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Power Steering Problem?? What's Wrong???

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by TacoYes, Oct 21, 2016.

  1. Oct 21, 2016 at 12:20 PM
    #1
    TacoYes

    TacoYes [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have to say thanks to the members for answering my last question I had, the person who answered was exactly right!!

    Now, I have a new problem, on a bad streak of issues lately. I have a 2011, 2.7, access door, 4x4, 140k. I had the 120k check up and fluid changes within the last 6 months (I know its not that but just conveying I am doing the necessary things to maintain the truck). I just drove 800 miles and started noticing when I would drive straight for a long time then try to turn right (to get off at an exit) there was resistance in the steering, like I had no power steering. After turning it would loosen up but then it would occur again. After filing up with gas, it would be fine then produce resistance when turning at random times, not consistently. It has noticeably increased in severity/frequency since first noticed. The power steering fluid is full, and clean. No noticeable leaks.

    Whats causing this? How bad is it? And should I not be driving it until fixed?

    Thank you in advance!!!
     
  2. Oct 22, 2016 at 6:30 AM
    #2
    Blacktaco2042

    Blacktaco2042 Well-Known Member

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    supercharger/trd cat back 3inch lift 265/75/16 duratracs bumper guard led bar
    The steering shaft has a u joint in it and it's rusty and binding up. You can spray it with pb blaster and it gets better there's your problem it's common.
     
    kool likes this.
  3. Oct 22, 2016 at 6:36 AM
    #3
    wilcam47

    wilcam47 Keep on keeping on!

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    might be your powersteering pump going out..
     
  4. Oct 22, 2016 at 5:45 PM
    #4
    TacoYes

    TacoYes [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Okay, I will try to locate the U joint and give it a spray.

    I am more afraid its the pump?? What's could happen if I keep driving, its not my plan but just wondering how serious it is. Do I have a week to get it fixed or is it more urgent than that?

    Thank you for the responses, if you have any further incite please add, its all appreciated.

    Also, how long should it take to replace the pump? I will probably have someone else do it, just wondering how long it should take and how difficult it is to do. Will I need to flush the entire system also?
     
    Last edited: Oct 22, 2016
  5. Oct 22, 2016 at 5:51 PM
    #5
    TacoYes

    TacoYes [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I am also in Wisconsin so the likelihood of this being the issue is also possible. Thanks for the feedback!
     
  6. Oct 23, 2016 at 5:33 AM
    #6
    Blacktaco2042

    Blacktaco2042 Well-Known Member

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    Where at in Wisconsin? I'm a tech at a dealer so might be able to help you out
     
  7. Oct 23, 2016 at 5:54 AM
    #7
    maineah

    maineah Well-Known Member

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    Does it make noise when you turn the wheel sitting still?
     
  8. Oct 23, 2016 at 5:55 AM
    #8
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    Stop making yourself nuts about what 'might' be. Take one step at a time, starting simple. Find the joint and work with it first.

    Pumps occasionally go bad. But they usually develop a whine first, which gets louder under load.
     
    AxisCab, SliMbo4.0 and gearcruncher like this.
  9. Oct 23, 2016 at 3:13 PM
    #9
    maineah

    maineah Well-Known Member

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    I want to know why a 2011 would have a locked steering u joint.
     
  10. Oct 23, 2016 at 3:19 PM
    #10
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    Why not? 6 years. Salt country. Certainly possible. Makes sense to check the easy stuff first, right? If its good, move on.
     
  11. Oct 23, 2016 at 3:26 PM
    #11
    L J

    L J Well-Known Member

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    My 07 had the bad steering joint at 70k and I live in N illinois. I doubt it's the pump.
     
  12. Oct 23, 2016 at 10:13 PM
    #12
    TacoYes

    TacoYes [OP] Well-Known Member

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    No noises at all, just resistance at irregular times, though its becoming more frequent. If I dont turn the wheel back to straight it will keep turning and not self correct.

    Answering another question, I have 140,000 miles on, I do drive a lot.

    I will take a look at the joint and see if anything looks odd. Have some one turn it while looking...
     
  13. Oct 24, 2016 at 5:06 AM
    #13
    maineah

    maineah Well-Known Member

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    Guess any thing is possible but I have had 3 Tacoma's I live in Maine my 2011 has 80K on it the others close to 300K none of them ever had steeling issues except for one pump at 230K. I would think if a joint is bound up it would not just bind at random times.
     
  14. Oct 24, 2016 at 5:24 AM
    #14
    L J

    L J Well-Known Member

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    Classic symptom of the steering shaft ujoint binding. As someone else said to verify spray some penetrating oil on it and work it back and forth. If you get some lube in there it will improve but you will still need to replace the half shaft.
     
  15. Oct 24, 2016 at 4:39 PM
    #15
    TacoYes

    TacoYes [OP] Well-Known Member

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    The PB worked PERFECTLY!! Drove it around for a few minutes, loosened right up. Thanks to all for responding. I will add this into the mix while doing oil changes. Its a big relief for now knowing its not major. A BIG thanks to the members for saving me time and money!!:thumbsup:

    So some of you think I will have to replace a section of the shaft, eventually?
     
    Steves104x4 likes this.
  16. Oct 24, 2016 at 5:34 PM
    #16
    L J

    L J Well-Known Member

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    It's a fools paradise. Unless you intend to spray oil on that joint regularly it will just bind up again. Toyota issued a TSB that replaced that half shaft. I had the TSB replacement done under warranty and have had no problem since.
     
  17. Oct 24, 2016 at 5:38 PM
    #17
    gearcruncher

    gearcruncher Well-Known Member

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    Man , do i miss the steering shafts with grease zerks
     
    wilcam47 likes this.
  18. Oct 24, 2016 at 5:39 PM
    #18
    Steves104x4

    Steves104x4 Well-Known Member

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    BUCKLE UP! It makes it harder for Aliens to pull you out of your Truck.
    So some of you think I will have to replace a section of the shaft, eventually?[/QUOTE]

    Not an emergency but keep that in mind the next time you come across a low mileage wreck
     
  19. Oct 25, 2016 at 5:49 AM
    #19
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    Yes. Not a 'rush', but not to dally around with either.

    1) you don't want it to bind, or break(!) on the road.

    2) Winter is coming. Do you really want to do this repair in freezing weather, or now, as part of your winter prep?

    The good news is you know what to fix, and it's much easier and cheaper than a pump or rack.
     
  20. Oct 25, 2016 at 5:59 PM
    #20
    TacoYes

    TacoYes [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Okay, thanks to all for the feedback and time!
     

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