What could be the cause of stiff steering, it's worse when driving slow. PS fluid level is where it should be. could this be a sign of the rack going bad?

Let's start with the easy end of the checklist... how's your tire pressure?

i haven't checked it but i usually run 32psi and tires do not look low.

It's easiest to double check that they're not a.) too low, or b.) substantially different from each other side to side, but if you've done that then I'd check the alignment next since that could also cause the symptoms you listed.

Honestly did not think that would be the problem as I've driven with low pressure before and with a bad alignment and haven't experience what i'm experiencing. but i checked anyway....my front tires were a little low and un-even and one of my rears was the lowest. instead of the normal 32 i run i filled all 4 up to 38 psi and right away noticed a difference. the stiffness wasn't 100% gone but like 90%. my daily is a newer truck, so i could just be used to driving that.

Your mods list in your sig makes it seem like you know your truck pretty well and you've also been on the forum for a while, so this is probably not worth mentioning, but what's the condition of your LBJs?

I seem to recall folks mentioning that they had weird steering issues prior to LBJ failure. However, if your LBJs are OEM and less than 100k miles old, I'd ignore this post.

pump crapping out, screen plugged up not allowing fluid to move, rack going out are a few things. when was the last time you flushed the PS fluid? do that if you haven't and report your findings. clean the screen also. you'd be surprised at the results from just doing that.

I think there's very good chance you have a power steering fluid supply issue. Have you ever done any type of renewal of your power steering fluid? @infamousRNR have a video we made of doing a renewal of the fluid with a Turkey Baster. There's a fine mesh metal screen on the bottom of the power steering reservoir and it can become clogged with black gunk. We noticed this when replacing a steering rack for someone. The screen was really blocked up with crud. I wish I had a video for you to show you how to remove the reservoir and clean it but we haven't made it yet. However, we do plan on making video very soon because a local kid with a 3rd Gen is also having power steering issues and we're going to help him out.

Edit 01/10/2018
@infamousRNR and I now have a video that shows a more complete power steering flush procedure and includes pulling off the reservoir and cleaning out the filter screen.

i replaced mine with OEM maybe 30k miles ago, and last i checked i had no play in the wheel or ball joints.

can't remember if i ever flushed it.

After replacing my front lower ball joints my steering Feel smoothed out significantly ,my old ball joints were crusty and took a lot of effort to move. Very Glad I change them .

Jack the front end up with the truck off and see if there is still a bind there, or if it moves like normal. That will help determine if you have a hydraulic issue or something else is causing a drag.

In addition to everything mentioned, the pump itself has a bypass valve in it that could be sticking.

My 97 SR5 has stiff steering and won't self center. Been like that since I got it. Person Rebuilt entire front end before the engine died and he sold it to me.

I plan on perusing this issue.


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+1 for LBJs. I had this on a Supra, and a week later the LBJ sheered. it had seized and wasn't rotating properly. The works thing about this failure is that the "normal check" doesn't show it, as its seized and exhibits no extra play.

Usually (but not always) pump failure comes with steering feedback, juddering or excess pump noise. I have also experienced PAS oil over heating and losing viscosity, (Supra again, after a few hot laps around the Nurburgring) but the systems are similar) that made the steering heavier, but without the associated noise of pump failure, - it could just be that the fluid needs a change.

If you up the revs when steering at a stand still, does the steering get lighter? If so that would point more towards a Hydraulic or pump issue.

Sounds like the PO made the steering rack guide to tight.

Since the topic was brought up in this thread, @infamousRNR , @JZiggy and I have a video for replacing the steering rack guide.