Heavy steering
 

I have a 2015 scion frs. The issue I'm having is hard for me to explain. It is hard to turn the wheel, almost a heavy feeling. I know these cars do not have power steering fluid so I'm not sure where to start to figure out the issue. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

WELCOME to our forum, there f.james - :clap:

Does your car show you any codes (lights)?

First off, I'd suggest you check the air pressure in your front tires.

Next, check under the front end of the car and make sure nothing is binding the steering.

Then, I would suggest you check the fuse that controls the power steering mechanism.

If all looks OK, it might be time to take er into the shop.

Others will be along shortly with some more help.

No lights on dash, I just aired up all my tires the other day. I have already checked the fuses and that checks out fine as well. I have not checked to see if anything was physically binding the steering so that's what I will go ahead and do. Thank you.

What wheels/tires do you have, specifically what size and make/model of the tire.

I'm completely stock

Heavy like there's no electric assist or like it's something mechanical? Check the fuse if you think it's electrical.

I checked the fuse already, and it was all good. So I'm guessing mechanical.

Wouldn't hurt to have a technician overlook your suspension components; if you hit any huge bumps or curbs lately, something could be damaged.

I have not looked at the steering in these cars but if there is a steering linkage connection from the steering column to the rack, that can bind. You could try locating it and spraying some lube on it. This worked on my 04 WRX which was binding. But eventually it came back and I swapped it out for the STI version and it worked perfectly. Good luck.

How heavy? If the car is off and the steering is unlocked, is it the same difficulty of turning?

There's just the one exposed U-joint down inside the engine bay, but I suppose it could go bad. Otherwise it's in the rack itself.

https://i.imgur.com/caCVwyB.jpg

This would be my next check too - jack up the front end to get the wheels off the ground, turn the key to accessory so the steering wheel doesn't lock and and turn the wheel. It should move freely. If it still binds, it is likely something mechanical.

You should also be able to just grab the tire and turn it from side to side.

If that moves freely, you could try starting the car (make sure brake set, wheels chocked, in park/not in gear) and turn the steering wheel. That would be engaging the power steering motor, and if it starts binding, you'd suspect it's instead electrical.

Did you buy new? did this just start? standing still and or moving?

Sigh. If steering effort is the same on and off WITH THE TIRES ON THE GROUND, the problem is electrical. If steering effort is different, it could just be higher effort than expected.

What's with the sigh?