My 04 steering is sticky and wont return after I release the steering wheel.

It is also making a whirring noise when I move, almost as if I have studded snow tires, but it abates a little when I turn to the right.

Some say its the power steering pump, others say the rack and pinion, others say the steering box.

Any suggestions?

thanks

I can tell you for sure its not the Steering Box, 4th Gen 4Runners use a rack & pinion setup, vs the old recirculating ball style.

What do you mean it doesn't "return?" Normally the steering will straighten a little when left alone, but its not supposed turn itself all the way.

I would check your power steering fluid and see if it is properly filled, if at the proper level; does it smell burnt or look contaminated with particles? Then have someone turn the wheel back and forth while parked with the engine running and listen to the powersteering pump, it should make a slight whine, but nothing extremely loud or horrible sounding.

If you can get the vehicle on a lift or jacks I would inspect the lines leading from the power steering pump to the rack & pinion. Also while you have it up in the air, inspect the suspension components as things like balljoints, tierod ends, and such could be causing a binding issue.

Some more information would also be helpful, I am assuming your vehicle is running stock suspension, tires, wheels, brakes, ect.

I have to turn the steering wheel back to center, it wont return on its own at all.

Everything is stock on the truck.

Thanks for the info...