Stiff Steering.

[BunchDub11]

When backing out from parking spots with the wheel at full lock its REALLY stiff. The other day I heard a loud noise come from my front left suspension while offroading, after I hit a deep rut. Ever since then my wheel has been stiff but only noticable at slow speeds.

What do yall think?

 

[03L4RUNNER]

Put your vehicle in reverse and turn full lock and back up at about 5mph.

If you hear a clunk or pop it's very likely your C.V. axels.

Or another extreme could be powersteering pump.

 

[Hapeacres]

My steering is stiff as well. The Toyota specialty shop said it needs a new steering shaft. The truck has never been off road but does have 150K miles. They lubed the shaft up for free and it didnt seem to help much at all. They said if I could live with it fine, but if it bothers me they would replace it. I think they said about 300 for parts and labor. They said to watch if it starts to bind when backing up, then definetely bring it in. I think I'm going to have them replace it along with installing some 5100 Bilsteins as soon as I can save up enough money.

 

[BunchDub11]

Alright I'm have to listen up when I drive it today thn hopefully wont hear to much underneath there. Not looking forward to replacing a cv axle. Kewl deal Hapeacres I'ma have to take mine in soon too but not to the ole stealership, its getting on my nerves :smashputer:

 

[audiness]

sorry to bump this old thread, but i found this: Toyota 4 Runner Steering Problem Returns - EricTheCarGuy - YouTube

thought it might help someone if they are searching for a resolution to their problem

 

[TRDCal]

Not looking forward to replacing a cv axle.

You'll be praying that its the cv shaft when you see what a ***** it it to change the steering shaft lol. I'm suprised that the quote is only $300.

My steering went stiff last winter but I just keep a healthy dose of "rust check" on the u-joint in the shaft and it seems to keep the problem at bay.

 

[Angstrom]

Thanks for the info. I am pretty sure they removed the shaft when I had it in the shop. They said it was a real pain to get out. Maybe I will try another dealer.