Power Steering AWD vs. Switchable 2WD-4WD

[zerowkul98]

Hi everyone.

My wife inherited my 2003 4Runner Sport Edition V8 AWD, and I in turn bought a new Sequoia SR5 5.7L V8.

Im aware that im probably just "used to my new ride", but ive gone back and driven the 4Runner a few times lately and ive noticed just how much more STIFF it's power steering is.

The 4Runner has no leaks, the PS fluid is a nice clear ruby-red and its never towed, and has mostly highway mileage on it. There are no squeeks, no squeels and there's never been any problems AT ALL.

My quesiton to the pro's in here is this:

-Is this normal? Does the AWD have a tighter and less-generous PS assistive movement (as compared to a RWD/Switchable 4X4)?

Just any background info on the Toyota AWD PS system would be appreciated. Id hate to have the rack deteriorating or the system begin to degrade in front of me without my knowing or be aware of it.

I love my Toyotas and i pride myself on the upkeep of my vehicles.

Thanks!!

 

[eskimochaos]

Hi everyone.

My wife inherited my 2003 4Runner Sport Edition V8 AWD, and I in turn bought a new Sequoia SR5 5.7L V8.

Im aware that im probably just "used to my new ride", but ive gone back and driven the 4Runner a few times lately and ive noticed just how much more STIFF it's power steering is.

The 4Runner has no leaks, the PS fluid is a nice clear ruby-red and its never towed, and has mostly highway mileage on it. There are no squeeks, no squeels and there's never been any problems AT ALL.

My quesiton to the pro's in here is this:

-Is this normal? Does the AWD have a tighter and less-generous PS assistive movement (as compared to a RWD/Switchable 4X4)?

Just any background info on the Toyota AWD PS system would be appreciated. Id hate to have the rack deteriorating or the system begin to degrade in front of me without my knowing or be aware of it.

I love my Toyotas and i pride myself on the upkeep of my vehicles.

Thanks!!

Yup 4wd makes the steering tighter. Its not a binding feeling - just overall more firm.

 

[zstampe]

Well, I don't have a definitive answer to your question but it does seem to me that whenever my truck is in 4wd the steering seems much stiffer. Every 4wd vehicle I've owned seems the same way too. I wouldn't worry about it if there are no other problems.

Zach

 

[zerowkul98]

Thanks for the replys, guys.

The PW system is one that is forgotten about quite easily as its on NONE of the regularly scheduled maintanence items, but as i live my vehicles and pride myself on keeping things good n worry-free, i have kept an eye on it.

Last summer i had the system drained and refilled (due to a brother in law whose heart was in the right place by adding ps fluid when it didnt need it nor was it the right kind!) but that wrong fluid was "in the system" for literally 10 minutes. Other than that, its never been touched.

Thanks again for replying!