A ghost in my Power Steering ???

[TSO]

So, I had asked before about my Power Steering... specifically, I was concerned about how stiff & heavy it was to turn. About 10 days ago (or so) I flushed my PS fluid and was surprised to see just how nasty (like milky crude oil) the PS fluid was. Once refilled with new fluid, the steering was still really heavy --- when I say heavy, I mean it was almost like I don't have PS at all.

So, fast-forward to today... I leave my driveway, make a few turns on the roads... and start heading down the interstate. After about 8 miles on the interstate I notice my PS feels lighter. As I got off on my exit for work and hit my first turn, I notice that my PS feels good; just like steering should feel. Make a few more turns and arrive at work, park it... all is fine, PS is working now.


So, question is: Do you think the system was seized from the old fluid, and finally released or something from the flush? Before I bought this (only 3 weeks ago) during my test drives, I noticed it was "a bit" stiff, but I attributed that to the full-time 4x4. But, it wasnt' as smooth as it is now, and definitely wasn't as bad as it was yesterday.

Thoughts?

 

[black_120]

I think the clean fluid finally circulated into the steering rack. That's my guess. Btw, what fluid does the power streering take?

 

[TSO]

I think it was Mobil 1 synthetic PS fluid + stop-leak. Most expensive PS fluid at Autozone (so said the wife, when she stopped on the way home to pick it up for me)

 

[magert54]

So, question is: Do you think the system was seized from the old fluid, and finally released or something from the flush? Before I bought this (only 3 weeks ago) during my test drives, I noticed it was "a bit" stiff, but I attributed that to the full-time 4x4. But, it wasnt' as smooth as it is now, and definitely wasn't as bad as it was yesterday.

Thoughts?

I think so, have you tried to test the new fluid and see if any built up crud may be still in?

 

[snowbrdr033]

Very interesting, I guess that's better than the PS Pump going bad, right? ha. I haven't the slightest clue what it would be...

 

[TSO]

We'll see if it lasts... of course now I'm afraid that I'll get back in the truck after work tonight and the PS won't work again!

 

[MICA4R]

I think it was Mobil 1 synthetic PS fluid + stop-leak. Most expensive PS fluid at Autozone (so said the wife, when she stopped on the way home to pick it up for me)

PS fluid is the same as ATF, just get a good synthetic ATF and do another flush.

The Japs are economical and use the same fluid for both. We americans, GM, Cryslyr use a dedicated fluid for PS.

 

[scottm]

Sounds like something was clogged with thickened fluid, and the fresh fluid thinned it out. I'd change it again to be cautious. Autozone and NAPA show an inline filter for my PS, looks like a retrofit and not stock, might be a good investment.

 

[TSO]

Well, everything's still working today. I'll do the flush again and see what the new fluid looks like now... can't get to it for a few days though.

^ regarding that PS filter, do u know where it's located?

 

[scottm]

Since they offer a retrofit in-line filter, I suspect there isn't one from the factory. I'm sure you can put it in-line wherever it's convenient, probably better on a low-pressure line.

 

[TSO]

Well, the ghost is back. Worked fine when I parked it in the garage last night, now it's stiff again. Not quite as bad as before, but that's how it started last time.

 

[scottm]

How did you flush it?

 

[Huskey]

Milky oil... tends to be emulsified water, leading to rust/corrosion and sludge build up. Who knows what the previous owner did with it. I think you may need more then a flush or two, I've never tried to open a steering system up but you may want to look into it and give it a proper overhaul or at least a proper internal cleaning.

 

[TSO]

How did you flush it?

I opened the return line down by the radiator (near the pass side tire) so it could drain into a pan... closed off the return-feed line at the reservoir, opened the cap, let the fluid drain. Then, I started the truck and the pump forced the old fluid out of the return line into the pan. As that was happening, I refilled the reservoir with new fluid until I could see the new fluid emptying into the pan.

Then I turned the truck off, reconnected the lines, topped off the reservoir, and was done.

---
My father in law works in the auto-supply field and has owned a Camry since '95. He mentioned that he has heard of this before, and believes that the fluid needs to be "forcibly" flushed through the system to get the "gunk" out.

Anyone heard anything like that?

 

[talonjade]

I opened the return line down by the radiator (near the pass side tire) so it could drain into a pan... closed off the return-feed line at the reservoir, opened the cap, let the fluid drain. Then, I started the truck and the pump forced the old fluid out of the return line into the pan. As that was happening, I refilled the reservoir with new fluid until I could see the new fluid emptying into the pan.

Then I turned the truck off, reconnected the lines, topped off the reservoir, and was done.

---
My father in law works in the auto-supply field and has owned a Camry since '95. He mentioned that he has heard of this before, and believes that the fluid needs to be "forcibly" flushed through the system to get the "gunk" out.

Anyone heard anything like that?

How is this going for you did you ever get this resolved? I maybe in the same boat and need a teacher!eace:

 

[TRDCal]

How is this going for you did you ever get this resolved? I maybe in the same boat and need a teacher!eace:

Here is the thread the OP created for the fix to his problem > http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...ed-little-story-after-repair-observation.html. I know about it because I posted about the same problem, still waiting for a reply from the OP haha. I've figured it out now tho, my issue is caused by a seized u-joint in the steering shaft. My buddy's friend who is a Toyota master mechanic told me to keep it lubed with "rust check" to make it better. I can honestly say that after drenching the joint it that lube, the problem has complete disappeared or at least it feels that way. The actual u-joint is still ****ed but I was told its a ***** to replace so i'm happy with the "lube" fix for now. IIRC the u-joint is just behind the driver side axle or is it the tie rod? Either way its in that area.

Also not to worry, he did tell me that if it completely fails, I won't 100% lose steering but it will be VERY loose to steer.