Steering Wheel Friction

[Bulls I]

I have a 1999 LS400. When I turn the steering wheel I can feel friction and it makes a noise in the steering column also. It appears to make the most noise when the car is warmed up and moving - it rarely makes the noise when I am sitting still. It also is happens primarily when turning to the right and there is clearly friction when steering.

I just had the power steering fluid flushed and there are no issues when the wheel is adjusted up or down or telescopically (in-out).

It feels to me that there is some sort of variable rate power steering and it is binding when it is compensating for normal driving.

Any suggestions where to look next?

[Americana Music]

I have a 1999 LS400. When I turn the steering wheel I can feel friction and it makes a noise in the steering column also. It appears to make the most noise when the car is warmed up and moving - it rarely makes the noise when I am sitting still. It also is happens primarily when turning to the right and there is clearly friction when steering.

I just had the power steering fluid flushed and there are no issues when the wheel is adjusted up or down or telescopically (in-out).

It feels to me that there is some sort of variable rate power steering and it is binding when it is compensating for normal driving.

Any suggestions where to look next?

Bulls, There are several power steering topics on here. You can search and find some. I would first suggest you clean the solenoid screen/filter if you have not yet done so. Its located underneath the drivers side on the steering rack. Once you unhook the solenoid wire connector. Use a pair of channel locks to remove it. Do not clamp on the solenoid itself, but loosen the thin nut at the top of it. Some seem to have a hard time to get this loose so use some spray before hand to let it soak, but just remove it. It turns counter clockwise to loosen. Once you get it loose be sure to have a bucket, or pan to catch the fluid once you start turning it. Once you remove it, INSPECT it and look at the filter. When you are ready to remove the filter from the solenoid....CAREFULLY slide the filter off the solenoid. Use a hd razor blade edge, or a similar tool to EVENLY slide it off. Once again be EXTREMELY CAREFUL when you do this. I don't think you can buy a replacement filter so you will have to re-use your current one, no matter what happens to it. Anyway it's really easy to tear the openings in the screen so do not use anything other than a spray clearner, such as brake parts cleaner, or carb cleaner. This should help you out if you have never done this to your car. That's the first place I would check. At the same time you can check your solenoid out to make sure it works as well. You should get between 6-11 ohms and put 12v to it to see if it is working. You can do this once you remove it, and hook the solenoid back up to the connector and have some one turn the key to the ignition. DO NOT START THE CAR just get power to the solenoid. If it does not click, or shoot out fluid it's bad. I hope this helps you and please let us know what you find out.