2 questions: Power Steering & Trans

Hi all.
I recently bought a "new to me" 2004 Tacoma with the V-6.
I have 2 questions.

1: My power steering is making a sound when I turn. My old car had the same
problem and ended up needing a total PS system. I'm hoping this one won't.
I just bought Trans fluid because that's what the owner's manual says to put in it.
Is there anything else I can put in to help.

2: In the morning, when I first start driving, ( in 2 wheel drive ) it takes a few
blocks for the truck to upshift.
When it's cold, it takes a lot longer. I don't think this is right.

I have no idea what the person before me did, maintenance wise, to the truck.
He gave me the oil change receipts, so I know that's ok.

Any help will bet greatly appreciated.

Thanks !
Dom

 

A lot of times the screen at the bottom of the ps fluid reservoir gets full of crud and limits flow of fluid to the pump, making it noisy. Try cleaning it.

 

deadbeef spot on the power steering reservoir screen incorporated into the bottom of the reservoir

there is a bunch of vids out there to show how to.....just need crap ton of brake clean/new p/s reservoir O-ring/new ATF fluid

as far as shifting issue
i have seen enough RoadKill eps. that the 1st thing those guys do is check tranny fluid lvl and add appropriate amt

 

To add, a groaning sound will be the power steering pump, flush, clean reservoir screen and replace fluid as above. It will still groan for a while, turn stop to stop, make sure it's topped off, until it goes away. If it doesn't, replace the PS pump.

A shrieking/squeaking sound will be related to the belts or bearings, usually the belts need to be tightened or it could be alternator bearings.

 

Cleaning that screen and changing the diff fluid(s) is neglected by most....both of which are super expensive to replace...

So I'd figure out a way to tackle these and the other 98 systems/components that need inspection/service

Any old fluids is rotting everything from inside out.....anything with grease is probably in need of a fix.
PS hoses could be delaminating from inside if they're original or too old.
I replaced mine as a preventive.

A lot people buy these and think because its toyota....they drive em till the parts fall off.


These Aisin trannys really need a warm up in mornings.....even longer on cold.
IF you have an exteral cooler like me you have to give another couple mins.

Doing that 2 or 3 min warmup will make em last longer......
because these are electronic shift and not hydromatic, they can really last a long time

 

This is normal, especially given the cold winter season.
Transmission will purposely prevent upshifting until a certain internal temperature is met.

Make sure fluid is at the appropriate level as well.

 

I'd check the tranny fluid for color and smell. If smells burnt and looks really dark, I'd consider doing a flush at home. You can disconnect the return line and just flush the fluid yourself. Might need several quarts, and I'd do a google search for a video to watch. Lots of valuable information here and on youtube. Watch this video by Timmy the Tool man.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RumPXivBlk8&t=905s

 

Toyryd04 & Crippledoldman

It's been cold here and I've been sick so I haven't gotten to the trans.... until today.
Where the hell is the Trans dipstick ?
I can't find it. It's to on either side of the engine, and not behind it either.

There's no mention of it in the owner's annual either.

Thanks for any help !

 

Assuming automatic- the transmission dipstick should be on passenger side, near the back of the engine bay.

It's the one with the orange/red cap - easily seen here from when I did my valve cover gaskets:



.. If you have a manual, I don't believe there is one...

 

Andy01.

I have the manual. Nothing on the trans.
I looked on both sides of the engine. Even used a flashlight. No dipstick.

I'll look again tomorrow, but, I know what one looks like. lol
I'll post a picture tomorrow.

Thanks !

 

ah yeah, it doesn't have one. It's either full when the fluid hits the fill plug, or you pour a known amount in via the shift lever opening (with the shift lever and associated stuff removed).

Edit- reading back up this post; the advice given about disconnecting the drain line, and the link to the flush video are for an automatic transmission only, and do not apply at all to a manual transmission. For a manual transmission, you just do a drain and fill with the appropriate gear oil (NOT ATF) (mt90 I believe, but you should look that up).

 

Andy01.

I like wrenching on my cars, but, this is a little over my head since I don't have a garage i can use right now and it's frigid out there.
I'll let it warm up for now ( it shifts fine then ) and wait till the spring.

Thank you very much !

 

Picrture I took today of the tube for a dipstick.

 

Do you have a manual transmission or an automatic transmission?

 

Andy01.

I have an automatic Trans.

 

You are definitely missing part for the Auto Transmission Dip Stick.

https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem...FE;4=SR5;5=ATM;6=4FC;8=XTR;0=VZN170L-CRPGKAB)

 

Crippled.

I don't have the tube for the dipstick to go in.
The picture is of the tube, but, it stops way down. Almost under the engine.

 

I think the question you gotta ask at this point is, if another member with an AT 04 has the dip stick or if the in the 04 model year toyota switched to a "sealed" variant. maybe @gearcruncher could answer that question.

 

3510635090 - Toyota Transmission Oil Pan. 3.4 LITER, 2WD. 3.4 | Toyota Parts Overstock, Lakeland FL




There is no sealed variant for auto's in 1st gen...

Either the pan is wrong or his was plugged.

Lower tube is made into the pan


and then upper

3510334060 - Toyota Automatic Transmission Dipstick. 3.4 LITER | Toyota Parts Overstock, Lakeland FL

 

Can 100% confirm 04 Tacomas a340e/f came with a dipstick.