job, nothing changed.
You mention the PS pump and that it should turn freely with the serpentine belt loose, I didn't check on that part, which I will and post back my findings
 
So you just had the 90K service recently done, but the steering issue has been going on since you owned the car? I'd start simple first, did they replace the tensioner for the serp belt at the 90K service? "Is your belt slipping?" is what I'm getting at...
 
SandRoad:
I checked the central diff and it wasn't engaged. I tested it and it does illuminate when engaged.

Guderian:
The car had the heavy steering since I purchased it, and honestly I wasn't that bothered by it. Finding a clean LC with less than 90K miles (79K when purchased) and clean history for the price I had in mind was nearly a dream ... that came true :D
About the serpentine tensioner, I don't believe they changed it as it wasn't listed on the invoice. I spoke to 2 Toyota Master mechanics who said that the car is A-OK ... :confused:

I've read that owners of LC's with IFS had to change the steering rack but mainly because they use their cars for offroading ... Anything I can check for this possibility other than obvious leaking and noises when turning the wheels?

Thank you.
 
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