New steering rack and pump did not solve stiff steering

[NegroTundra]

Hey guys, as the title states. Bought 4runner two years ago with 230k and had stiff steering from the get go. Upon inspection I noted it was an OEM rack but a knock off pump, fluid levels good and pump never made noise. All this time later, yesterday I got around to replacing rack - went with a NAPA unit, and did not fix the issue. So, went back to NAPA and got a pump. Did not fix the issue. Its the exact same stiffness as was before. I know I'm not crazy because I have a second t4r to compare it to, which also has a NAPA pump and steers MUCH easier. Fluid was exchanged as part of this and reservoir screen was cleaned. Also, newer (<10k) upper and lower ball joints. What the heck else could it be???!!!!

 

[Too Stroked]

Have you checked the intermediate steering shaft universal joint? The joint tends to corrode and freeze up over time causing stiff steering. And since it's a universal joint, the steering will kind of feel stiff - lose - stiff - lose as you turn the wheel if that's it.

 

[AuSeeker]

Hey guys, as the title states. Bought 4runner two years ago with 230k and had stiff steering from the get go. Upon inspection I noted it was an OEM rack but a knock off pump, fluid levels good and pump never made noise. All this time later, yesterday I got around to replacing rack - went with a NAPA unit, and did not fix the issue. So, went back to NAPA and got a pump. Did not fix the issue. Its the exact same stiffness as was before. I know I'm not crazy because I have a second t4r to compare it to, which also has a NAPA pump and steers MUCH easier. Fluid was exchanged as part of this and reservoir screen was cleaned. Also, newer (<10k) upper and lower ball joints. What the heck else could it be???!!!!

Have you checked the intermediate steering shaft universal joint? The joint tends to corrode and freeze up over time causing stiff steering. And since it's a universal joint, the steering will kind of feel stiff - lose - stiff - lose as you turn the wheel if that's it.

I'm going to suggest the intermediate shaft as well, you can sorta test this by spraying the U-joint with a good penetrating spray and see if it makes a difference, if it does replace it.

 

[NegroTundra]

Interesting never thought of that. I will try, thank you for the suggestion!

Edit, I lubed the U-joint, made no difference. Since I'm throwing money at things I may just replace this given the mileage.

 

[mtbtim]

It might be a situation where the rag joint is binding the steering shaft. If you tightened the pinch bolts first before tightening the bolts/nuts that join the two rag joint halves together, there could have been a slight gap between the halves and when you tightened the bolts, you pulled tension on the steering shaft.

So, here's something very quick and easy to try. Loosen the upper rag joint pinch bolt and hit the rag joint assembly a few times with a plastic mallet or dead blow hammer. Then, re-tighten the pinch bolt. If my theory is correct, your steering should now feel normal.

 

[NegroTundra]

It might be a situation where the rag joint is binding the steering shaft. If you tightened the pinch bolts first before tightening the bolts/nuts that join the two rag joint halves together, there could have been a slight gap between the halves and when you tightened the bolts, you pulled tension on the steering shaft.

So, here's something very quick and easy to try. Loosen the upper rag joint pinch bolt and hit the rag joint assembly a few times with a plastic mallet or dead blow hammer. Then, re-tighten the pinch bolt. If my theory is correct, your steering should now feel normal.

Hmmmm, not quite sure how this would improve the steering. When I replaced the rack, all I did was loosen the lower rag pinch bolt, lower the rack out, then insert new rack shaft into lower rag joint. Did not separate rag joint halves. Not to mention, steering stiffness was present before I messed with all this. Perhaps I'm not understanding your theory but I will give it a shot tomorrow, thanks.

 

[T4R2014]

Are your new ball joints OEM? What about tie rods?

 

[phattyduck]

Lift the front end and see if the wheels turn easily (both engine off and engine on). You need to figure out if it is a boost issue or a mechanical issue with the linkages or rack.

-Charlie

 

[NegroTundra]

Are your new ball joints OEM? What about tie rods?

yep everything OEM with bj's and tre's

 

[NegroTundra]

Lift the front end and see if the wheels turn easily (both engine off and engine on). You need to figure out if it is a boost issue or a mechanical issue with the linkages or rack.

-Charlie

I'm thinking mechanical since rack and pump are new. Jacked up the front and yes, still quite resistant. I guess it must be the steering shaft joint. Will pull it when I get time and check. Did not realize how pricey those assemblies are from Toyota :wow:

 

[phattyduck]

I'm thinking mechanical since rack and pump are new. Jacked up the front and yes, still quite resistant. I guess it must be the steering shaft joint. Will pull it when I get time and check. Did not realize how pricey those assemblies are from Toyota :wow:

The next most likely thing here then is binding in the steering shaft - follow the advice above... loosen all the fasteners on the shaft and make sure everything can get in a comfortable 'rest' position before tightening back up.

-Charlie

 

[NegroTundra]

Update, intermediate steering shaft/u-joint was the culprit. Thanks all!! When I pulled it, it was *barely* stiff - thought I had hit another dead end. Put new one in and voila, steering as it should be.

For those who find this, would suggest pulling shaft and just refreshing it rather than purchasing new, which was quite expensive from Toyota. Upon inspection all I needed to do was remove the 4 10mm bolts that hold the two sides of the u-joint together, then clean, re-grease, and reassemble. Would have been a lot cheaper!

 

[nc-grayson]

Is it possible the power steering pulley could be seizing intermittently?

 

[NegroTundra]

Is it possible the power steering pulley could be seizing intermittently?

That could be possible if your issue was the pump. I had replaced my pump so I knew I was good there. If you think thats an issue on yours would be simple enough to remove the belt and turn by hand to feel for any resistance