Power steering question???

ok guys i have a 2000 3.4 tacoma

i just started it up and the power steering (i think) is making alot of whining noise when i turn left or right but if i go all the way to max the steering wheel out the noise stops.

ive done some research and ive come up with these possibility

power steering is shot and need a new one
change fluid and remove screen in reservoir
idler pulley is bad?

can someone please help me, i dont want to buy a new pump if i dont have to.

 

Try just changing fluid and see where that takes you.

 

Worked for me.

 

i changed the fluid and it seems to be quieter, still i went from no noise to where i can hear it from the cab.

 

did yall mess with the screen/filter in the reservoir? i was reading and people where saying to remove or put a hole trough it with a scree driver? yalls thoughts

 

I wouldn't say go and put holes in anything, best thing to do is get it checked out by a professional. But your call. Maybe removing it is fine but as far as putting a hole i'm not sure.

 

gotcha, i figure i would try and remove or poke holes in he filter, but im not really sure where its at, i think inside the reservoir maybe?

 

Yeah at the very bottom of the reservoir there is round plate and under that is the filter, I know a couple people who have had whines in their MUSTANGS and replaced the filter, and got all new hoses, and that helped them.. Not sure if that would solve your problem.

 

how do i get the filter out?

 

http://toyota4runner.danielcadams.com/how-to-change-the-power-steering-pump-on-a-toyota-tacoma/
That's the closest I can find, check out Toyota.com for specifics, i'm not sure exact step by step for 2000 3.4.

 

poked a few holes in the filter with a screw driver, started and no noise and power steering is perfect.

 

Alrighty well good to hear man, that could be of use in the future for myself ahaa. Good to hear you got it.