power steering fluid mystery
 

I am losing fluid rapidly, like half the reservoir in 20 miles with no visible leaks? Lost enough fluid that I could hardly drive figured the pump was bad... replaced it and it happened again. Any ideas would be appreciated.

This would be a lot more fun if you listed the make/model/year/lift/tire size/cubic centimeters/color/location/motor/hair color.....

Sorry.... been a long day. Its a 91 4runner 3.0.

There's not a lot of parts to that system, maybe only leaks under actuation. From the reservoir to the pump to the gearbox back to the reservoir...I think. At idle, have you cycled the steering and see if it sprays? Possible a fine mist?

the fluid is going somewhere. fill up the resivior an steer the wheel lock to lock with the truck stationary, pausing at each lock momentarily. should have a puddle under the truck soon, and a trail of fluid you should be able to trace. take a good look at the pressure hose, they can get a pin hole and spray a fine mist.

If it's losing that much that fast fluid should be all over the place. Checked all the connections to see if there tight? Gearbox leaking?

Chances are it's the idle up valve. Look for a part on the bottom of the pump with two vacuum hoses going to it. It increases the engine idle speed when you are turning while parking to keep the engine from stalling. If it springs a leak fluid goes through the vacuum hoses directly into the intake manifold where it is burned and disappears without a trace (or almost - might be a little blue smoke from the tailpipe, but it would be easy to miss.

Pull the vacuum hoses off the valve and see if they're full of PS fluid.

brakes
 

I have a slower problem with brake fluid disappearing without a trace... 87 runner 22rec

Brake fluid leaks are nothing to just let go. Could be at the ABS block if you have one, master cylinder, internal MC leak into the brake booster, any of the rubber hoses, the steel lines (damaged or rusted), fittings, wheel cylinders, disc calipers...

Yep can't find a drop outside the reservoir. Been going on for 4 years.

Just how much brake fluid are you losing??

It is normal for the level to drop as the pads and shoes wear.

If you need to top it off once a week you have a problem that you will find when the loss of fluid happens all at once.:wrench:

i didn't know they would do that, but it makes perfect sense. learn something new everyday

I agree with RJR's suggestion, I read of this same issue in another thread (with pics though).. the man said it was going straight into his intake and being burned off.. if that's not the case invest in some uv dye and a uv flashlight.

I've been looking for a thread to cover my topic, but cannot find one, so if i may, i'll start here since it's still fresh.. I just redid the power steering system because i had a leak for years (pressure lines and pump).. I never had any p/s assistance issues, just leaks in the pump and lines.. After completing the job, i have no p/s assistance at all.


I believe i put the wrong pump on.. I have an sr5 model and it appears there are two different pumps based on sr5 and non-sr5 models. They look identical as far as shape and fitments. But i believe i put the non-sr5 pump on. Can someone tell me the difference between the two pumps since they are identical from the exterior??

91 4runner power steering system
 

I'd like to know what the box or pump mounted at the passenger side chassis and connected to power steering pump is and what does it do.

All answers are found in The Good Book: http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...13generald.pdf

(Rear-Wheel anti-lock braking system actuator)

iv'e looked in the "good book" on several occasions and have not found all my answers, but I still use it for many references.. unfortunately in is not always part specific..


As for the box located on the pass. chassis connected to the p/s pump, I believe you are referring to the ABS. From what I've gathered the power steering pump assists the ABS system and runs through it on its way to the steering gearbox.

Thanks guys. I'm new to this car (truck?) so I guess I have a LOT to learn.