[newtonfb]

This morning I noticed the steering was just a tad harder to steer....it wasnt hard but it wasnt smooth either. I checked the fluid and it looks fine. Its not a major concern yet but I obviously want to fix it before it gets serious. Anything else I should look at?

[thecole1098]

U joint in steering shaft?

[riceandpho]

have you got new atf for power steering fluid. also has the fluid been changed? usually people service these at 30k or 60k internvals.

[Bossman]

Steering Column U-Joint

2005 4Runner Stiff Steering

Greasing steering intermediate shaft U joints

[newtonfb]

Sweet. Thanks guys Ill look at the options. I guess first action is to flush and put new fluid in.

[AuSeeker]

Originally Posted by newtonfb

Sweet. Thanks guys Ill look at the options. I guess first action is to flush and put new fluid in.

NO, my first action would be to spray a little WD40 or other spray lubricant on the steering shaft U-joint to see if that is where your stiffness is coming from and the spraying it temporarily solves the issue, IMHO with you being in the rust/snow belt that is your issue, needs a new steering shaft.

[Gatafly]

Originally Posted by AuSeeker

NO, my first action would be to spray a little WD40 or other spray lubricant on the steering shaft U-joint to see if that is where your stiffness is coming from and the spraying it temporarily solves the issue, IMHO with you being in the rust/snow belt that is your issue, needs a new steering shaft.

Agreed. Had same issue a couple years ago and even bought a new shaft, but after a couple spray lubes it has been fine and 3 years later I still have the new shaft sitting on the shelf.

[Inv4drZm]

If it was a colder morning it will be more difficult to steer, the fluid hasn't warmed up yet. If it is stiffer throughout the heat of the day that would obviously negate this theory

Tire pressure will effect steering especially in parking lots/slow speed.

[fihnguy]

I have been through something similar not long ago:
What is wrong with my steering?

My problem was a bit more exposed, but I actually bought the shaft without checking mine first because after reading through the links that Bossman posted and what AuSeeker and others wrote, I was convinced that that is exactly what the problem was. That ended up being the case. No problems with the new shaft and the vehicle rides like new again

There is a link to a cheap original Toyota shaft on eBay in the thread linked above, given they still have any, just in case you will be looking for one. There is also somewhat a diy guide if you decide to fix it yourself.

[fihnguy]

Just checked that eBay listing and it ain’t cheap anymore. I paid about $130 all in, including shipping and duties to Canada. Thanks, AuSeeker, lol.