After turning right steering wheel will not return to center?

BLADE751

MEMBER
2001 TOYOTA AVALON
3.0L
6 CYL
AUTOMATIC
227,900 MILES

Hello, I have the car listed above xl. While driving all of
a suddenly my steering seems to have gotten tight, and when I turn to
the right the steering wheel feels tight and won't return back to center
without me helping it. When I turn left, it is somewhat tight, but it does
return back to center. Any idea what's causing this?

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
46,719 POSTS

Yep, it sounds like the steering rack needs to be replaced or you have a strut bearing plate that is locked up. I would raise the front of the car and try steering it to see if there is an improvement, if not I would suspect the rack and if so, I would replace the front struts as a unit not just the shock absorber part. Here is a set for $150.00:

https://amzn.to/4dwPwAZ

Here is how to replace the struts. You may need to get the car aligned once the repair is completed. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.

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Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 AT 10:58 AM

BLADE751

MEMBER
12 POSTS

Hello Ken L,

Thanks for the fast response I will raise the front end up and try that
hopefully I can get by just changing the struts, I replaced my rear struts
4 months ago.

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Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 AT 1:02 PM

KEN L