Do I Have a Power Steering Pump Failure Here?

Hey guys...I have a 2007 Tacoma Access Cab with 2.7 liter 4 cylinder 5-speed stick. There's 125K on the clock and it's been a great truck. The past couple days, I've noticed a high pitched growling sound beginning to develop when I turn the steering wheel at slow speeds. Since it's been snowing here, my wife noticed something leaking (medium brownish colored fluid) in the fresh snow just a few hours ago. Also, there's a slight smell of burning oil in the garage when I get out. I just went to Auto Zone and bought a bottle of Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak. Are PS pumps known to fail about now or do I have something unique going on here? Any ideas?

 

Did you check the fluid level on the power steering? Chances are you developed a leak probably from the pump itself not the resevoir, and when the fluid got low, it works the pump 10x harder.

 

Checked the fluid level and it was very low...about an inch below the dipstick in the reservoir. I added Lucas PS Stop Leak to the top of the Cold range, then went out and drove it a few miles. There wasn't any evidence of leakage at the pump, so it must be a hose or fitting near the steering rack.

 

Did it still make the noise after you filled it up? Keep an eye on it, it's obviously leaking from somewhere. Wipe everything down around it and check regularly for evidence of leakage.

 

Keep adding the Lucas leak stopper. It just may work. It did for me -'for about 50,000 miles. Eventually replaced the pump.

 

Why does everyone reach for a fix-it-in-a-bottle. If you have a leak fix it the right way the first time and be done with it. Most of the mechanics in a bottle do more harm than good. Didn't you ever hear that if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Stop Leak almost never stops the leak. It mostly slows the leak by thickening the fluid causing harm to all the parts in the system.

 

Is there a manual steering box that can be installed in the 2nd gens?

 

Not everyone has the time and/or money to fix it the right way/right now. I've used Lucas stop leak & conditioners in the past and had good luck with them.

 

Did I give you the impression the stop leak was a long term fix, Hugh? For the record, there's a world class blizzard going on here right now with a Level III snow emergency in place (illegal to be on the roads). The stop leak is simply to increase the odds that I'll make it to the dealership in the morning to "fix it the right way and be done with it." Didn't you ever hear that assumptions often lead to the wrong conclusions? This is one such example.

 

Calm down Bark. Hugh didn't know you will be going to the dealer for a fix... you didn't mention that in any post, until your last one.

Hugh is only explaining why it's bad to use a 'magic sealant' available at do-it-yourself parts houses. No need to get in his face, he was guiding you in the right direction.

 

Let me start over. Please be careful with stop leak products, they can cause more harm than good at times. My advice would be to go to Walmart and pick up a gallon or two of power steering fluid to keep you going until you can get it fixed properly. I hope this helps and sorry if I offend(I don't mean to).