Power Steering problems (whining pump)

I lost power steering in my 1995 2.7L Tacoma about 3 days ago. I replaced the pump and had power steering restored, however, it made a real loud whining noise when I turned the wheel. Then, I lost power steering again.

I just replaced the pump a second time and I have the whining problem again. My check engine light came on as well (not sure if the two are connected). Does anyone know what could be going on with my taco?

 

I have always had them whine when they dont have enough fluid in it. Maybe you are leaking somewhere and letting it run dry and its burning it up IDK

 

When it makes any noise like that your low on fluid or out, your best bet is to park your truck on a dry flat piece of ground to see the general area of the leak then find it and patch it. Or if there isn't a leak just go to a store and buy the correct fluid.

 

Well, I can't find any leaks and the fluid level remains the same in the resevoir. I've had a couple of people look at it and neither has a clue what is wrong. I figured at least someone on here has had the same problem.

This is a very frustrating problem. I wish I knew how to upload audio/video to this site.

 

Could it be the type of fluid that I put in it? I thought power-steering fluid was power steering fluid.

There is some sediment at the bottom of the resevoir. Could that have something to do with it?

Also, I put some of that Lucas Oil- power steering leak stopper stuff in there before all these pumps started breaking. Could that be the cause?

 

For the most part fluid is fluid but they made different types, and yes that sediment is probably the cause for the whining its its getting sucked through the pump

 

Did you prime/bleed the hell out of it each time you installed it new?

 

No, the guy at the auto parts store said I wouldn't need to bleed it. How would you bleed or prime it?

 

There is a screen at the bottom where the sediment collects. I tried my best to get most of it out but there was still some in the bottom. I'm not sure how it would get down in the hoses.

 

try draining and replacing all fluid (Flushing System). It helped with mine while I was waiting to get the new one in. I only replaced because the old one was so far gone.

Fluid should be clear, not yellow or off colored. Also if it is foaming it is no good.

 

Mine was making noise but it turned out that it was just low on fluid. How long did the second pump last before it went out?

 

Did you use ATF? I'm pretty sure the 1st gen trucks used ATF in the steering system.

Do some research about the rack itself. Some 1st gen guys have had to replaced their steering racks.

 

How do you drain? Or I guess the better question is where do you drain from? Other than the resevoir and the hoses, I don't know where the fluid could be drained from.

 

2 days or about 40 miles.

 

This scares me a little. The fluid that came out was a dark red/purple. The fluid I put in was rather clear.

Unfortunately, I wouldn't know were to find the steering rack, much less replace one.

After doing some more research, I believe the the system needs to be thoroughly flushed. I wanna pour new fluid in until the fluid coming out the return hose is the same color. Does anyone know where I could find a tutorial on how to do that? For example, I don't even know where the return hose is nor how to pump it out. I'm not much of a mechanic.

 

My husband and I flushed ours many years ago...

We bought a couple quarts of cheap ATF (for flushing with) and then finished off with Mobile 1 ATF. You'll probably want someone else there to help you if you plan on doing a flush.

Good Luck!!

Here's a flushing method I found ...
http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30489&highlight=flush

 

yeah i've had to replace my rack, the pistons were leaking

 

mine did the same thing, i replaced the pump and unscrewed the lines from the rack and let it all drain. all of the fluid was dark red and smelled burnt. make damn sure if you do unscrew them to put them on right and now to cross thread them. They are a PITA, but it fixed mine.

 

Thanks for the help, everyone. I fixed it. It was the dang resevoir the whole time. The screen at the bottom had become covered with sediment. I tried cleaning the screen but ended up tearing it. So, I just removed it. Never had to flush the lines. Runs great now with no noise. I'm a happy man.

 

Very cool... & good to hear!!

Might wanna look for another screen to put back in there sometime. Afterall - it's supposed to filter the sediment and prevent it from flowing through the system.