05 4 Runner Steering Problem

[gargan333]

Just had my power steering pump replaced even though it wasn't leaking. Techs said PS fluid was black and stinky. So, I got a new pump. $400 later, problem still not fixed...

Here is the original reason I brought it in:

Steering fluctuates from normal to steering wheel becoming very hard to turn (at any speed). Notice it most at low speeds, but even at highway speeds, I notice that the steering wheel feels "frozen".

I checked engine rpms at idle while turning wheel, and rpms dip with each turn. So, what is the problem? Any takers?

Details: 05 4 Runner V8 SE just shy of 100k miles

 

[DaveS]

Could be a number of things - I had a steering problem in January - steering was notchy - felt stiff but not at every point in the steering range. Steering wheel would not freely return to neutral position. Fix was a replacement intermediate shaft steering column but it could have been a bad ball joint. My tech diagnosed it correctly first time - I would really look at getting a second opinion in your case. You don't switch out a PS pump without being certain that is the root cause of the problem - fluid at that mileage won't look pretty if it's never been changed and the pump could have burnt fluid because it was being overworked due to a mechanical problem somewhere in the steering gear.

 

[gargan333]

Dave... thanks for the input... I will mention to mechanic to look at what you mention. How much was the fix? I love my 4runner and I want her to live forever...

 

[DaveS]

My costs won't be representative I suspect - OME parts here in Canada are almost double US prices - total was about 560 before taxes through my local dealer- of that the intermediate shaft was around 350 I believe but I have seen it online for closer to 190 online in the US and the rest was labour including alignment - I think the labour to fix it excluding alignment was about an hour and half or just less.

 

[gargan333]

So, I just spoke with my friend. He flushed my PS fluid and said it is absolutely FULL of metal. Keep in mind, I had my pump replaced two weeks ago and they flushed it twice. Where is this metal coming from? Ahhhhh!