I have 2000 ES300, I've notice this evening after turning my car and backing out of a parking spot that my steering was not normal. If the wheels are straight, and turn it a quarter(either direction right/left) I notice that it is bit rough/hard to turn at that quarter mark. I've checked the tires to see if the pressure wasnt too low and checked the power steering fluid as well-- seems to be at the right level.

I am able to drive the car and steer but it just has that rough/hard moment when I steer at either direction.

Please let me know if any of you have experience this before and how you tackled/recommend.

 

Trying spraying silicone on the steering shaft u-joints as they may be binding. There are u- joints in the interior above the brake pedal and in the engine compartment by the firewall.

 

^^^thanks for the info

i have the same issue on my 99, i have a PS leak and noticed this when i topped it off. first thing that came to mind was that my pump was going bad. hopefully its the U-joints as mentioned by HomerJay.

 

Follow up:

i purchased a can of liquid wrench and it fixed the issue. only thing is that it only lasts a few months before the issue returns. i don't mind spraying it when it needs it, but i just wish it would last a bit longer.

 

Liquid Wrench is a penetrating oil to break rusted nuts and bolts loose- no more lubricating than WD-40. You need to get a real lubricant - something like a sprayable thin grease.

 

^^^thanks, i knew i should of questioned it when the kid at the parts store didn't know what i was talking about. i'll go and try to find the silicone spray :/

 

Silicone spray and Lithium grease are both excellent. Silicone spray penetrates better, but Lithium grease lasts much longer. They're both safe for rubber.