Is steering supposed to be heavy?

[Rushingman]

So i searched for a while, but couldn't find the answer i was looking for.
Ive got an 07 limited V8 4WD.
my steering is pretty heavy for the vehicle it is, i used to have a tahoe and the steering what near this heavy.
So anyway, is steering supposed to be heavy?
I also don't know what the power steering fluid is supposed to look like

 

[Gdmeadors]

I have a '06 v8 and it does take a bit more effort than my other cars. Afterall, it is pretty heavy and the tires are fairly wide.

 

[peebee]

Tires make a big difference in the effort needed to turn. I went from some Firestone's the stock bridgestones and it was much easier to turn. I would also check inflation psi too.

 

[Rushingman]

Is it possible that i need a fluid change?

 

[ARunner]

While the steering wouldn't be considered Oldsmobile numb, I'd not characterize it as heavy. I'd do a fluid change, but honesty if the pump isn't whining at you I would imagine its sufficiently content. But honestly that's the first thing I would do if I were in your shoes. For reference, my 4R with sliders, skids, ARB and steel cable 9k lb winch sitting on steel wheels and LT285 33"s still has much lighter steering than my wife's X5. In fact, I didn't not find the modifications had an appreciable impact on steering resistance.

 

[Drunner97]

The steering is definitely heavier than my Tacoma, but I chalked it up to having 4wd components in the front. Seemed to get better after I lifted, put the 255s on, and got it aligned.

 

[JB.]

So i searched for a while, but couldn't find the answer i was looking for.
Ive got an 07 limited V8 4WD.
my steering is pretty heavy for the vehicle it is, i used to have a tahoe and the steering what near this heavy.
So anyway, is steering supposed to be heavy?
I also don't know what the power steering fluid is supposed to look like

The combination of heavier engine and full-time 4wd creates a heavier feel to the steering than the V6 4wd.

No way to know if that fully accounts for what you're feeling, but it should put your mind somewhat at ease.

 

[radlynx]

I don't see my v6 having a hard steering. can you try the following:
1. while fully stopped and in park, turn your wheel all the way to the side and all the way to the right.
2. while fully stopped and in park, increase the throttle to 1500 rpm and turn your wheel all the way to the left and all the way to the right.

did you notice some difference with the steering comparing 1 and 2? if you do, you might have a steering pump starting to fail or you may need a steering fluid flush. you might want to replace the steering fluid first and see if that helps.

So i searched for a while, but couldn't find the answer i was looking for.
Ive got an 07 limited V8 4WD.
my steering is pretty heavy for the vehicle it is, i used to have a tahoe and the steering what near this heavy.
So anyway, is steering supposed to be heavy?
I also don't know what the power steering fluid is supposed to look like

 

[AKmoney]

The steering in my '04 4WD V8 is nowhere near as heavy as it was in the E90 335i I used to drive.

 

[SkyGuy41]

Im not an expert by any means, but I've heard when the lower steering shaft or intermediate shaft go bad they can cause stiff or heavy steering.

LOWER SHAFT for 2004 Toyota 4Runner|45203-35310

INTERMEDIATE SHAFT for 2004 Toyota 4Runner|45220-35170

EDIT: Those parts aren't the same model year but are a point of reference. Hope you get it figured out. Best of luck.

 

[rooost]

Yes compared to a GM ( or any Canamexamerican car) the steering will be heavy, and that is a normal Japanese thing...just like if you go from Chevy to Ford you may through yourself trough the windshield first couple of stops...sure wish I could Frankenstein a car together

 

[unclfstr]

When I first got my '03, the steering was fairly tight and almost seemed "sticky" in spots. I sprayed the u-joint in the intermediate shafts with PB Blaster and it loosened the steering right up. I ordered the shaft today and I'll replace it my next free weekend.

 

[iBison]

Im not an expert by any means, but I've heard when the lower steering shaft or intermediate shaft go bad they can cause stiff or heavy steering.

LOWER SHAFT for 2004 Toyota 4Runner|45203-35310

INTERMEDIATE SHAFT for 2004 Toyota 4Runner|45220-35170

EDIT: Those parts aren't the same model year but are a point of reference. Hope you get it figured out. Best of luck.

I'm dealing with that right now. I opted for a rust free part from a salvage yard NOT in the midwest for $50 instead of the $225 or whatever the dealer wanted. My wheel turns tight about 90 degrees, then loosens up a bit then tightens up more turning it further.

 

[GreenMachine]

Our '04 started to get progressively heavier over time. Like some others had success with above, a spray of penetrating lube on the steering shaft U joint did loosen it back up to normal turning effort. But when the issue eventually returned, it took significant effort to turn the wheel and a new shaft solved the problem nicely.

If you can free it up with a spray, you may want to try loading the joint with a stickier grease to protect it and that might prevent the issue from returning (if that's the root cause).