Toyota Repair: Toyota Camry 96 power steering hard to turn, inner tie rod, power steering fluid


Question
Hi Ted,
I have a Toyota Camry 96 LE 4 cylinder, 115k miles, good condition.  After I replaced the timing belt, the steering is hard to turn.  Sometimes it is normal and most of the time, it is a little hard when you steer.  I have retighten the steering pump belt and make sure it is not loose.  Before I replaced the timing belt, the power steering is normal.
Would you please let me know what I should do next?  The power steering fluid is full.  I have tried to turn the steering left and right but it doesn't seems to help.

One other question, I have another 92 Toyota Camry LE, 4 cylinder, automatic tranmission and the inner tie rod is bent due to an accident.  How can I replace the inner tie rod? ( passenger side) Do I have to replace the whole rack and opinion?

Your help would be very much appreciated.

Answer
It still sounds like the power steering pump belt is either not tight enough or it's worn or there is oil on it, try replacing the belt and make sure that it's very tight. The inner tie rod is replaceable, remove the rubber boot and then loosen the nut, it calls for a special tool to loosen that nut but you may be able to use an adjustable wrench.