Potential Power Steering Issue

Have searched the forum for similar symptoms I am having with my power steering. The pump appears to be working well, but started developing a baffle kind of noise. I actually thought that it was a noise coming from a loose exhaust but I was able to isolate this noise to the PS pump. I did a fluid flush and all the fluid is new. I did a air bleed. The pump easily turns my 31" wheels. The way I isolated the pump was I removed the PS pump belt and viola, I no longer had the noise. Any ideas what this might be. My truck is a 2000 Taco Pre-runner with 2.7 and has approx 113K miles. I have had the truck for about 2 years and just recently developed the noise. Appreciate any feedback..

 

WOW...2000 model with 113K....

Anyways, I have an '01 with 278K. My power steering started whining this past Saturday. Only when it is cold. After it warms, no noises...anyone with clues?



FIXED...topped off reservoir and I guess after a couple of days all the air in the lines got bled out and no more whining

 

I am having the same issue except temperature does not play a role. If I make a sudden turn then it will begin to whine. It drives me crazy! There are absolutely no issues with steering, the whining is the problem.

 

My noise is not a whine. It is more of a baffle type sound. When you put your hand on the pump while running you can feel a vibration. I will keep you all posted on what I eventually discover. As pdxpuddie mentioned, my steering is perfect with no issues. Thanx for the feedback. Hopefully others will chime in...........

 

Power steering pumps can be noisy but still work fine. Typically replacing the pump and flushing the rest of the system will resolve the issue.

 

there is a screen at the bottom of the PS reservoir that can become gummed up. I would drain the reservoir and clean the screen and see how the pump sounds.

 

^^^yes!!^^^ for sure give that a look, as mentioned above. Had one of mine start whining sorta like it was starving for fluid. Well, it was...gummy crap all down in my screen there. Cleaned it up and bam!! Good as new again. I hope this is your problem, a nice and easy fix.

 

Bingo, clean that screen at the bottom of the reservoir. Ironically, replacing the pump is not an alternative, since most new pumps come 'without reservoir'

I haven't done this myself, but it could be a messy job, be careful not to spill any fluid down onto the alternator.

 

These guys nailed it. Not to bad of a job. Mine truck did the same thing on cold startups when I first got it. I noticed it's doing it again this winter, meaning the cleaning lasted two years.

I haven't done it myself, but remember reading that it was possible to remove the screen entirely, and replace it with an in-line filter to avoid the problem again.

 

I've read of guys who just used a tool to punch a hole in it, effectively bypassing it, but it could create 'chads' of metal that would break loose and end up in the rack

In a shop, I think they remove the reservoir, and put it in a parts cleaner that uses solvent to remove any gunk.

 

Yeah, I just removed the reservoir, and flushed it and cleaned it as best I could. Don't remember but probably used carb cleaner or something similar to spray it. A parts cleaner would be best though.

 

Turkey baster is good @ getting the reservoir empty without making a huge mess...

 

I will remove the reservoir as suggested and flush it out. I used a hand type pump that is used to removed diff fluid. Purchased at Autozone for about $8 and it works great to empty the reservoir. Absolutely no mess at all. Will keep you all posted on the results...many thanx for all the great input........

 

Well guys, I removed the powersteering reservoir and gave it a good cleaning. Actually, the screen was pretty clean. Mounted back on truck and sound is still there. I guess at this point, I will just continue to monitor. My steering is not affected at all. It is just that noise that got me to look into it. So much for paying too much attention to different sounds than come from the motor compartment. A reminder, I removed that PS pump belt and the noise was gone. I also used a stethescope and the baffle type noise is coming from the PS pump. Time will tell.....................I will continue to keep you posted....many thanx for all your input..........a great forum......

 

yep, sounds like your pump is worn out but it may still last another ten years like that.

if I were you I would keep an eye out for a great deal on one from a parts seller at this site and even if it takes a year or two to find a good deal, it doesn't really matter, because yours still works.

just curious where you found the PS flush procedure at? I never saw a recommended way to do it and would prefer doing things the correct way rather then the shade tree mechanic way of whatever works is good enough.

 

Keakar, all I did was use a pump to remove fluid from the reservoir. Drain and fill about 6 or 7 times. Only used 2 qts of fluid. After each drain and fill, run the motor about 5 - 10 minutes. My PS fluid now is as red as it comes out of bottle. No mess at all. I also removed the reservoir and gave the screen a good cleaninig. 3 bolts hold the reservoir to the pump. The rear bolts were easy, but the fron bolt is behind the PS pulley, so you have to loosen belt and rotate the pulley so the holes in the pulley align with the bolt head. Very tight space. I removed the four bolts holding the fan housing that allowed me to have more room to get hand in there. Let me know if you have any issues or questions.....

 

ok, because I am wanting to do mine.

maybe your removing it to clean the screen was what caused your problem? something might have went places it shouldn't while it was upside down or something. when I do mine im not going to take it loose but instead im just going to use a shop vac with a rubber hose taped to it to suck it clean.

did you spray any carb cleaner or anything in it? I wouldn't, but I ask because maybe if you did, that could have caused your issues.

 

I had the noise prior to do the work. That is what led be to think possibly dirty fluid or clogged screen. It was very easy to remove the PS fluid reservoir. Again, mine is the 2000 model with the 2.7. Another trick I learned was just to remove the PS pulley. Super easy when removed to got the the front bolt holding the reservoir to the pump. Once I had it off, I then gave it a good cleaning with brake cleaner and then let it sit for a while to allow all the cleaner to vaporize. Then I swirled fresh PS fluid in the contained and drained and reinstalled. My issue is not coming from bad fluid or dirty reservoir thats for sure. I believe it is in the pump and I suspect that over time will become more noticeable. For now, it works great and I will just continue to monitor. In the interim, I am on the hunt for another pump just in case...........good luck and keep me posted..........

 

Thank you I am going to give that a try hopefully it eliminates the whine!