Power steering noise

Hey All- Last night, flushed and refilled the PS system, it had been making quite a bit of noise. Truck is '99, 212k miles. The first time that the fluid has been changed. Today it's still making noise. Will that go away after the new fluid gets circulated or is the system damaged from never being serviced in so many miles? If it's damaged, how long will it last before it needs to be replaced?

Thanks

 

when you were flushing the PS system did you work the new fluid into the system by turning the steering wheel left and right a whole bunch of times? you made sure you used ATF and not power steering fluid (i think its the same for all first gens i know my 97 takes ATF) I'm also pretty sure when your working the fluid into the system you don't want your tires to be on the ground so its easier on the PS pump. NOT an expert mechanic or anything these are just things that I've read when i looked up changing my PS fluid.

 

yup, ATF, wheels off the ground, had my GF turn the wheel while I kept track of the reservoir and return hose. Just got back from lunch and it seems to be making more noise than before.

 

Are you sure the noise isn't from a loose belt?

 

No, but pretty sure it's that ps whine/growl. Comes and goes depending on being cold or turning.

 

if it was moaning and groaning prior to your flush and fill, it's most likely a sign of the PS pump going out.

 

X2

 

Agreed, pump is going out. the bearings are probably toast.

 

Yea the previous owner of my tacoma never changed the PS fluid either. Luckily when I did my first oil change they pointed it out to me.

 

many report that the screen at the bottom of the PS reservoir gets plugged and causes this issue. 3 bolts to remove, back flush with brake cleaner and compressed air and reinstall withe fresh fluid.
No way flushing removes the crud, as it is stuck on the screen.

 

Monroe Muffler didn't charge me for a new pump when I came in with the same problem. Fluid had never been changed. They told me that there could be dirt or particles in the system or air bubbles that would cause this noise. They flushed and put in new fluid and got the air out and everything is as good as new.

 

^^^ What he said^^^

 

So I picked up a new o-ring for the reservoir seal, thinking I would pull it and flush out the screen. Waiting for the weekend to come around and have time to do it, the noise has pretty all gone away. Still has a slight hum when it's cold, but all the creaking and whining is gone. Air in the line? Don't know, but I'm not messing with it any further.