Steering on my 2000 RX300 started getting intermittently hard. Coming out of curves it would not return. My mechanic says he banged the steering intermediate shaft assembly (a universal joint from the diagram he showed me) back into shape but need to change it. Lexus wants $330 for the part. Can I use a Toyota equivalent?

 

You're kidding, right? What did you do to damage the steering shaft and what else is damaged down there?

 

First edition Highlander should be the same.

 

I'll find out about the Highlander thanks Lexmex
Keith, not kidding; works just find after "banging back into shape". I figure I need to replace it

 

Do you know what caused it?

Salim

 

my steering would be hard at times too. i would turn it and it would go from smooth to hard ot turn back to smooth. i went to lexus and they tried to charge me a stupid amount for a new shaft. i lubed the thing up and it hasn't given me any trouble ever since.

 

Where did you grease it and how did you grease it?

 

And what kind of grease did you put in it?

 

On my 2000 rx300 whenever i put on the brakes the abs makes a grinding noise when you come to a stop.
Any suggestions?

 

i used white lithium grease spray and spray it on the joints where it connects to the rack and pinion. i did that a little over a year ago and had not troubles since.

as far as the noise are you sure its the abs? how fresh are your rotors and pads?