steering

[joseph henry]

Hi looking for advice on older Toyota corolla hatchback 1.3 1984 with no power steering....its rack and pinion and is very stiff i was told you can get an electric power steering motor for this but have not seen any ? anyone know of this ? or is there any way i can get steering repaired car seems not too bad once you start driving but still too heavy for my wife to use....any advice appreciated.

[TonyHSD]

You can do electric power steering from another Toyota like newer Auris for example bit this comes with new steering column power steering rack and ecu and sensors, it’s not so simple. 
Easier way is to replace with hydraulic power steering from similar tear other models or specs, then it will be just power steering rack , pump , belt and hoses. 
And lastly and the easiest way is to replace tyres, all season v shaped tyres make steering wheel lighter. 
Good luck 

[Talking Hoarse]

10 hours ago, TonyHSD said:

And lastly and the easiest way is to replace tyres, all season v shaped tyres make steering wheel lighter. 
Good luck 

Alternative tyres have got to be the easier option - and quite likely to alleviate a bit.  I have known this work well on older cars (like XR3i's).  However - additionally (and I suggest with some caution) you could also or instead try adding 5psi to recommended tyre pressures at front.  and preferably rear as well.  Beware, of course, that this will alter handling of the car - but that is unlikely to be detrimantal on low speed trips to supermarket etc.

And - if you have a trusted motor engineer - have them check for stiffness in any of the steering joints as when they get old they can get either stiff or loose before they eventually fail.

 Additionally - but unlikely in your case - an alternative Toyota just may offer a larger steering wheel that is suitable.  

Hope you find a realistic answer.