my steering is stiff?

2004 TOYOTA AVENSIS
65,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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PATRICK G
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
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?
Aug 10, 2009 at 4:27 PM
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SQM
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 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.
Aug 25, 2021 at 11:19 AM
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