Steering is stiff; what cause this and what is the fix

Hi, my name is Devin. I am an auto repair expert with the Car Genius team here at RepairPal. I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble with your vehicle. Stiff steering in your GL450 can stem from a few potential issues. One common cause is low or contaminated power steering fluid, which may have developed while your car sat unused. Another possibility is a failing power steering pump, which can impact fluid pressure and make turning harder. Lastly, a restriction in the steering rack or a seized steering component like a universal joint can also create stiffness. Try checking the fluid level and condition first, topping it up if needed. If this doesn't resolve the issue, you may want a technician to inspect the power steering system for further diagnosis. If you need more advice, have any other questions about your vehicle, or would like to get connected to a RepairPal Certified shop near you, we have you covered. Give us a call at 877-913-1554, and we will happily help you out!