power steering pully? bearing

2005 v6 tacoma pre-runner
ok guys i have that pulley/whining sound. so i did a search here. I am doing the take off the serpentine belt and spin the pulleys. They all seem fine except for the power steering one. it has a little bit of "play" (towards the back and front of the truck) and it also doesn't spin as freely as the others. It stops pretty quickly. And i can also hear click/small knock when i turn that pulley.

Now this should be my problem right? any input? is it the bearing the pulley?

thanks for your help

 

The p/s pulley is press fit onto a shaft. There is an internal retaining ring that holds it in place. As I remember, there is a little in/out play.

If your P/S unit is making some noise, I would try some Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak. I have good luck with it quieting a noisy P/S unit.

http://www.lucasoil.com/products/display_products.sd?iid=28&catid=9&loc=show

 

thanks for the idea but there is no leaks at all on the truck. i have a feeling it might be one of the bearings.

 

More likely to be one of the idler or tensioner pulleys. Especially if it's been wheeled or taken in the mud. I have found that some PS pumps have some play in them. I've bought rebuilt ones that STILL have some play in them. I would not be in a hurry to replace that pump unless you've eliminated everything else.

 

New sealed pulleys and a belt is relatively cheap

(2) upper (

$45 gates 36174 idler pulley

gates 36174) $41 per
(2) lower (

$34 gates 36173 drivealign belt drive idler/tensioner pulley

gates 36173) $31 per
new belt (goodyear 4070834) $31

 

The lucas product also will quiet a noisy p/s pump.