2001 vs 2018 power steering or assist? - Toyota 4Runner Forum

Clifford · 03-08-2019, 06:53 PM

Hey folks-
Got to borrow a 2018 4Runner. Wow- I love it. The steering is far easier than on my 2001. Is it a power steering vs power assist issue (does the '01 have assist vs full ps?) or do I need to take a closer look at my 2001 and possibly flush? The 2001 was 116k when bought in 2010 and is now approaching 200k. Changed all other fluids at varios times but never brake or steering.
Thx
Clifford

absalom · 03-08-2019, 06:57 PM

I'd recommend flush with dex 3 AND cleaning out the filter inside your PS fluid reservoir. This made a big difference for me on my 4th gen. About to do the same on my 3rd gen.

HiluxSurf SSR-G · 03-08-2019, 07:29 PM

is the 5th gen power steering electronic or is it still hydraulic?

Clifford · 03-08-2019, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HiluxSurf SSR-G

is the 5th gen power steering electronic or is it still hydraulic?

appears to be hydraulic
Power Steering Cooler kit – 4X4LABS

Ryance39 · 03-08-2019, 08:51 PM

My father has an 18 TRD Pro and I test drove a 17 when they came out. I was told the steering in the 5th gen is electric and it felt electric. I did not like it.

Call me oldschool but I really like getting feedback in the wheel, especially when offroad. Having driven both the 5th gen and my 3rd gen offroad a fair amount, I prefer the hydraulic steering to electric.

Clifford · 03-08-2019, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryance39

My father has an 18 TRD Pro and I test drove a 17 when they came out. I was told the steering in the 5th gen is electric...

Everything I can find online suggests hydraulic unless they somehow had both avail for different packages.

2010-2019 Toyota 4Runner Power Steering Pump 44310-60541 Genuine Toyota parts and accessories at super low prices. Keep your Toyota running smoothly by using genuine OEM parts. | My Toyota Online

T4R2014 · 03-08-2019, 08:59 PM

What type of shit do you have to drive to think a 5th gen 4Runner steering system feels electric?

Ryance39 · 03-08-2019, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifford

Everything I can find online suggests hydraulic unless they somehow had both avail for different packages.

2010-2019 Toyota 4Runner Power Steering Pump 44310-60541 Genuine Toyota parts and accessories at super low prices. Keep your Toyota running smoothly by using genuine OEM parts. | My Toyota Online

Yeah, idk?
The sales guy talked up the "electric steering." I'm fully aware car salesmen often times don't know what they are talking about but I did believe him based on my experience. I own two cars without power steering of any kind, one I know is hydraulic, and one I know is electric. It felt electric.

That's about where my research ended.

Maybe it's electric assist?

HiluxSurf SSR-G · 03-08-2019, 10:26 PM

i didn't know that there's a filter inside the reservoir? How do we get it out?
I there a write-up for removing/cleaning it?

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by absalom

I'd recommend flush with dex 3 AND cleaning out the filter inside your PS fluid reservoir. This made a big difference for me on my 4th gen. About to do the same on my 3rd gen.

gamefreakgc · 03-09-2019, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifford

Hey folks-
Got to borrow a 2018 4Runner. Wow- I love it. The steering is far easier than on my 2001. Is it a power steering vs power assist issue (does the '01 have assist vs full ps?) or do I need to take a closer look at my 2001 and possibly flush? The 2001 was 116k when bought in 2010 and is now approaching 200k. Changed all other fluids at varios times but never brake or steering.
Thx
Clifford

Yeah, I also test drove a 2018 and that's the only real improvement over the years. I have basically brand new steering system on my 98 and it's still bumpy with a lot of feedback so it's not really possible to bring it up to how the 2018 feels.

A fluid flush will help with noise or air in the system but won't really smooth out the feel much.

tystaco · 03-09-2019, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HiluxSurf SSR-G

i didn't know that there's a filter inside the reservoir? How do we get it out?
I there a write-up for removing/cleaning it?

Thanks!

Jumps to cleaning it, but I believe I had found another video or thread that showed getting the reservoir off. I know I left my power steering pump in place and just pulled the reservoir and hit it with brake cleaner.

YouTube

3bears · 03-09-2019, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HiluxSurf SSR-G

i didn't know that there's a filter inside the reservoir? How do we get it out?
I there a write-up for removing/cleaning it?

Thanks!

and of course there is timmy's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k61KXRK8bM

marcus clarkus · 03-11-2019, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HiluxSurf SSR-G

i didn't know that there's a filter inside the reservoir? How do we get it out?
I there a write-up for removing/cleaning it?

Thanks!

I haven't tried this method but I plan to. I think it makes more sense to pop the top off the reservoir and access the screen, versus trying to spray gunk out from the other side.

YouTube

FYI this video is for an 80s series Land Cruiser, but I imagine it's similar on our vehicles.

Clifford · 03-18-2019, 04:06 AM

So is a 2001 power steering or power assist? My guess is assist as the 2018 is so much easier to turn. Anyone? Thx.

phattyduck · 03-18-2019, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifford

So is a 2001 power steering or power assist? My guess is assist as the 2018 is so much easier to turn. Anyone? Thx.

Power assisted steering *IS* power steering. They are the same thing.

There can be various levels of boost, various types of steering systems and method of assist (hydraulic, electric) that will effect the feel at the steering wheel.

The 5th gen still uses a hydraulic power steering system, just like the 3rd gen. It is 'tuned' differently, as you can tell.

-Charlie

Site Navigation