I have a 2007 Camry XLE with the V6, when first cranked the steering will be very stiff and after you operate it one time it will free up. Additionally after driving a few miles straight it will tighten up again. If you cycle the steering prior to shutting off engine for the night it will be OK the next day when cranked. Power steering works great with no noise while being operated at idle engine speed on concrete sitting still.

 

The steering shaft going from the steering wheel to the rack and pinion has a U-joint located on the engine firewall side. The joint may need lubrication.

Or the plastic bushing on the firewall that fills the hole the steering shaft goes through can be binding with the shaft.

 

Appreciate the info but I've already tried this. I also jacked it up and cycled the steering with the engine shutoff. This seemed to help for a little while, I've also changed the fluid once.

 

Can only speculate.

You checked the steering column and u-joints for binding. How about upper strut mounts, they have a bearing inside to allow the strut to rotate. They don't usually bind up instead making a popping noise, but never know.

Have had issues of the flow control valve inside the pump sticking resulting in no PS for a short time and VERY hard steering. Changing the PS fluid many times until it was clean fixed this.

If the PS reservoir has a screen filter make sure it is clean of debris.

Have you compared engine off (manual steering) with engine on (pump working) and note the differences? Trying to eliminate the pump from the cause.

 

I'm so glad to have found this thread. I was already getting ready to order a new steering pump for my '99 Camry - a liberal application of Tri-flow and the problem seems to have been entirely mitigated. I'll keep an eye on it, but thank you. All.

 

Thank you Joey, I did what you said with penetrating spray and steering is much better but Not as easy to return to straight as is should be.
2005 LE 215K miles, new rack two years ago.
Is there a grease zerk that I did not see? Can the U-joint be replaced or must the intermediate shaft be replaced?
Thank you,
Charles~

 

There is no Zerk fitting.

See link for parts reference.

https://parts.olathetoyota.com/v-200...olumn-assembly