Power steering stiff when first starting the car

2002 TOYOTA CAMRY
212,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JEFF HERMAN
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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.
Mar 11, 2021 at 6:51 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
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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

Mar 11, 2021 at 7:59 PM
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JEFF HERMAN
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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?
Mar 11, 2021 at 8:03 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

I haven't heard of that. There really aren't valves in the rack. Operation is based on pressure variation.
Mar 11, 2021 at 9:24 PM
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JEFF HERMAN
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Okay, I'll keep you posted as to what I find out. Thanks for your help.
Mar 11, 2021 at 9:25 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
You are very welcome. I look forward to hearing what you find. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,
Joe
Mar 12, 2021 at 5:41 PM
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