stav

Hey guys just got into my first 4Runner, 95 3.0 5 speed, and it looks like the power steering pump is shot. I have to top it up every other day, so I've decided to replace it and wanted to know if anyone had any info on replacing it or has done it themselves and wouldn't mind giving some info

Cheers
Stav

RJR

It's not too bad a job. Take the battery out and remove the fan shroud for better access. Break the pulley bolt loose before you remove or loosen the belt. Get some new copper washers for the high pressure banjo fitting - available fairly cheap at the dealer. Couple hours ought to do the job.

Finally, use only Dextron ATF in the pump, not standard power steering fluid. The biggest cause of leaks in these pumps is using PS fluid, and is probably what the PO did causing yours to leak.

Welcome to the forum. This place is a gold mine of information - keep reading and asking questions.

scope103

You're probably right about the pump, but "top it up every other day" does not conclusively point to the pump. I'd clean it up (spray-on engine degreaser and a garden hose), then start it up and look closely for the leak. You would be disappointed to install a new pump, just to find out it was really the high-pressure hose (for instance).

shadowbirdie

Like mine was the seal and bearing at the column input in my 91 p/u,
so much crud couldn't tell where it was pouring from,
just puddled on the street when I stopped.
Nice new sealed gear from a 92 4runner at the pick a part..
Haynes was talking about putting 75-90 gear oil in it, glad I researched before acting Dextron ATF only..
I'd post the pic of the finished job but the uploader appears busted at the moment, the pic is in the last blurb of the 91 4X4 axleshaft questions I originated as shadowbirdie a few weeks ago

stav

Thank you guys so much for the help I'll try and post pics after I'm done!

4x4Turtle

Hey there, I just got a 91 4runner 3L v6 and it too has a power steering leak. I cleaned it all up with some degreaser and it seems to be coming from where the steering column enters the pump. Theres a little seal there where its seeping from. I bought some steering fluid stop leak hoping that I dont have to take the whole thing apart. But Im wondering if this stop leak stuff is futile and I should just go for it. Its dripping pretty slow right now but Im concerned it could get worse quick.
Has anybody had luck with stop leak?
Can I just replace the seal, or should I replace the whole thing?

scope103

It's probably the steering gear, not the power steering pump, if the steering column is anywhere near it.

I have had the slightest luck with a form of "stop leak," so I'm not ready to say the product is a complete fraud. But it's only for the most desperate of people. If it works at all, it will be very temporary.

Replacing the seal (or doing much of anything else with the steering gear) looks like a pretty BDD: http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...ng/13gearh.pdf

Rockauto has replacement steering gear in the $200 range.

shadowbirdie

I dunno, I got sucked into all that BS when I was a kid. I prefer to just fix stuff these days.
I remember hearing about bananas in an AT, and sawdust in a MT.
The column doesn't go into the pump, goes into the gearbox.
In this case the job is easier and requires removing less stuff, I only speak of the 91 22RE setup.
3 big bolts and a couple hoses to swap in the gearbox replacement itself.
I got a non leaking replacement at pick a part for $45 out of a newer 4Runner.
The full turn range is 4.25 turns, so center is 2.125 turns, that would be 4 1/4 divided by 2 to give you 2 1/8.
Mark on gear index will point straight front to rear as installed.
I also kept my old pitman arm, that was a real bitch getting off..

My opinion is any of that goop is either a bandaid or an outright scam
Good Luck