steering got stiffer

[fenrisx]

So..

I drove the 4Runner to class. 3 hours later I leave, and I notice my steering seems stiffer when I turn the wheel. Then when I get up to higher speeds (over 40 or so) there's a slight noise that's almost line a whine. It'll persist until I get to slower speeds. Ideas at to what's going on?

[CJM]

Sounds like the pumps going out, that would be your whine perhaps.

Check PS fluid, check the steering rack for play

[corax]

check your belt yet to see if it's glazed (shiny on the part that contacts the pulley), cracked or loose?

[YotaFun]

What they said,
Check fluid and belt.
If fluid is low add some (REMEMBER THE 4RUNNERS TAKE ATF IN POWER STEERING SYSTEM!!!)
If the belt is glazed the pump is starting to go.

If it's just low fluid (which is possible) check the rack and lines, I found most 4Runners to leak there.

Also if you need to add more fluid, add it, turn the wheel lock to lock a few times, check fluid again and add more as needed.

Hope that helps

[fenrisx]

Fluid is good, belt is still pretty good.

I was looking at it once I got to school, and as I was looking a person parked next to me who happens to be in his last semester of the automotive degree here. He looked some things over. He said the driver side ball joint looked a little bad, and needed to be greased, and that the passenger side didn't look too bad.

I didn't hear the noise today when I drove, and the stiffness seems more when I turn to the left.