Power steering filters

I'm going to clean the screen in my power steering reservoir this weekend. I've heard where some guys just bust a hole in the screen to alleviate the issue. Mine is starting to whine louder and louder when I get close or to full lock.

Instead of cleaning the screen, can it be removed and have an inline filter added to replace the internal screen?

About how much ATF does the whole power steering system hold?

Thank you.

 

is it topped off? low fluid will also cause the "whine" problem

 

Yeah I made sure it was up to level. Never cleaned or flushed the system as it has 118k on it

 

I would not remove the screen fully. Punching a hole in it is up to you tho. I just did this 2days ago. (Cleaned the screen didn't punch through it) the screen is pretty much locked in there and I don't think you would be able to remove it honestly.

 

Did you soak the entire reservoir or did you just spray with cleaner? What chemical cleans the best?

 

Well the screen is not removeable. So I just wiped it down best I could and sprayed a little carb cleaner in there from the bottom hole. No soaking or anything.. The hardest part was prying the tabs back on the lid of the reservoir.

 

This might be helpful. I have not done it myself. One of the many things on my to do list.

Credit goes to 4banger4x4
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/322460-how-clean-your-power-steering-resivor.html