My 03 TL steering is stiff when turning, especially to the left. I went to an alignment shop thinking was the alignment. They told me I need to replace the whole steering rack.

I also realize my power steering reservoir is almost full(right above the full line), I think they added fluid when I did my oil change, but I don't know when. Could the stiff steering due to too much power steering fluid? Should I flush the power steering system since it look like someone added too much who know what fluid in my car?

 

I would have the p/s pump checked. My steering got tight and then blammo the pump went a day later.
If there is too much fluid in the reservoir it will just spill out the cap. To check the rack, lift up the front end and move the wheels left to right. There should be some resistance as you overcome the fluid in the rack but it should not bind or have tight spots.

 

If someone filled the res past the marked FULL line that could be part of the problem
BUT
I would guess that a loss of fluid caused them to fill it at all~
On the end of the rack are rubber boots- peel back and look for fluid
Ck ps pump for leakage trails

most cars are not geting the ps fluid changed at 60 or less like it needs
Problems arise from that,, just like bad brake fluid does to caliper seals

ask another shop but the alignment shops are pretty good on this area of diagnosis

 

use a turkey baster to remove excess fluid from res so its between the lines

 

i wish my steering was stiffer , i hate the light feeling (but the 245 tires did help stiffen it up though, lol; just gotta get them back now lol)

 

My power steering pump showed no leaks or defects when it went.
Steering effort went up and a day later a bad grinding noise and no assist when pulling to the shoulder. Popped the hood and power steering fluid was bubbling out of the reservoir.
Got back home -thankfully only about a mile- and had it towed to my friends shop.
I checked out the old pump and when I turned the shaft it felt like stirring a pail of broken glass. So you may not see a leak.
Get a second opinion at another shop.

 

Hey friesm2000,
Thats true!
I have 225/55's on the stock rims and the steering effort heavied up just right.

Hey maybe that is why the steering pump went!

- it did have 120 thou on it thou...

 

245/40R18's here and i still want it stiffer at times (but i did really like it, when i first put them on though)

as far as 120 (at 118 currently with no issues, but a S though) on your pump, really should not be going out then still, but maintence (fluid changes) and how hard it's life has been (is the wheel turned against curbs often, etc) plays a major part in how long it can last though, so basically: higher strain more often and lack of maintence = shorter life

 

I bought my car and didn't notice until like 2 months later when I went to the mechanic that my power steering fluid was like all the way to the top way past the max line. He didn't take a little out and the car feels fine so I just left it alone. Should I remove some? I'm afraid if I do I'll get problems since its fine right now.

 

it is an indication that you might have issues (but also try checking it with the car running maybe also)

but if anything, the only thing a overfull reservoir will really cause is a mess, if the fluid expands enough and comes out (it might get on the drive belts though, so you might need new ones of those sooner then expected (oil does not play too friendly with the rubber, belts are made out of), but that is about it though

 

the fluid needs to run halfway between min and max at idle
it will be bouncing around inside as fluid circulates
It does expand with heat, so being maxed out cold will result in easy overflow,
foaming-aeration of the fluid (which kills it) and more

a car just purchased with overfill may have gotten a quick lube oil change before sale- and they topped it off--to the top!!,,
isnt that what `topped off all fluids` means?
whats this TL hold for engine oil--6?
dadada dee de deeee!!!!!!!!!!!

 

get a more concerned mechanic