2004 Tacoma Steering Intermittently Stiff

[suckmykiss182]

When turning right or left out of center, my steering gets very stiff. This only happens for a moment and then it loosens up, but I am driving a lot of logging roads and am concerned about driving off a cliff. Fluid is fine, pump is working, everything looks normal to the eye- nothing bent or loose. What should I check next?

Thanks in advance for the help- it's much needed!

 

[Rock62]

A couple of thoughts

First, stay away from cliffs until the problem is solved.
2nd, is the truck rolling when you turn the wheel right or left.

Check the operation of the steering rack. Probably best with wheels off the ground.