Steering Binding

[ingmire]

87 4x4 manual trans. My steering wheel stops turning. If I release pressure on the wheel slightly and resume, the wheel continues to turn. It seems like something in the steering is binding. Can anyone give me any advice on where to start troubleshooting this? IRS quite scary and dangerous

[Cali Cruiser]

My first thought would be to follow the steering column to the underside of the van and check the connection joints and mounts of the steering shafts to the steering box with the beveled gears. Check for anything wobbly or loose at each connection and mount. Give each one a good wiggle to see if there is anything obvious.

Look for signs of excessive movement and free-play...such as a smoothed/cleaned-off area near a joint or bolt...on an otherwise dirty/grimy area. This may give you a clue to the problem.

[ingmire]

Thanks!

[originalkwyjibo]

It's not uncommon to crack the steering rack mounts on these. When mine cracked it allowed the rack to lift up quite a bit on the left side. If this is the case with yours it's possible the rack could be moving causing something to hit against it.

[trestlehed]

Use the search function for "Steering Bevel Gear Recall".

You can go to any Toyota dealership and they can run your VIN# and tell you if your van
needs the new bevel gear.