Power Steering loud whine on startup - Toyota 4Runner Forum

ultimatt · 12-04-2022, 12:20 PM

So my power steering has started screaming on cold startup. It dies down after about 30 secs to a minute depending on how cold it is outside. I checked the PS fluid level and when it started it was down a bit but not below what was acceptable.

So my question is...I would assume the pump is going bad. If that is the consensus how hard of a job is it to replace? Also, is this a fix right now situation or can I simply deal with the whine until I get good and ready to fix it?

Thanks.

mtbtim · 12-04-2022, 12:53 PM

I think you should check to see if your reservoir screen needs a good cleaning before replacing the pump. A dirty screen prevents optimum flow of fluid from the pump to the steering rack and back. When the fluid is cold, it's thicker, which will restrict fluid flow until it warms up a bit. A clogged screen along with cold fluid is probably why your pump is making noise.

Clean the screen and do a flush of the fluid and see where that gets you.

I have a video for the process.

MaineRunna · 12-04-2022, 07:51 PM

I agree with Tim, clean the reservoir screen, flush the system and refill it with fresh Dexron III ATF. That being said, I had what I though was the same exact cold start power steering whine, but I noticed that it didn't change if I turned the steering wheel. Turned out it was the alternator bearing starting to fail.

brillo_76 · 12-05-2022, 05:54 PM

Plus 3

Your screen in the bottom of the your power steering reservoir is most likely clogging up. So I would start there. If you flush the PS system and the screen is clean and it still whines. That's another issue. :-(

I would get the new replacement o ring before pulling that reservoir off or you run the chance of creating a power steering leak at that point. I made that mistake once.. Now I keep a spare or 2 o ring on inventory so I don't have that issue never again.

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