Power steering issue..WTX is wrong with this..?

It all started with swapping the alternator to HD alt. Thought it was the tensioner that wasnt holding the tension on belt. Got a mechanic to change a new tensioner for me. He took only 1h 20min (??) While driving home it was good lke before. Next day on again same problem. I did top up the ps fluid with toyota when this problem started. It behaves erratic..power goes and comes back. Could this be electrical or may i should flush the fluid/refill...Dealer told me belt is good.

 

I think there is a screen in the tank if the pump is noisy check and see if the screen is plugged up.

 

I did drain /refill few times using the return tube..while my daughter was steering slowly. I do see some improvement..esp..the blank spot (i call it)where i lose power is gone but overall i feel the steerin is little harder than how it was originally. May be should i flush completely and fill again. Whats the best way to flush..???? thnx

 

I drained the old fluid and refilled new ps fluid. It drove well during test drive, parked it and next i see same shit is happening. Few days ago when the tensioner was changed by mech it drove good only that day. Dont know why this taco is acting up, I do hear some grind noise when steering is fully cranked to either sides..does that ring any bell. If i know for sure its PS pump i could change it..is there anything else in the steering column that should be checked.? Thanks

 

There is a procedure for bleeding the power steering pump. You may want to give it a try first ...

Starts on page 3

 

I am having this exact intermittent problem! It is driving me crazy!! its like a switch goes on and off, power one day, gone the next...Let me know what you find and I will do the same.

 

There's a good chance that your problem is the universal joint in the intermediate shaft in your steering column is dried out, corroded, and binding. This is what happened to mine and a shot of oil fixed the problem for 6 months until it reappeared again. Another shot of oil and I'm good to go again. I am going to have the intermediate shaft replaced soon and that should fix it.
Try crawling under your truck with an oil can with a flexible hose and squirt as much oil on the universal joint as possible, move it to a different position (turn the steering wheel 90 degrees or so) and oil some more. It is easy to see and get at that little universal joint from under the truck. Use a few rags to catch drips and keep things from getting too messy. If this doesn't fix the binding feeling in your steering then all you have done is lubed your universal joint which won't harm anything.

 

X2

 

Gregman...you are awesome..i took it to a toyota mech (refered)and let him to figure..he got the same doubt as you said..truck came out just like how it was b4 all started..after a lube. He said Intermediate shaft is dry and corroded and gave me part cost as C$359 if i need to change plus $130 for install. But for now runs like new. WONDER WHY THIS SHAFT IS SUSCEPTIBLE FOR CORROSION/DRYING. Cant we resand/lube it instead of replacing with a new one ..??????? Thanks to all for input.

 

Ordering up the intermediate shaft tonight, knuckle is smooth as rusty butter with some PB blaster. Thanks!

 

My intermediate at 5 years old. Looks and feels new. I hit with Liquid Wrench rust inhibitor at every oil change.