'99 Squealing When Wheel is Turned

Hi all,

I've checked all the forums here on squeaking, screeching, and squealing but none seem to be the issue I'm seeing. Whenever I turn the wheel far in either direction, I'm getting a really loud squealing. Makes me feel silly. The wheel also seems to shudder like it doesn't want to turn.

'99 V6 SR5 4x4 with 101k on it. I had the power steering rack changed out around 98k.

Here's a video since it will explain far better. Any ideas?

 

See if this helps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75izDe5NltI

 

dang ol' dang, thanks for the video. I'll try this turkey baster method and let y'all know. Cheers!

 

Why don't you have a look at this video by Timmy the Toolman before you get into things too much...

And be sure to check the power steering belt for tightness. Too loose and it will cause a squeal (although not quite like yours) when you turn the steering wheel all the way to one side or another.

 

Holy cow. Thank you skeezix. I love Timmy as I would not have been able to put on my ARB bumper in 4 hours without his video. Can't believe I didn't think to look at his channel first. I'll report back after checking the belt but most likely I'll just flush and clean the steering system cuz I just bought this truck and think the previous owner let it sit for a while.

This pic from Timmy gave me the cold shivers.

 

Yes, I did this before and it worked great. I did it like three times spread out over a few days or so. Very satisfying feeling to have fixed something so easily.

 

If cleaning the screen doesn't fix it, you can rebuild your power steering pump pretty easy.

Get this rebuild kit: https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem...ion=vane-pump-reservoir-power-steering,,04446

This thread, https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/power-steering-pump-rebuild-how-to-with-photos.377002/ will show you how to do it. That thread is for a 4-cylinder pump, but it will show you enough to get it done on a six. The 6-cylinder pump is actually easier because it doesn't have a bearing.

 

OK. So, The flush was done this morning and I've learned a few things.

I used a siphon to drain the reservoir and this was by far the dirtiest fluid. The flush also got some dirtier fluid out but it wasn't as appalling as the small amount in the reservoir. That being said, I think the flush was overkill here. Filter screen was fine. 99% clear. But now I know, which helps me sleep at night.

After driving around today and turning a lot while parked, the issue was 95% gone. However, when cold, the issue persists. I had a buddy look at the belts while I cranked the wheel and it seems that the power steering belt pulley is running a fraction slower than the others which is causing the squeal.

So my best guess is that the tension on that pulley is off. I'll mess with that tomorrow and report back.

 

Yeah, that reminds me, the turkey baster I bought wouldn't fit the hole LOL. I bought a nice siphon type thing online and it enables you to really clean out the bottom. Like I mentioned, I did it like three times. One owner 300k.

 

Ok...Tightened the power steering belt this morning and the squeal is gone. Yes, I am in fact a silly goose. Thank you all for your assistance.

 

Found that an Infant Nasal Aspirator ( AKA Snot Removal Tool) with a 6 inch clear hose added to it works great. Can get it at Walmart for $1.70 in the infants section.

 

What did you use for the fluid you put back in. Can Synthetic (Valvoline Max Life) be used?

 

I used

$34 Valvoline DEX/MERC (ATF) Automatic Transmission Fluid 1 GA

Valvoline ATF but anything that's Dexron III compatible should be fine.