I have a 1999 Camry and it has 108000 miles on it. It only seems to happen when its could out, about 40F and below, but when I first start the car and start moving and turn the wheel, it squeaks and there is some resistance every now and then. The power steering fluid if fine, but I don't know what it wrong.
Possibly sqeaking belt that drives the power steering pump.
A loose belt?
The squeak usually comes from under the dash where the steering column either goes through the firewall or meets the dash. You just dab a bit of grease there and it goes away.
I was told some years ago. That it was the Steering Rack moving in the rubber mountings on the firewall.
I did find a reference to it on the net and the mod sheet.
When I took it up with my Toyota Dealer he said it was total rubbish.
But the sheet did give part numbers for the new mounts.
I did print the sheet out but it was years ago.
Johnny UK
A loose PS belt - when the belt loses its grips you lose PS assist. Therefore the steering will briefly become hard to turn. Check the tension. Many cheap belts use harder rubber compound. Try a Gates belt (and hoses) next time.
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