Hello all
I have some issues with my 1991 4Runner (3.0l V6) power steering

Now I'm told by some friends that it sounds like my power steering pump is going.. as i have an almost obnoxiously loud whine when i turn the steering wheel when as the truck is not moving, or moving slowly. This sometimes goes away however, intermittently. For the most part it is always there when i start up, but after a little driving it kind of stops.

I've been looking into a new power steering pump, which is a solid 219$cad plus a core deposit, which i dont really want to pay if i dont have to.

Is there anything else it could be?
has anyone else experience things like this?

Thanks in advance

 

have you checked the fluid level yet?

the power steering systems in these Toyotas take ATF, Merc/Dex III, NOT typical power steering fluid too, just FYI if you need to add some


welcome to the forums!

 

Thanks
What if way back when i got the truck I put just standard power steering fluid (as far as i know, i might have gotten ATF or Merc/Dex III , but thats unlikely)
Is that going to cause damage to the system?
Would it be a good idea to flush the whole system and refill with proper fluid?

 

well, back before I knew any better, I put standard power steering fluid in my 91 Pickup... a couple weeks later, the power steering pump AND the steering gearbox started leaking...

I flushed the system and put fresh ATF in, and the power steering pump stopped leaking, but the gearbox kept the steady drip, until I finally gave in and replaced the entire gearbox

they're both hydraulic fluid basically, so the system will in fact function with power steering fluid in it, but Toyota calls to use ATF, and maybe it has something to do with the seals, I dunno; mine may have just started leaking since there was 280k + miles on the system, lol


but it was just just some FYI

were it me, I'd grab a couple quarts of ATF and flush the system; it couldn't hurt

if all else fails, it is possible that the pump is in fact giving up... it is a mechanical pump with moving parts that are prone to ware; failure is not uncommon

 

Okay, good to know, thanks.
I haven't noticed any sort of leaking myself (but now i'll be looking when i get home too) So I guess i'll top it up with whatever I bought, and see if that helps.

I've got just over 300k on mine

 

Well, it looks like I have a leak in my PS System..

and it originates on the drivers side, and leaks down the front of the drivers side framerail, me and my buddies think its from the power steering box, only because theres a large object which has what looks like a steering column passing through it. and there is no more oil leakage above that.

Its pretty wet on the framerail always, and the spot on the driveway is growing..

Ive heard of Lucas PS stop leak, but is that compatible with ATF/DextronII ? (which is what i am using now, I had put standard PS steering fluid in for a little while, totally my bad..)
is this going to take a full swapout?

 

Remove. Replace or Rebuild.

It will only get worse until you do.

 

Is there any option of a seal replacement kit?

what is one of those things worth?
is the backyard mechanic able to swap a steering gear box?

 

hey man did you ever figure out the problem with the leak and all on the gear box i am in the same boat you are lol

 

Nope, she's still leaking
I figured a little fluid is cheaper atm