Steering wheel stiff to turn sometimes

ROACHESDELIGHT

MEMBER
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
250,000 MILES

Sometimes my steering wheel becomes stiff to turn and doesn't return to center. However if I take my car to a carwash that cleans the undercarriage my steering unstiffens and returns to normal turning very smoothly and returning to center. I also notice at times there is a small click coming from the steering wheel itself when turning. All fluids in the car are new and topped up.

Friday, November 6th, 2020 AT 1:31 PM

2 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

You may have two issues. Let's start with the clicking. Here is a guide that covers that:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/clicking-sound

For the hard turning that sounds like a failing pump. However, washing the undercarriage is a little odd. So I would suggest we run through this guide and see if anything matches.

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

This will get us started on figuring out what this could be. Let us know what questions you have. Thanks

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Friday, November 6th, 2020 AT 1:53 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

The idea that getting it wet is interesting. Once you do this, how long does it continue to work properly? Have you checked the power steering pump belt to make sure it is tight? The interesting thing is the power steering pump is very low in the engine compartment. So, I'm wondering if the water is causing the belt to slip less (which is the opposite of what I would normally think. Take a look at the pic below. It shows the location. The pic is from under the vehicle looking up.

Let me know if there are any noises from the pump, any leaks, or anything other you can think of which could indicate an issue.

Take care,
Joe

Image (Click to make bigger)