I thought it was my pump on my 1994 pickup but after 2 new pumps and checking all the ps lines, I have finally ruled out the pump as the issue. My power steering is gone but my pump is pumping fine. When I pop the return hose off of the resevoir there is fluid pumping out at a steady, strong pace. Has anyone ever run into this problem and what was the ultimate issue? I am obviously thinking steering box but the part alone is $300, anyone have any other ideas???Thanks a lot for any help

 

As you know, the power steering system is pretty straight forward. Belt, pump, lines, box. If you ruled everything else out, it must be the box. I assume it does steer, just really hard?

 

are you using ATF Dextron , or , power steering fluid ?
you need ATF in there


.

 

I am having some issues as well with my power steering that I plan on addressing this weekend when I have some free time. I will keep you posted as to what the culprit is. Could be the same problem you are having, my power steering pump is fairly new.

 

I was in the same boat. Do the brakes whine when you press pedal? The ABS actuator is powered off of PS pump. My brakes whined but it was the PS gear box that went bad, it's all tied together.

 

I am having the same issue as OP. 1988 3vze 4runner. Recently replaced leaky ps pump with reman from Autozone. Flushed all fluid (used ATF) and steady flow coming from return line when engine on so pump appears to be pumping. Hooked return line back and did the lock to lock thing 40 times, first with engine on, then with it off, all while it was on jackstands. But I have NO power steering. Plus it groans pretty bad in the cab when I turn to the left. Power steering worked before, just replaced due to leaky pump. I would love to hear some other suggestions for things to try.

 

Starting to think an actual pressure test of the pump may be in order. Although the fluid flows from the return line, perhaps it's nowhere near specs. I don't want to spend $ to have this done....that's why I replaced it myself

 

Forgot about this thread and figured I would give an update. I ended up buying another reman from AZ. This new pump looked so much better than the previous one. I installed it and the PS works great now. So, the first reman pump I got was bad and the 2nd was good. I am upset that I had to re-do the work and AZ couldn't care less, but I am glad to now have power steering. I returned the first pump to AZ for full credit.

 

make sure ATF is in there