Steering has become HARD

[RobertWoodman Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close RobertWoodman]

Hi guys,

I'm after a little help on where to start looking, my steering has become hard, while idling / slowly moving forward or reversing, particular while trying to park, it's worse tuning to the left. It also makes a ticking / grinding noise if I slightly turn the steering while in stationary position.

There appears to be a bit of fluid on CV & Steering rod boots on left hand side, not sure if it is Power steering fluid as that sits above those boots, but the fluid level is always still on full.

I was thinking steering rack, but was hoping that others could point me in the direction of other things to look at, before spending all that money on a new steering rack.

Vehicle is a 2009 D4d 150 series Prado, OME suspension.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Mike-B Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Mike-B]

When the car has momentum, does the steering feel just as heavy?
I would be more inclined to say it is a power steering issue, when there is air in the system and the rack is operated it often sounds like a bubbling/grinding noise. it could also be a leaking o-ring which weeps fluid when used and loss of pressure.
It might be beneficial to jack the car and remove the wheels steering boot then operate the steering rack so you can inspect it better. it will also give you access to inspect all the ball joints whilst you are there.

Mind you, this is just a general assumption until you can carry out further inspections and eliminate possible causes.