Power Steering Issue. HELP

2005 Tacoma PreRunner 4.0

High Mileage and about 2 months ago replaced the rack due to worn tie rods and leaking. Steering felt solid. Lines were leaking a little so I replaced the reservoir and both lines coming off and flushed fluid. Was fine for a few days and now PS seems to have completely failed. It would work at higher rpms and get really stiff lower rpms. Fluid looks to be barely flowing. Pump is quiet. Amsoil PS Fluid Used. No air and no leaks.

Could it be the rack or pump? Lined are not clogged and the steering shaft has been replaced but this is much worse than how the failing ujoint was. This is no power steering at all.

Any help appreciated.

 

Since you already replaced the rack and from the indication that it works at high RPM and not at low RPM, I would guess that the pump is defective.

 

Yes it seems that way. It was that way earlier today but vehicle had to be driven some more for work and as day went on it got less and less and now is essentially a manual rack.

 

Any reason why you went with Amsoil PS fluid?
I’d would have probably been better to use the Dexron III.
Some guys have had problems with noisy pump using Dexron VI.

I’m not saying the fluid caused a problem.
I would have just used regular Dexron III.

 

Update: installed new pump and problem still present. Check lines and they flow just fine. Going to warranty rack as that is what it must be. It makes noise right before the PS gives out. Pump is silent.

 

What brand is the rack?
Cardone?

 

Yes it was Cardone. I have used several of their parts over years and not had issue. The pump and reservoir are also Cardone but are new units and not rebuilt.

 

That sucks. I hated everything about swapping out the rack. Best of luck with the repair!