Hey Guys and Gals...I haven't been around much lately, but my rig is doing some weird stuff and I haven't had the time to take it in. So I thought I'd take it to you guys...

Problem #1: The power steering pump leaks like a sieve, but only when the engine is running. There isn't even a drop of ATF in the places where I park. Where is the likely place for the leak to be at? Easily fixable? After I fill it, it's completely drained in about 30 minutes of driving!

Problem #2: The cat started rattling a couple of weeks ago...right about the same time, I noticed tons of smoke coming out the exhaust upon starting it and sometimes under acceleration. Could there be a connection between a failed/failing cat and the smoke? I have noticed no loss of power...it feels like it always has.

Problem #3: The freaking rear window won't roll down! When I put the key in and turn it, the motor sounds like it's kicking in, but the window doesn't budge. I'm just glad it stuck when it was closed!

I've about 135k miles on it and it has always been absolutely reliable and in great shape. I've got the 3VZE, well maintained, etc.

There are a couple of other oddities going on, too, but these are the main ones...

Any ideas? I'd really appreciate the help...

Thanks!

 

It's probably sucking the fluid thru the vacuum switch on top of the pump (assuming you have one). It's the little silver cylindrical thing on top of the pump with two vacuum lines going to it. It's used to increase the idle speed when trying to steer at low speeds.