Steering seems stiff

[Toaster_Jer]

My brother-in law recently bought a 06 Toyota sienna and the steering started to get kind-of stiff the first couple of blocks upon startup. Haven't checked yet to see if there is any recalls yet.Not hearing any belt squealing. I wanted to get some thoughts here. Should we put in maybe some kind of conditioner or something. Thought about flushing it some how and putting in Amsoil ATF; which seems what a fair number here does or maybe a Valvoline product. I am open to suggestions. Thanks

 

[crazyoildude]

How is the air in the tires?

 

[Toaster_Jer]

I can check them but they look fine.

 

[ryanschillinger]

Can do the "turkey baster" method to suck and fill the reservoir several times to have mostly fresh fluid in there to start. I use valvoline Max life.

 

[Lubener]

Could be the beginings of "morning" sickness with the rack and pinion.

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

Or strut mount bearing(s) failing. Any strange noises?

 

[Toaster_Jer]

I looked to see if there was a Maxlife, all I found was the synpower PSF so far. Will be checking these other possibilities. Thanks for the input so far.

 

[ryanschillinger]

It's maxlife ATF. Synthetic fluid and $20 for a gallon at autozone.

 

[Toaster_Jer]

Wonder what the difference is between Synpower PSF and the Maxlife ATF. They both have conditioners. I have always used an ATF.

 

[meborder]

I had no reservations using Amsoil OE atf for my expedition and Subaru.

I'm less than a week into the fluid change, so I can't tell you any more than that.

I paid $25/gal. Which I didn't think was outrageous.

 

[akela]

yes, the fluid can make a difference in how the steering feels. I asked similar question few years back:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/1892609/replaced_PS_fluid_with_ATF,

 

[Greasymechtech]

Cooler weather... lower tire pressure. Definitely fill tires up to required PSI when cold.

Flush PSF with a good synthetic ATF. Castrol, Pennzoil, Valvoline, Mobil1, Royalpurple... have synthetic ATF's at most autopart stores.

 

[Toaster_Jer]

How would I purchase it for $25. The way I see it, $10 preferred customer and $27.68 for the OE and shipping costs.

 

[meborder]

.
Originally Posted By: Toaster_Jer
How would I purchase it for $25. The way I see it, $10 preferred customer and $27.68 for the OE and shipping costs.


I'm not sure about your situation, but I just walked into the Synthetic Warehouse in Sioux Falls SD and for $52 and change (including tax) walked out with 2 gallons of OE ATF.

The signature series would have been $110 for 2.5 gallons, which is mostly why I did the OE.

 

[ryanschillinger]

Why not start by doing some reservoir suck and fills with maxlife ATF until it all looks clean? Shoot, get a few gallons and do a cooler line flush on your transmission while you're at it.

 

[Toaster_Jer]

Actually, that is what we plan on doing. Then down the road maybe use the Amsoil OE ATF. I have used their products off n on when I can justify it since 1980. Thanks for your input.

 

[asand1]

Seafoam trans tune and then flush with maxlife ATF.