Hi

I have owned 2 99 avalons. Purchased the first with 38k and sold it with 125k. No maintenance prolems only cost me oil, tires and brake, except the power steering would go stiff every once and a while, no noises. I just got a 99 Platinum in Jan 08 with 66k and with 74k on it, the power streeing is doing the same thing. I have read some comments but they normally refer to seal leak probems and therefore I presume low fluid levels. The levels have always been up on both 99's and I have never added fluid.

They say the leak causes rack and pinion problems.

If there have been no leaks what could the problem be rack and pinion or power steering pump

Is this a common problem with the 90 series, did it carry over into the 2000 series?

thanks

Brian

I have a 98 Avalon XL with nearly the same problem. I logged on to find answers. A bit more information: my steering is stiff when first starting and it makes the moaning noise. At first this was only in the winter, but it is still doing it in June, a bit less though. I have to make two sharp backs to get down my drive, and the steering is a bit resistant, but after a few miles I don't notice anything - noise or stiffness. It is not yet an acute problem, but I wonder if anything should be anticipated. Am I in store for a rebuilt steering pump, or something else? I see no fluid leaks, and the level is OK. At 114,000 miles, there is nothing else wrong with the car and I am very satisfied.

Hi

I was just on another forum site and someone there said they had had no laaks but ended up replacing the PS and R&P but that didn't solve the problem, their last replacement was what they called "the steering knuckle" which connects the steering shaft to the R&Pinion. They said that it seems to have soved the problem. Originally posted 04/06/08

I've asked if the problem has returned but have yet to hear back.

This makes more sence that anything else I've found and may try it first.

Brian