New power-steering pump is haunted!

Anyone know a good exorcist?

In all seriousness, the mechanic didn't know what this is, and I'm not entirely sure myself. After getting him to diagnose and replace the pump (after my attempts and failures to solve the problem myself), it's still producing this unholy whining/moaning noise at the pump whenever I turn the wheel.

When I'm moving at speed, it isn't nearly as bad as when I'm sitting, turning the wheel from lock to lock. The fluid isn't foaming (although I am getting the occasional large bubbles), so I don't think there's air (or a lot of air) trapped in the system. He said that if it's still making the noise by Monday, we'll try something else.

Any ideas?

 

Was the reservoir replaced as well?
If not, that could be the issue (clogged filter).

 

I cleaned the screen out by pulling the reservoir off and blasting it with brake-cleaning fluid while I was rebuilding the old pump, so it's been clean for awhile now.

Unfortunately, that means I'm not sure what the hell is causing the noise.

 

I'm convinced there's air trapped in it or you have a blockage somewhere else. Jack up your front wheels, turn the engine on, and steer lock to lock 10 times, holding it at lock for 2-3 seconds each time. If that doesn't work - bad pump or blockage somewhere else....

 

Dumb question, but I assume you are using the correct fluid for Toyota PS pumps, Dexron II ATF.

 

Was the pump oem?? I tried like 3 after markets and never worked...put a used oem in and it was silent

 

So many general Mechanics don`t even look just dump power steering fluid in because after all it is the power steering pump .

Just how many pumps have you gone through ??

Just which brands have you been using ??

Just what was the reason to rebuild the original??

Did this all start with your rebuilding of the original pump??

 

Alright, so just a quick update:

Like many of you said, jacking it up and rotating lock to lock made it go away!

...aaaaand then it came back. And then went away for a few hours!

...and came back again. I read on another Tacoma forum that sometimes it takes awhile to bleed the system entirely after a flush and fluid change, does this sound normal?

He used Dextron ATF, and this is the first pump I've had changed. I rebuilt the original because I thought the pump simply needed to be resealed.

 

It sounds like your sucking air into the system .

You bleed it it works fine for some time then it is back again.

Poor connection for what ever reason or something wrong internal in the pump

Return line blockage or kinked enough to slow the return enough to cause the pump to cavitate

Just some thoughts of things I have seen over the years

 

Have you considered the rack and pinion unit itself?
My pump whined pretty loud with the original R&P when turned near the stops. Changed the R&P for leaking and now the pump is quiet as a mouse.

 

Man, I sure as hell hope not.

I'll give the lines and connections a look, see if something is introducing air first.

 

op, did you get this fixed? I'm hearing the same noises

 

Look at your fluid in the sunlight. Does it have metal shaving in it (looks glittery)? If so the pump is shot.

The noise is the bearing in the pump and can be caused by air in the system so when it's running check for fine bubbles in the reservoir.

I'd be willing to be OPs mechanic never flushed the system or installed a filter to get all the shavings from the old pump out and the new one bit the dust too.

 

The sound I hear seems to come more from the steering rack, down by the rods, almost sounds like a lubrication issue...

 

What does the fluid look/smell like? Is it filled to the appropriate level?

 

yes, oil looks good in level, have not smelled it but will tonight. it only happens when stopped and turning. i thought about trying to put grease in the wheel yoke that connects to the rack, also in the boots of the rods. but then was told that my pump may have seen better days...

 

I’m going to tell you exactly what it is. Your reservoir screen is clogged. I ended up having to take my reservoir apart and clean it with brake cleaner. Fluid wouldn’t make it through the screen fast enough, causing it to suck air and make the exact same noise you have. Cleaned the screen and my steering is quiet and butter smooth. Helpful tip...if you bend the four tabs that hold the top of the reservoir on you can pull the whole top half and cap off. That’s really the best way to do it....that gives you full access to the screen. Mine was horrible. No fluid getting through at all.

Trust me on this. My post count may not be too high but I would honestly bet money on this being your issue. I JUST went through it. In fact I hate to say it but you probably never needed a pump to begin with.



Here’s a video I found that shows the processhttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7u6za7NxUJU

 

I hope you are right cause it seems like a doable fix. Oil looked darker than what you'd want on steering application so it could be dirty. I turned the wheels yesterday in a cold start and no sounds. So this whining when turning comes on when the engine is hot. I would not mind changing the oil while I'm at it but it looks complicated beign that you have to vacuum and flush the system.
My plan to ckean the reservoir filter was just to pump out enough oil so that I can remove the reservoir, clean, re-install and then fill up with new oil....sounds doable....?

 

Trust me on this. This is your problem pull the reservoir off it’s real easy. It only takes three bolts. One of them is a little tough to get to you have to line the pulley up just right. Another symptom I had that you mentioned is it only happens when it’s warm. That’s because on a coldstart power steering fluid has had time to fill the line and seep through the screen. Once all that fluid gets sent back to the reservoir the lines are now full of air and that’s when the noise starts.Pm me If you need any help I can give you my phone number. I can also help you with flushing and changing the fluid. All you have to do is pull the return line and put it in a pitcher and steer the wheels back-and-forth Until the fluid coming into the pitcher is clear and clean.

Also make sure you use ATF and not power steering fluid.

 

I replaced mine not to long ago and it also howled like a banshee. I did the proper procedure for flushing out the old fluid and bought whatever brand was recommended here to ensure it would be good fluid. Over time it quieted down and now it doesn't make any sounds at all. Maybe yours just needs to be "broken in" too?