I have a power steering puzzle on my 99 Taco... The pump whines when I get close to 3,000 RPMs, but it doesn't need fluid. I have already replaced the pump, vacuum assembly on the high side, and flushed and replaced the fluid, but still it whines and then gets sluggish. Any ideas from anyone?

 

I have a similar problem but the only time I can hear it is when its idling, its the same kind of whine noise except its only when I turn the steering wheel. Its pretty much a constant noise, as in, it doesn't get worse with more pressure...if it does it is a very slight difference.

If you could help either of use out that would be great!

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Maybe your belts are too tight and the pulley bearings are crying for mercy.

 

Sounds like either way I should have it checked by a pro...nothing I can do.

Thanks for the reply, hopefully it helped TacoClimber as well.

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Well, I checked the belt, and it seems fine. If I push down on it, I can depress it about 1/2", which is about right, right? Maybe it is the bearings, but the belt was in great condition and I hadn't messed with it when the noise started. I guess I'll sell my kidney and take it to the Toyota dealership....

 

LoL, sell your kidney.

Yeah, I will probably end up taking it in there sometime this week or next week. I am going to try and narrow the problem down to something more specific, like whether it does it when its hot or cold or how much pressure on the wheel it takes for it to do it, etc, etc.

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