slowyota

I'm having a huge problem with my '95. While I'm driving my steering locks up..yes you read it right it locks. I can't steer it while I'm driving, just goes straigt.

What could the problem be? I don't want to take it to Toyota yet, because it's only happened twice since Saturday. But I can't figure it out.

Thanks for your help on this.

delboy

Sounds ot me like the steering lock connected to the ignition barrel is shot. I'd be in there and check it out a s soon a possible.

RTdawgs

yea sounds electrical.

rimpainter.com

I would lean towards what the other guys are saying about the ignition lock engaging.

Another option could be a problem with the steering itself. The rack, linkage, and the gearbox should be checked out.

Is there anything else we should know about such as recent accidents or serious off-road smashes?

L33T35T 4Runner

how long does it happen for?

zedex

Im Curious, as always. When it does lock up, does it just lock like BOOM, its locked, OR, does it lock only at certain positions. Because if it locks at certain positions it would be in the steering columb as suggested above. But if say your driving and BAM, it locks i might lean towards a steering pump problem(hydralic) or rack and pinion problem. If your power steering level is way low on fluid it will do the same thing. But usually you will get growling from the power steering pump when that happens.

rimpainter.com

Even if your power steering pump seized, you would still have control.

That's why they call it power assist. It really doesnt do the whole job for you. Just a FYI.

zedex

yup 96. agreed.. But when driving and your pump goes out it feels just like it locks up. I have had it happen on my 68 mustang. Its scary as hell.


OMG??? Im a senior member. I must light some candles and celebrate.

rimpainter.com

Gotcha. I misunderstood your wording.

Congrats on your senior membership.

zedex

Giant manhugs...Thankyou

slowyota

Thanks guys. Give you a little bit more insight. It feels as though something is holding my tires from turning. Like my tires get stuck under the frame or something. It doesn't feel as though the steering wheel locks.

The last time it happened I was traveling in a straight line at about 10 MPH. I needed to turn left into a home, but my steering was locked. I couldn't turn. Put the brakes on and muscled the wheel to turn. After that it's had no problems. The time prior it happened on the freeway though, which was pretty scary.

Mind you I was moving so Power Steering box is not the problem (I believe). The Power Steering box makes no complaints and fluid is full.

So am I missing something, is there something I should grease.

Help.

slowyota

Forgot to address the other questions.

It's had no accidents or off-road damage.

When it does happen it usually lasts for a few seconds, or until I can muscle it 'loose'.

I'm not running a lift or large tires. 31x11.50r15. The torsion bars may be turned up, but, if they are. It wasn't done by myself. But, basically a stock rig.

I called my Toyota dealer and they told me they would charge me $50.00 to look into it. But, he told me if the tech. can't duplicate than I'm wasting my money.
And I'm fairly confidant he wouldn't be able to because it's only happened 3 times total in the last 2 months.

Thanks again.

rimpainter.com

I dont think "greasing" something is going to free up such a huge problem. I would get under the truck, remove the skid plates and have a look around while someone turned the wheel back and forth. I would listen and watch for binding. But that's just me. If you aren't up to the task, have someone diagnose it for you.

zedex

Intermittant problems really suck. Since you could muscle it through a turn it sounds to me like a power steering pump problem. If you cant find an obvious answer by doing what 96 suggests get your pump and lines flushed. Take it from there.

Cebby

Might be something in the steering linkage?? Still have the stock stabilizer? Maybe it is seized. I just had my idler arm replaced and someone mentioned checking the pitman arm also. Just a few thoughts...

delboy

TThe revised info leads me to believe that its the power steering pump! Not a leak as you said the fliud level is ok.!