Steering wheel sticking

[dawudih]

My steering wheel sticks on occasion in the morning. This only lasts a few seconds & then drives normally. It feels like the tire is hitting a curb or is turned all the way in one direction & is bumping something. PS fluid is fine, no bubbles, leaks or noises. I was thinking it was the pump trying to build up pressure, but wouldn't a bad pump make a whining noise? Seemed to happen only when I park outside in the cold; hasn't happened when the vehicle is in the garage.
2000 2wd 4runner with 215k miles.

 

[DiskDoctr]

Had a similar situation last Spring. Due to some unfortunate circumstances, my 04 LTD 4Runner was sitting over winter.

When I charged up the battery and woke her up, the steering would be a bit stiff or even at times jerky until warmed up, then on occasion would feel like a sticky spot.

Solution? Change power steering fluid.

I used a suction bulb/tube to suck out as much as I could from the PS reservoir, refilled with new. Started and worked the steering wheel back and forth a bit, even holding against the limit a few secs a couple of times.

Drain and refill again.

Drive a few days. Drain and fill. A week later I did one more drain and fill just for good measure.

I haven't had a single bit of trouble since.

It only takes about 5 mins to drain and refill, but it does take some time for the old fluid to work out of the cylinders, pump, entire system, which is why the drain/refill cycles.

Easy as pie and very little fluid.

BTW, I used standard, cheap transmission fluid (Super Tech from Walmart, I think).

 

[nevada]

yep, I would start with changing the fluid.

you may have to do it several times, due to the remote res.

 

[dawudih]

Good advice, I'll raise the front end up & fast forward the flushing process by turning the wheel left to right while replacing old fluid with new several times.