With no warning, my 2004 RX 330 steering became very stiff. Took it to our local mechanic (never go to dealers) and $1000 later and new $650 part called rac and piņon assembly(he said it was leaking), the steering is no better! Don't know what to do. Read that this might be common problem. Help please.

 

Sounds like you lost your power steering pump, I'd find another mechanic. A leaking rack is something that needs to be repaired but I've never known it to interfere with the operation of the P/S assist unless the leak was so severe that it emptied the pump in which case you would've heard it.

 

The rack leaking on the RX330 is a very common issue. When I would change the oil, I would monitor the leak, but fluid never made it on the garage floor, so I didn't worry about it; I never noticed any steering issues. I finally had ours replaced when we hit about 215,000 miles. Instead of OEM, the independent uses a rack from Maval and the total cost, including tie rod ends, was $1168. If the steering is an issue after replacement, the pump may be failing.