apodosis

I've got a 97 Tacoma with 358 K. I'm looking for some suggestions regarding some power steering probs. I noticed a gradual decline in smoothness when turning from a parked position. This continued for a couple weeks. Then one cold morning, the howling began from the pump, and the steering was extremely stiff. I tried bleeding the lines, rebuilding the pump, then bleeding again -- didn't seem to help at all. There have been no fluid leaks either. Could it be the relief valve on the pump? I didn't change that as it didn't come with the rebuild kit (the bearing didn't come either, so I purchased it separately). I haven't replaced any hoses yet, and I'm aware that that's a possiblilty. I've read that it could be a rack problem as well. Any suggestions?

okie81

If all you've got is some power steering problems after 358k, that's impressive!

apodosis

Yeah, I'm with ya. Actually, last January, the original went at 348 K (head gasket or cracked head...saw coolant in Cylinder 3). I ordered a used Japanese import from a company in Texas, had it shipped to my work, and with the help of a friend, swapped it out (16 hours). The "new" engine only had 41 K (according to the company I bought it from). Ya never can know for sure, but I tell ya, it runs sweet, man - like right off the dealer lot ($1300.00). Thing is, it didn't come with a power steering pump, so I had to transfer the old one to the newer engine. I rebuilt it, but I'm still experiencing the same problem. I've never had to diagnose a steering issue, so, I'm essentially starting from scratch. Any insights that anyone may have would be appreciated.

Yukon

Take the belt off the PS pump, then run the engine, just to make sure that the PS pump is indeed the issue. I was about to go buy a new one, did this, turned out to be something else.

If it is indeed the pump, then just go buy a whole new one. (or reman) should fix the issue.

apodosis

Thanks for the tip. One thing I forgot to mention was that the pump is not howling anymore. This could very well be that there is no air in the lines after bleeding. Nevertheless, the steering problem still remains. There's a slight buzz remaining even after I rebuilt it, but nowhere near what it was doing before. So, zero power steering, with little noise. When I'm rolling, it's obviously easier to steer, it's just the dead stop/take off that's extremely stiff. I'm not sure if something is binding, or what. I haven't abused the truck. It's mainly endured highway driving, with a few off-road instances/goof arounds. I've read that it's common for a rack to leak if the seal was blown, but there are no fluid leaks. I'd rather not dish out money for a new rack without knowing for sure. I'll try what you suggested, but I'm pretty convinced that it was the pump making the noise in the beginning. I steth'd it with a screwdriver, and it seemed obvious. I'm thinking that something else might be wrong that may be putting pressure on the pump. hmmm...