Power steering issues. Money pit edition!

I have a 2000 Toyota Tacoma SR5 that lost power steering 2 weeks ago. On my way home the pump started screeching and fluid was froffing up and out of the reservoir. Figuring the pump was bad I bought a new pump and switch them out. After I switched them out I bled the system and took it for a spin. Same thing happened. Pump whined and froffed over. Returned the pump for another and changed it out but same thing happened.
I bought a new rack and pinion because my stock one had a leak from the rubber bushing and I though that could draw in air when I turn it one way or another. Switched it out and it STILL FROFFS AND WHINES! I’m at a total loss of what could be causing this. The screen is clean is clean and the o-rings in the pump are not damaged. I use ATF and there are absolutely no leaks on the return line or the pressurized line.
I’ve spent well over $1,000 trying to fix this and I don’t know what to do next. I hate taking my trucks to a shop but it might be what I half to do. Any advice is appreciated!

 

probably need to bleed the system

 

^^ Yea. My 2cents. Too much air in the system and the pump can’t get any traction.

 

After each repair, did you lift the front end and go "lock to lock" at least ten times to move the air through the system and out? If not, I'd try that.

 

If several pumps were changed a new rack installed.

I gotta say crushed line or kinked line return line would starve the pump .

Hit anything on the road the could have kicked up and crushed a line??

One would have to really work to get the return and pressure lines installed wrong .

Chinese Pump Impellers machined wrong??

 

What type of ATF?

What does the return line look like? Any bends/kinks?

 

Yes I did that every time I put in a new pump and the rack and pinion. I’d spend at least a hour bleeding it to make sure there is no air in the system

 

Amsoil full synthetic. No bends or kinks in either line that I could see

 

Flow rate was pretty good for the return. I want to get new lines but I can’t find anyone in my area who can order them or has them in stock! I’ve tried the junk yards and all the Toyota’s were picked clean.

 

aftermarket rack

 

Is the screen in the reservoir stopped up??
Most pumps don’t come with a new reservoir so when you transfer the old one over, the issue could follow.

go to around the 25min mark in Timmy’s video
https://youtu.be/5k61KXRK8bM

 

I've not had good luck with aftermarket pumps. Do you still have the original pump, was it OEM? If so I recomend rebuilding it. It's pretty easy.

If you have a v6 get this rebuild kit: https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem...ion=vane-pump-reservoir-power-steering,,04446

This thread, https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/power-steering-pump-rebuild-how-to-with-photos.377002/ will show you how to do it. That thread is for a 4-cylinder pump, but it will show you enough to get it done if you have a 6. The 6-cylinder pump is actually easier because it doesn't have a bearing.

 

Good Info to have Gyrkin! I wasn't aware there was a rebuild kit. Appreciate the post.

 

I did not read the whole thread but frothing is usually air in the system. I bet you have a hole in one of the return line hoses. Just a pin hole is all it takes.

A leak in the pressure line causes fluid to be pushed out. So that’s the main difference to tell what side the leak is on. If you’re dumping fluid, it’s pressure, if you’re sucking air in, it’s on the return side. Probably.

Rock auto has replacements. I did the return line assembly and it fixed my screeching frothy pump. Just make sure you get the right hose. Different shapes for MT vs AT and engines.

 

Ever solve this??