jimrockford

I think my power steering pump is going bad. When I started my 4Runner this morning, the power steering pump started making a whining noise. It was worse if I turned the wheel to the left or right. The noise went away as it warmed up, but I'm afraid that it's going to get worse.

Parts.com wants about $255 for a new OEM unit. NAPA wants $104 plus core charge. I can't afford $255 right now for an OEM unit. The NAPA price looks a lot better. Anyone have any other ideas or experience replacing a power steering pump on a 2nd gen 4Runner?

TOR

Hey Kevin an alternative would be the rebuild gasket kit. This would be about the only option I know of besides replacing it. Here are your options.

Gasket Kit 04446-20090 $23.67
Power Steering Pump 44320-35411 $234.27

Todd

sidfactor

I'm in the same boat, man. Seems like it's worse on colder mornings. I found that topping the fluid level off seems to help, but I can't fully back that up.

Seems like whenever I get a chance to save up some cash, something like this happens. :cry:

L33T35T 4Runner

are you sure the belt isnt slipping?

mtnfreak

Recently replaced mine with a NAPA unit. Looked to be a rebuilt OEM. Wasn't very hard once I got the pulley nut off.

joshik

im having the same problem too. makes more noise than usual in the morning. my power steerting is leeking too. i dunno exactly where from. havent bothered investigating yet. i put in the stop leak stuff a while back and it worked well, but it started to leak again. imma try the stop leak stuff again...

but yeh... i called CLARKS AUTOMOTIVE (562.630.1811)... they sell lots of parts for yota trucks.... not oem but good stuff. they have a power steering pump new for $65! its only the pump. i may have to try that if i cant fix the noise on my own.

growinseed

Of course check the fluid level, as it warms the fluid expands etc. The gasket kit worked here. If you can turn wrenches and payattention to how it comes apart its the least expensive way to repair this problem.
Nathan

CTB

Ya, like L33T35T said, first check to make sure it isn't something as simple as a slightly loose belt.

Mine would make a screeching noise at full wheel lock/turn because the belt was loose. Once I tightened it up, no more noise!

KING

Im having the same problem too!

Damn TOYOTAS!!

I dont even wanna consern myself with though, even though I think there is no fluid in there right now, the drive way floor has a two foot long stain from the power steering fluid.

WHen I feel like changing that damn thing, Ill change it, until then, its gonna run like that.

Brokenaero_O-3

My Power Steering has been having the same problem as well. I've used the stop leak a few times but to no avail. It's to the point now I've got to refill every morning!!!!!

But mine has been leaking from the gaskets where the union bolt connects to pump (pressure hose). I've got the replacements and now just need to find the time to do it.. hopefully tomorrow... Will let you all know how it turns out!

jimrockford

Well, I checked the power steering fluid and looked for a loose belt. The belt looked good. It was dark and hard to tell if it was low on fluid though. It kind of looked like it was. I'll have to check in the daylight.

It does look like I may be leaking though. But I'm not sure if it's power steering fluid. I've got some fresh spots on the pavement, but they're not under the power steering pump. They appear to be under the pitman arm on the drivers side. The spot where the steering shaft (?) enters the steering box (?) is a bit moist. It looks like it might be leaking and running down the pitman arm and then dripping. Again, I'll have to check in the daylight to be sure.

Can someone give me a run through on power steering 101? Here are several questions:

1. How does power steering actually work?
2. What parts compose the system? Or, to what components does the fluid get pumped?
3. How does the power steering pump use hydraulic pressure to making turning the steering wheel easier?

Obviously, I don't know a lot about power steering. I've never had to do anything except change the belts and add fluid. I'm sure it'll be fun to get in there and get dirty, though.

TOR

Man I hate to say it but on some of ya'lls descriptions they sound like they may be the high pressure hose or even the returns in some cases. These things are megabucks, I would check it out ASAP because it will only get worse.

Todd

joshik

yeh, mine too. its not under the power steering pump on the passenger side. its on the drivers side... so im guessing its the box? is there a rebuild kit for that? ive seen the idler arm rebuild.... but not one for the steering box.

OMG, i just called the STEALERSHIP! for a new steering/gear box... its $2600! OMG. even the parts guy was tripping out. i asked him if it was the right part... the box where the steering wheel shaft goes to... yeh? he said yeh! dang!
All Pro offers a rebuild lifetime replacement one for $399! Toyota offers a rebuild kit for $115.

mtnfreak

A puddle under the steering box may not be bad news. Mine started to leak after a garage refilled my power steering with power steering fluid instead of ATF. I switched back and the leaking stopped. If you're unable to stop your leaking, most of the chain stores (NAPA, Checker/Schuck's/Kragen/Parts America, AutoZone) now carry rebuilt steering boxes for Toyotas. I've seen them for as little as $200 or as much as $400.

Toyo4x4

I don't know if this will help you guys that DON'T have leaks but have whining: maybe try switching to Mobil1 synthetic ATF. I read somewhere that this was tried and it stopped the whine. Get a turkey baster or a cheap diff. pump and pump out the reservoir, fill up w/ M1, drive around a couple of days, and repeat. I've recently swiched my PS fluid to Redline's D4 ATF and its made the steering feel lighter. I've had to rebuild my pump twice since new due to seals going bad from the heat. The synthetic will lower these operating temps. and have a longer life...which will hopefully result in longer pump seal life.

Yoogy

Make sure your using the correct power steering fluid. My 88 uses atf, I made the mistake of using power steering fluid once and steering was noisy and hard to turn.

2ToyGuy

Same here with an 87 4Runner. Be careful, and read the FSM.
Pat☺