Stiff Moody Steering

I currently own a 2021 TRD OFF ROAD all stock original everything. Truck has 18000 miles on it. From day one the steering felt stiff. Stiffer than my 2020 identical truck. The stiffness varies and comes and goes. Lately at times it gets really stiff almost like it’s locked up but only for a few seconds then goes back to normal. Steering never pulls to the left or right just stiffens. I checked steering column it seems well lubricated. Talked to multiple dealers they seem confused. Could it be a weak steering pump. Any thoughts.

 

I need to get my dyslexia looked at...here I thought this thread was about driving "hands-free"...

 

2021 had a recall for a leaking steering rack if I remember correctly. Has the dealer checked if your truck was affected?

 

My truck was the last off the 21s. Recall was never issued for my truck. I looked into it. And I don’t have any leaks.

 

Check the tire pressures also

 

Tire pressures are good.

 

is it stiff while jacked up off the ground?

 

I will check that shortly.

 

I just jacked up the front. Steering turns easy and smooth no strange noises

 

id look into your PS pump. Dealer able to replicate the issue?

 

I had discussions with two knowledgeable guys in service at different dealerships. Both mentioned possibility of weak steering pump. Since the truck has another year warranty left I’ll be patient with it.

 

i wouldn't be patient with it... if that pump decides to completely go, you might have an accident.

 

You’re probably right.

 

Even though it's unlikely, the way it's stiff sometimes but not all the time makes me wonder if one of the u-joints on the steering intermediate shaft might be defective and binding up. Normally that's an old age thing when the rubber seals go though. I had one go out on the Tacoma at about 150k and needed to drown it in pb blaster for two weeks until a replacement could be put in, but what you described sounds similar to what it felt like on that truck. Did the dealer check it?

 

I’ve talked to dealer service managers. I shall make an appointment soon.