I've got a problem with my power steering and have been unable to find a definitive answer anywhere. I've got a '95 4runner 3vze, when I start the truck and begin to drive my PS works, it's not great but it works, but as I drive further the PS begins to fade. It's a fairly progressive fade as in it just gets worse and worse and after about 20 mins of driving it seems to be non-existent. I'm under the assumption that the pump is bad, but I thought I'd ask you guys what you thought. I have no whine from the pump, and no noticeable loss in the fluid level nor have I seen any fluid on the truck or on the ground since I changed a pressure hose. I did pull code 71 (EGR malfunction) the other night and read that maybe a vacuum leak can be the cause of that and was wondering if a vacuum leak could also affect the PS system?

 

Have you checked your belts for damage or play? Sounds like the pump is going out

 

The belt tension's fine and there's no damage that I can see. I think it's the pump too so I guess I'll just replace it and see how things go from there.

 

Consider rebuilding it. A rebuild kit is about $30.

 

I ended up just buying a new pump and all is good now except I think I got the vacuum lines backwards but it works so I'm not concerned with it. Oh, and FYI if you need to replace the vacuum fitting on the pump try to get it at a import yard. I had no choice and had to get one from the dealership and it was $120.

 

I missed this thread before.

I would have suggested to check to see if the screen in the resevoir were clean. Sometimes they get dirty and after a while of driving it packs in and restricts the fluid flow

 

FWIW the $30 rebuild kits that I use from the Toyota dealer just cover all the seals they don't give you new pump vein's. So it will fix a leaky pump but not a failed one... wish I could find some place to buy the vein's and housing.