Hey scotty recently i purschased a 1987 toyota pickup 2wd 22r 5 speed manual 225,000 miles, I love it runs like a champ and no rust on frame but the other day i was driving and making a left hand turn going 30mph and the steering wheel locked up and i couldn't turn, i almost got into a accident, now its hard for me to turn, do you think its my steering gear box? My power steering pump isnt leaking fluid or making any weird sounds, it feels like it coming from the steering wheel itself, like i barely turn it and its almost like it wants to lock up from the key lock cylinder, i changed some of the suspension components in the front thinking it was some bad links or rods but it still feels like its locking like its catching on something when i turn, please help i wanna drive it for a daily and reatore it
Check the "anti-theft" locking mechanism in the steering column. Sounds like it may be worn and locking the wheel when it shouldn't be.
did you investigate? Jack it up and look underneath while someone turns the steering wheel.
Yah we checked and it was fine turning when the truck was lifted on jacks, then as soon as I did a couple of circles in the parking lot the steering wheel was locking again @MountainManJoe
ok so it only happens while loaded. I think it's going to be either the steering box, steering shaft, or ignition lock. I would start tearing it apart and testing each component individually.
Ignition switch locking linkage is probably toast.
