05 4Runner Steering Problem

G

gargan333

New member
Hello all, New user here. I have a tricky problem and need some advice.

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?

Thanks!

BTW: 4 Runner is V8 SE with nearly 100k miles on it... Also made a slight whining noise after new pump
 
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Does it get hard to turn at a certain spot or is it random? Also, did they completely flush out the old stinky fluid? If the fluid was real dirty it could have been causing a vane to stick in the pump and also the new pump.
 
They probably did not do a very thurough flush, if your fluid was bad enough that they reccomended a new pump, the rack might also need to be replaced, but more likely has a lot of debris/crap in it that wasn't flushed properly and now is circulating back in the system.
 
So the steering is intermittent while turning on an arc... I will turn, it will start hard, then seem to "pop" or go easy, then get really hard again. My mechanic friend has it at the shop and drove it for about two hours today and said he suspects it is the rack. They mechanic who changed out the pump said they flushed the PS system twice... Isn't there a filter on the pump that should've been changed. I'm not looking forward to replacing the rack if that is what it is. Total Bummer.
 
I'm also curious if my tires put too much pressure on the rack... I have on normal sized 265/65/17 Nitto Terra Grappler AT... they are the right size, but fairly aggressive. I also drive aggressively and live on roads with AWFUL frost heaves.
 
So, just got off the phone with the tech. He has to rip the front end of my car apart. Luckily he is a friend and isn't charging me. However, my PS fluid is full of metal and I just had a new pump installed two weeks ago. They said they flushed the system twice...
 
It sounds like that new pump is defective, it certainly makes sense with what you've posted.
 
I am praying for you that it was just a bad PS pump or a damaged control valve and not the steering gear - bits of metal in the fluid sounds like something in either the control valve or steering gear has broken down, effectively rendering the PS useless. That metal might well have now damaged the pump anyway so I would not just switch out the pump - as you say your tech is going to have to tear apart the front end to get in at the steering gear, and solve the ultimate the question of whether anything is binding and causing the PS to fail - you don't want to replace the steering gear more than once if that is what is involved.
 
Thanks Dave. So, just spoke with the mechanic, my friend. Here is the verdict.

He is 99.9% sure I need a new steering rack and a new pump. Lots and lots of metal in the fluid and a regular "binding" of the power steering system. Luckily, the parts I will get at cost $310 for the rack and $102 for ANOTHER new pump. Also need new rear brakes, 2 tire pressure sensors, and have a leak beginning in the left side exhaust manifold... Will keep you posted.
 
Do not pay for the tire pressure sensors. They too expansive and designed to last 5 or so years just waste if you ask me. One of mine got broken when I got new tires, they aluminum and very fragile. I check my tires weekly so they are not big deal specially the price they cost each like $150 or so. The get rid of the tire light there is an easy mode for this.
 
gargan333 said:
Thanks Dave. So, just spoke with the mechanic, my friend. Here is the verdict.

He is 99.9% sure I need a new steering rack and a new pump. Lots and lots of metal in the fluid and a regular "binding" of the power steering system. Luckily, the parts I will get at cost $310 for the rack and $102 for ANOTHER new pump. Also need new rear brakes, 2 tire pressure sensors, and have a leak beginning in the left side exhaust manifold... Will keep you posted.
Click to expand...

Ouch - not cheap but I seriously wish I could get parts for those prices ! Any indication of what caused it to fail like that? My guess is you have a lot of salt on the roads rounds you with all those issues.
 
New news not good news.

Okay... So I have ANOTHER new pump. A new steering rack. And my 4runner STILL isn't steering right. My friend is my mechanic and is absolutely meticulous and he is super stumped. He checked everything while it was apart. All I can think is that my Nitto Terra Grappler A/T tires have something to do with this. They are 265/65/17 (Same size as last tires), they are beefy, but not ridiculous. I'm so sad... I've spent $1200 on the 4runner in the last month and am still right where I started. Ideas?
 
Sorry to hear that, obviously you need to swap on a different set of wheels to eliminate or isolate them as a possible cause.
 
I don't remember off the top of my head, but I believe there may be a Module that controls P/S. I will check for you when I am at the dealership tomorrow, but this may be the issue. Assuming that everything that was replaced has not failed.
 
Is it stock other than the tires? No lift? No accidents? If it's the tires I will be amazed since so many others drive those without issue and you are running stock size.
 
no lift. no accidents (as far as I know, I'm 2nd owner). BlackWorks if you could check on that P/S module, that would be great. Wondering if it could be electronic problem causing all the other problems...
 
i went through the service manual and here are the symptoms. Not sure if it will help and if you have tried everything, but here it is.

STEERING SYSTEM:
Symptom Suspected Area See page
Hard steering
1. Tires (Improperly inflated) TW-1
2. Power steering fluid level (Low) PS-2
3. Drive belt (Loose) PS-2
4. Front wheel alignment (Incorrect) SP-4
5. Steering system joints (Worn) -
6. Suspension arm ball joints (Worn) SP-4
7. Steering column (Binding) -
8. Power steering vane pump PS-7
9. Power steering gear PS-20
 
Unfortunetly, the 4runner does not use a P/S ECU as far I am seeing in our evice information... Sorry man :(

Could you give us an itemized list of the parts replaced and what was done? I.E Entire pump replace, entire rack and tierods, alignment, ect? Hopefully there's something there we've let slip by... Every detail helps.
 
Hey Guys I have just noticed the same p/s freezing problem on my 2003 4runner. It is as if it goes from manual steering to p/s steering?
I have 220,000 km, no leaks system looks tight.
Oil was however black and old, I am in the process of flushing new oil through the system. But still the same.

I will post if I find anything out.

Cheers
 
Hi, Gargan333

I had the exact same problem the last weeks.
It's a rusty u-joint (probably not the proper name for it..??)
Look up from underneath. Follow the steering column coming down from the steering wheel - then there is a U-joint . because steering column is changing the angle.

You have to lube and grease the hell out of this and it's fixed again.
So far - mine is feeling original again. if it comes back, that part might have to be replaced.
Hope this will solve your problem too - very cheap fix.
Sorry no pics available.. but let me know if needed.
Mike
 
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