power steering problem

First post on this site... My wifes 2003 Avalon for the last week has something going on with the power steering. When you are taking a hard turn at very low speeds, 20mph or less, the steering seems to have power, then no power, then power. It seems to be hard to turn, then easy, then hard and when you straighten out you have to straighten it out yoyrself..it doesn't seem to want to straighten out by itself. When you go faster it is fine. I've gone 30 or so mph and take a hard turn and it is fine. Car has 65,000 miles. Tires are inflated fine and fluid is at the right level. Any help is appreciated

Reply 1 : power steering problem

Welcome to the site. Is the steering fluid full and clean or has the system been worked on, notice any leaks?

Reply 2 : power steering problem

yeh, doesn't seem to have leeks...haven't added any fluid. It seems like it has bumps when you turn the wheel. Not very big bumps..seems to have power steering then none then power steering. Am I helping with the description.. No squeals from the belts, although I know I need to change the serpentine as it squealled last summer when you put on the AC. Its not hard to turn thru the hard spots, but when you release the wheel it will return until the hard spot then you have to turn itpast that spot. Can you tell I hardly ever drive my wifes car?

Reply 3 : power steering problem

PS never been worked on. 60000 miles and except for fluid changes and front brakes, knock on wood, nothing has been the matter..

Reply 4 : power steering problem

I had this issue as well in mine. I flushed the PS fluid and it didnt help so i looked at the steering column and noticed there was a joint which was binding when i would turn the wheel. So i sprayed the crap out of it with pb blaster and 2 days later it worked perfectly and hasnt come back since

Reply 5 : power steering problem

Thanks. I'll give it a try. Let ya know what happens.

Reply 6 : power steering problem

yeah, i've experienced this SAME problem. light steering, then heavy steering, and yes, it wouldn't straighten out after turning (the steering wheel) like it used to. first off, what is PB blaster, and second, is the coupling under the hood, or inside the car under the dash ?? i almost hate to say it, but has anyone had a dealer look into this? reason i ask is that i was wondering if a service bullentin has been put out about it..

thanks all.

Reply 7 : power steering problem

This issue has also come back on my car

PB blaster is a type of lubricant kind of like WD-40 except its stronger.

I sprayed underneath the dash as well as under the hood where the steering column meets the rack and pinion. Have you had the recall done for the issue with the steering lock?

Reply 8 : power steering problem

no, in fact i just read about the recall here. i need to get with my dealer and see what's up. we've got a great toy dealer in our town. sure, he's expensive as hell, but once they do something, it's done right. and they're pretty up front too, so i'll see what's up with the recall. i would think that HAS to have something to do with all this.

Reply 9 : power steering problem

Ya im going to make an appointment for mine next week...its tough when working 2 jobs :/