I have changed the power steering pump and steering rack several times but steering is heavy?

UCGOODY

MEMBER
2007 TOYOTA CAMRY
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

With the help of my mechanics I have changed the steering pump several times, right now up to 9 pumps, and then I have changed the steering rack in total of 4 now.

So, I found another mechanic who said he could get it right.

We replaced the power steering pump, and high-pressure house I think, it got a bit better but in 2 days it got worse.

Then we bought a brand-new steering rack and another power steering pump and still it was heavy.

So, I have been driving it for 2 days now, but it still feels heavy. He told me he would adjust it to feel not top heavy. After he was done, I took the car and went on about my business but while I drive on the highway, it feels heavier and stiffer than it was before he wanted to make an adjustment.

I'm freaking tired and frustrated of spending money, time and resources on this and it's still heavy.

This is a 2007 Toyota Camry LE

Please what else can be done to resolve this and if you had a similar experience please share.

5 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,513 POSTS

By heavy you mean hard to turn the steering wheel, correct? It sounds like the front strut bearing plates are locked up, I would raise the front of the car up with a jack and then steer the wheel, if it is easy with no strain on the pump, I would replace the front struts. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so I can hear the noise? That way I can tell for sure what's going on. You can upload it here with your response. Here is how to change the struts out. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.

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Tuesday, November 5th, 2024 AT 1:25 PM

UCGOODY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

It’s a bit hard to turn but not hard like the pump problem I had.

It doesn’t make any noise I bought a new steering rack.

So, while on my way home, I parked somewhere and tried to bleed the system (with the engine off) and I turned it about 20 times, it got a bit better when I’m tilting or turning to the left but when I’m turning to the right it’s a bit stiff, I was thinking I would try to bleed it again and see.

What causes the front strut bearing plates to lock?

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Tuesday, November 5th, 2024 AT 1:30 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,513 POSTS

They get rusted and lockup. I would try lifting the front of the car to see if the problem goes away.

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Wednesday, November 6th, 2024 AT 9:24 AM

UCGOODY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Oh yeah, I think it behaved like that before.

When we lift it up and turn it, it was soft but when it's on ground it becomes hard.

I would try it with my mechanic and let you know how it goes?

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Wednesday, November 6th, 2024 AT 2:05 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,513 POSTS

Sounds good, I don't think it is the pump or rack, you changed it too many times. To confirm you did change the high pressure hose, correct? It might be the low-pressure hose though FYI.