My steering is stiff?

PATRICK G

MEMBER
2004 TOYOTA AVENSIS
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
65,000 MILES

Occasionally the steering on my 2004 Toyota Avensis is stiff, almost to the point of locking, and emits a loud screeching noise when I attempt to move off after the car has been sitting for overnight. Once I have driven a hundred yardss or so the problem disappears. Any ideas?

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

It sounds like the serpentine belt makes the screeching noise when the engine is cold.
It makes the noise as it slips on the pulley. When that happens the power steering pulley does not turn and the pump does not provide turning power to the steering wheel.

When a serpentine belts wears off it will glaze over and will slip and that will do the screeching noise, typically when cold.

You might find these articles helpful:

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

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.