2000 ES300 Rack & Pinion Raplacement
 

I have a 2000 ES300, the steering wheel is rather hard to turn but it is still possible, seems like power steering is not working-- when its turned the steering wheel will not return to its normal position. Steering fluid is not too dirty and it is at its normal level. Any advice before I tackle this, if any suggestions that I could try before. If not, the procedure-- DIY instructions, manual, etc.

Thank you all.

What have you tried since your other post on this problem? Did you spray silicone on the u-joints like I suggested?

Change the power steering fluid. Sometimes it might not look dirty but fluid wears out over time and this you cannot physically see.

Here's how to change the fluid:


Inspect the tie rod ends for play, and the inner tie rod boot, power steering lines and rack for small leaks.

Also spray down the U-joints as Homer suggested, including the ones under the dash.

Update: ended up taking my car to a Toyota/Lexus specialized shop, said I needed to replace the rack/pinion; nothing wrong with the u-joints. Estimate was $900. Ended up reading about Seafoam Trans Tune; that can be used for power steering issues. Purchased it, 16oz bottle, took some power steering fluid out and added 8oz of the trans tune. Turned on car for 30 minutes and then every 5 minutes would turn the wheels all way to the left and right then back to the center. After that, I drove the car still seemed to have the steering issue with it being hard to turn.

Plot twist: I used Trans tune before I took it to the shop. When I picked up my car from the shop, somehow it was back to normal... I'm not completely sure if the trans tune did the job between the time I dropped it off at the shop or when I picked it up.

My only concern now is that, whenever I used the trans tune; I noticed the my power steering fluid was very dark black.. not dark red/pink like the ATF. Should I go back and change the fluid? Im a bit afraid of going back to mess with it again and having it going back to being hard to turn the wheel.

Change it back to regular ATF before the transmission additive starts damaging seals.