The steering in my 2004 Double Cab is getting hard. What could it be?

No noise from steering pump or belt.

 

Could be the rack .

 

Hmm I changed the rack 2 years ago.

 

You may just need a power steering flush. I have the same problem with mine but only happens when it’s cold out. Someone else had that issue aswell here is the link https://www.tundras.com/threads/rack-pinion-or-power-steering-pump.79344/

 

The link @Toyoda Tundra is a good one! Does climate have any effect on your steering or stiff all the time?

How does the fluid look in the reservoir? Could maybe try a flush to see if that helps?
https://www.tundras.com/threads/power-steering-flush-how-to.85254/

 

What type rack? If aftermarket or reman its probably toasting right now. Only OEM New. This info is provided via Empty Lord.

I’m still on my original rack thats been slightly leaking for 4 years but doesn’t lose fluid at the rez.

Also, what type fluid did you install?

 

@Tundra2
Do you have the legit Toyota service/repair manual? I have done a quick search for it and they go from anywhere between $180-300 for the paper copies. But would be very handy indeed. I think I found what might be the only version of them for $10.

 

You need the FSM download. Free but glitchy with ios.

 

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but FSM download? Can you please elaborate? Can this be downloaded onto an actual PC? I have a garage PC for tech manuals I use.

 

It ‘Factory Service Manual’ has been put on a file and is available. I think @Tundra2 has it linked over on his whatnot page. You can check for it there.

 

Thank @BubbaW.

On Android, and windows using Big Brother Chrome as a PDF file viewer you can click the three dots in the upper right hand corner of the browser, and use a search function called "find on" or "find in page."

 

The u joints on the steering shaft seem to go bad in the later first gens. Try lubing them and see what that does. Mine was very stiff especially when cold, I lubed them up and it's much better, going replace them eventually.

 

Yeah. I lubed mine too back in the fall even though they don’t have zerks. Added a few drops on 3in1 Oil and then slathered MolyB all up in there and around.

Finished it off with a Silglyde Fill in the Steering Shaft Donut Folds. So much more QUIETER now even after the donut repair. Don’t anyone ever say I never told anyone here.