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Power steering stiff when first starting the car

Tiny
JEFF HERMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 212,000 MILES
Upon start up recently the power steering has been stiff. When warmed up it's better. No leaks, belt is tight, no noise from pump. Would changing the fluid help? Hope it isn't the rack. I haven't put one in since my 1983 Scirocco.
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Thursday, March 11th, 2021 AT 6:51 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,913 POSTS
Hi,

Is the fluid clean and full? Hydraulic fluid will expand when it gets hot, so there is a chance it is low. As far as the rack, usually, you will feel a binding when they go bad.

Take a look through this link and see if anything helps:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-problems

Let me know if that helps or if you have other questions.

Take care and God Bless,

Joe

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Thursday, March 11th, 2021 AT 7:59 PM
Tiny
JEFF HERMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 452 POSTS
Power steering fluid is full when cold and I don't see any leaks, but I'll look at everything closer tomorrow. Have you ever heard of using seafoam Trans Tune in there to unblock the valves in the rack?
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Thursday, March 11th, 2021 AT 8:03 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,913 POSTS
Hi,

I haven't heard of that. There really aren't valves in the rack. Operation is based on pressure variation.
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Thursday, March 11th, 2021 AT 9:24 PM
Tiny
JEFF HERMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 452 POSTS
Okay, I'll keep you posted as to what I find out. Thanks for your help.
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Thursday, March 11th, 2021 AT 9:25 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,913 POSTS
You are very welcome. I look forward to hearing what you find. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, March 12th, 2021 AT 5:41 PM

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