DWEINBERG01

Not sure if this belongs here, but I completed my 3.4 swap and I'm having a steering issue now. It takes all the strength I can muster to turn the wheel from side to side and when I hit a bump, the steering wheel get pretty much ripped from my hands. Is there something wrong with my power steering pump or is this normal for 36's with out hydro assist? Its so bad I almost crashed on the trail today. Where can I start trouble shooting. I'm gonna rebuild my knuckles next week.

Thanks

NytWolf

You have no power steering at all if it's taking that much muscle.

Where to start? Did you use ATF? Toyotas don't like power steering fluid. It uses Automatic Transmission Fluid.

DWEINBERG01

Yes. I used ATF. when I get the front wheels off the ground, it turns with one finger. it just has a hard time turning on the trail in four-wheel-drive.

NytWolf

Is it hard just on the trail? What about the road?

And it's just with 4x4? Do you have a front locker?

DWEINBERG01

It's a little stiff on the road, but nothing like on the trail. I don't have a front locker in it, yet. On the road, it just feels like I am trying to turn big tires, on the trail it feels like it almost doesn't want to turn at all. The kickback of the steering wheel on the trail is my main concern, I understand that it's going to be more difficult to turn into four-wheel-drive on the trail. In 2 wheel drive on the road it's still tough to turn but not out of the ordinary considering the size of the tires.

NytWolf

I don't think it's anything to do with the size of the tires.

You may not have any power steering assist.

Even with a properly operating power steering pump, it should make some noise when in use. Have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth, with the engine on, and listen for the power steering pump work. It should have some whine while working and the whine should be more pronounced when the steering wheel reaches its end. If there is no noise, it is bad and needs to be replaced.

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Sounds like bad pump perhaps.

:wabbit2:

DWEINBERG01

Are the 3.0 and the 3.4 power steering pumps interchangeable? I used the 3.0 lines because the 3.4 lines were sliced and they threaded into the rack below. Do I need to make custom lines to mate a 3.4 pump to the 3.0 rack?.

anthony1

iTrader: (1)

I'm using AllPro steering power lines. works great so far.

NytWolf

IIRC, the pulleys are different and the high pressure lines are different.

vasinvictor

iTrader: (3)

I'm using the 3.4 pump. The 3.0 high pressure line bolts right on after you cut off or bend the tab for it to go on in the right position. IIRC, the pulley's won't interchange- I think I tried that.

dntsdad

I am using the 3.4 pump and 3.0 box and Trail Gear PS lines that they sell to guys doing Tacoma SAS. Work great.

I think that you pump is crap.

NytWolf

I'm using the 3.4 pump, 3.4 high pressure line, 3.0 box, and 3.0 return line. Works, no problems either.

Toyhead

My power steering pump just went out on me. What's this about ATF fluid insterad of power steering fluid ?

NytWolf

You're supposed to use ATF instead of power steering fluid in most imports. ATF compresses better. My bro put power steering fluid in his Lexus and had jittery steering. After I flushed it and used ATF, it was fine. Also, power steering fluid will eat at your rubber hoses and seals. Don't know if it's the material the imports use, but most of them specify ATF instead of PSF (or they have their own proprietary PSF).

Toyhead

Thanks NYTWolf, I learned something new. This is the first time I've had problems with it in 200.000 miles. Damn an old dog can learn a new trick.