steering noise problem,

Hello everyone, I own a 1999 toyota tacoma limited 4x4. I had a loud squeaking noise everytime I would turn. so I changed the powersteering pump thinking it was that. and the noise left for a little and its back now. not as loud but its back. another not is that when it rains the noise goes completely away. do I replace the front suspension or do I look towards the rack and pinion. Any information would help. Thank you!

 

Before you throw more parts at it, you need to identify what is making the noise. Does it make the noise when you are stopped and turn the wheel? If so, have a friend turn the wheel while you try to pinpoint the source of the noise. You may need an automotive stethoscope. They are really cheap (especially at Harbor Freight) and go A LONG way in helping to determine where a noise is coming from.

I had a rotational squeak that would come and go with differences in humidity. I changed so many things in pursuit of that squeak. It ended up being my front wheel bearings, even though they showed no other sign of failure.

You need to do some more work before you throw parts at it.

 

Yea it does make the noise even at stand still. And ok ima go to harbor freight.

 

Did you clean the screen in the reservoir? It gets missed a lot and doesn’t get replaced wit the pump if I remember right. It causes noise when it clogs up and starves the pump.

 

Yes I did clean it out

 

Have you ruled out steering rack bushings? The U-shaped one underneath the U-bracket on the passenger side of the steering rack squeaks on my truck from time to time. A little white lithium grease applied liberally usually shuts it up for a while. As others have stated, you gotta get down there and watch and listen while the noise is being replicated by someone else turning the wheel.