Excessive Power Steering Noise

Empty it via that little curved down spout on the side of the reservoir.
It has a hose on it.

 

IMO if it's not broken, don't fix it. Toyota has a great way of fixing its problems by putting more miles on it lol.

 

If he does not do anything it will burn up the pump.

 

A lot of the time when it's cold the power steering pump will give you a whine, sometimes a gurgling and sucking sound. It gets better as it warms up. My boss's '98 Dodge 2500 does this all the time when the temperature is below 40-45.

 

Ya. Cold oil is thick oil. Does not pass through the screen as easily.

 

have you ever topped it up with fluid? if so, did you use power steering fluid or automatic transmission fluid?

 

O snap. Good question. Only ATF fluid.

 

Fluid is at good level.

 

but what kind of fluid, if you have ever put in power steerig fluid, you wrecked your pump, sounds weird but it happened to my 01. it calls for ATF (automatic transmission fluid)

 

Yeah, I know 1st gen tacomas are weird about the fluid for the power steering pump. I haven't added anything to it since I bought it. The noise is almost gone now that there's been a few warmer days here. I honestly think I just need to clean the filter out and all will be good.

 

Any update on this. I have the exact same noise. Not all the time, but does it frequently. Has that weird hum when turning at lower speeds too.

When I disconnect the hose, do I need to worry about air getting in the system? Or do I just disconnect, drain the reservoir, clean filter with brake cleaner, reinstall, then fill with ATF?

 

Just went and looked in truck. Appears you have to disconnect the belt from pulley, and remove the whole assembly. Can I just remove the reservoir without taking off the pump?

EDIT**
Nevermind. Was able to get the reservoir off without taking off the pump. Letting it soak now. Screen was completely clogged. Going to flush the system tomorrow, but wanted to clean the screen first. Might do the mod where you drill out a section of the screen, then place an in-line filter on the return hose. Don't want to do it until I get clean fluid in there though since I feel the screen will catch more crud then the in-line filter.

 

To get the air out you just turn your wheels back and forth slowly and hold at the bump for a few seconds. Gets the air right out.