No return to center in steering

I have a 2007 that I picked up and haven’t driven much. Noticed that the steering is “off” compared to my other 2007. I believe it may have been in a collision as front body panel gaps are off somewhat

The car drive and steers fine with no shakes or noises. What it doesn’t do well is return to center after a turn. Regardless of left or right turn it doesn’t quite come all the way to center. Even though it doesn’t pull I can move the wheel slightly off and it would drive off a straight road eventually. Going straight I feel there are unnecessary corrections that I have to do. Steering feels a touch tight as well

 

lol

would a car that needs this procedure not have a center defined and have the sloppy sterering I am experiencing?

By turning the steering wheel?

 

Its been a little while.. had a traction battery issue to resolve and the car was back on the road and I got some more time to drive it and definitely the steering is less than ideal.

I put it up on jackstands to replace the muffler and took a very brief look at the front suspension. I didn't see any leaking struts or loose components on my initial inspection, but it ended quickly because of rain. I put the ignition in the accessory mode and turned the steering wheel lock to lock with the tires up in the air and it was relatively smooth without any noises.

I want to go back and try to pry at the ball joints to check for anything that is loose, but I am open to all suggestions with regard to troubleshooting this issue.

I will also attempt to look at the steering mechanism, inside and under the vehicle.

Summary of steering is it needs corrections going to somewhat straight highways. More resistance to turning than my other Prius so you actually notice the corrections. Tracks straight and no pulling.

 

I have new struts and ball joints on the way... will be replacing those as well as stabilizer bars ( and sway bar bushings if they don't look too difficult to remove)

 

that's good advice to look into the rack.

I am going to put in all the parts I have on the way and then I will see what is left to diagnose. I believe everything is original and this is probably the first time I am going to swap out struts that are "possibly" worn. Some people do it for maintenance. I usually avoid crap in the road and see how long I can get out of them. I did not put the 190k miles on this car.

The noises that bother me are low speed and are based on uneven road surface, and don't appear to have anything to do with turning. I also don't notice even the slightest vibration through the steering wheel and I am on high alert for anything I can find out of the ordinary. To me it feels like an overall suspension slop. There is also the slightly tighter steering than expected, but first going to hit all the "maintenance" items (this sounds more like a BMW than a Toyota, but oh well...) and see how she fares.. Should overall be a smooth repair.

Will be interesting to see if the traction control lights don't come on during rough roads during breaking. I have a theory about that.

 

New struts have been in for a little while and the suspension is definitely more quiet without any rattles. The struts replaced had made in china stamped into the metal, so I assume replacements... glad to get those out.

The steering is still a little tight, probably not improved by the struts. I may look into an alignment even though it tracks pretty straight. The steering issue will be something I look into again if it gets any worse. For now its OK.

 

Just poked around on this site and it appears that others have found relief to this issue with greasing the internals of the steering rack and making adjustments on the plug that puts pressure on the sliding rack inside the power steering housing. I plan to do both if needed.

I will inspect the two accordion boots on the steering rack for any cracks
and then grease the rack as best i can. Anyone know what grease is used in these racks?
Final step, if greasing doesn't help is to ease off slightly on the pressure adjustment.

 

Thanks Mendel for the info on grease. Lithium with Molybednum
Shortage of greases according to Lucas oil. Got this from tractor supply

 

This is what it looks like with boot off

 

I don’t disagree. Seems like that plug puts backside pressure on the rack to balance the pinion gear. Too much pressure tight steering. Too little and maybe the piñon either slips on the rack or maybe slowly wears the surface. Not sure.
My first attempt is grease. Didn’t seem like much on the assembly but I greased it like icing on a cake…. Well not that much but grease is cheap