Help with steering issues for 97 2WD

[INDwinak]

I could some advice from you smart and experience folks to help trouble shoot some steering issues. I’m still a novice at doing my own work, but hoping to get some pointers on where I should be looking to address these issues.

I have 97 2WD sr-5. Vehicle has a little over 100k. The issues may or may not be related.

1st issue: I get belt squeal when I cold start the vehicle—sometimes at warm start too. It seems to be temperature and humidity dependent, it squeals less in cooler weather. Belt squeals for less than 5 seconds at cold start, maybe a second or not at all at a warm start. It also squeals when I turn the steering wheel all the way to either side. I replaced my power steering belt (and other belts) within last 10k miles. Not sure if I tensioned it to spec. (I don’t have a tension gauge.) Power steering motor is original, fluid changed within 10k miles.

2nd issue: Steering wheel is very difficult to turn and doesn’t return to center without help. At higher speed (even just 5-10 mph) turning becomes much easier. I don’t think there is a lot of play. I got an alignment recently and this seemed to make turning the wheel easier, but that was short-lived and probably coincidental. From searching this forum, I was going to investigate the intermediate steering shaft. To my knowledge, all steering components are original, except for a replaced lower ball joint within last 30k miles.

Any thoughts on where to look to resolve these issues?

Thanks!

 

[Bad Luck]

I could some advice from you smart and experience folks to help trouble shoot some steering issues. I’m still a novice at doing my own work, but hoping to get some pointers on where I should be looking to address these issues.

I have 97 2WD sr-5. Vehicle has a little over 100k. The issues may or may not be related.

1st issue: I get belt squeal when I cold start the vehicle—sometimes at warm start too. It seems to be temperature and humidity dependent, it squeals less in cooler weather. Belt squeals for less than 5 seconds at cold start, maybe a second or not at all at a warm start. It also squeals when I turn the steering wheel all the way to either side. I replaced my power steering belt (and other belts) within last 10k miles. Not sure if I tensioned it to spec. (I don’t have a tension gauge.) Power steering motor is original, fluid changed within 10k miles.

2nd issue: Steering wheel is very difficult to turn and doesn’t return to center without help. At higher speed (even just 5-10 mph) turning becomes much easier. I don’t think there is a lot of play. I got an alignment recently and this seemed to make turning the wheel easier, but that was short-lived and probably coincidental. From searching this forum, I was going to investigate the intermediate steering shaft. To my knowledge, all steering components are original, except for a replaced lower ball joint within last 30k miles.

Any thoughts on where to look to resolve these issues?

Thanks!

1st issue is probably a loose belt

2nd issue is power steering related from your description. Common culprits are old/dirty power steering fluid and/or a dirty/clogged reservoir screen.

Here's a short video on how to clean the reservoir: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZwYbvwIQ4Y You don't have to remove the pump from the vehicle. You can remove the reservoir rom the pump in the vehicle. Try to suck out all the old fluid you can before removing the reservoir to minimize the mess you will make. Get a new reservoir o ring as well (90301-11016). You may need to cap off the bottom of the reservoir and fill it with brake cleaner and let it soak for a few hours to loosen the buildup on the screen. Power steering system uses Dexron 3 transmission fluid (or a compatible fluid). DO NOT USE POWER STEERING FLUID.

Here's a much more detailed cleaning/flush video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k61KXRK8bM
And a low tech flush video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOb5yF2Xv8Y

 

[INDwinak]

Thanks for the suggestions!

The PS belt, and others drive belts, were under tensioned by at least 50%. Tightening up the PS belt fixed all my issues. I plan to clean out the reservoir too, just for good practice.

 

[INDwinak]

When removing my air box, I found a broken clip that looks to hold a coolant or refrigerant line. Does any one know this part number so I can replace it?

I spent a bit of time on parts.toyota.com, but couldn’t find it.

I’ve tried to attach a photo below. TY.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I believe if memory serves me right it's a refrigerant line for the A/C, I think it's the high pressure line you are looking at, been a while since I worked on one.

I looked up a few parts diagrams and was not able to find this one. It may be a bit tricky to find as some of these old clips are buried in the bowels of the parts catalogs. Have you tried going to your local dealer? I know they are not the cheapest but can help find the clip especially if you can take it out and bring it in to them. I would normally suggest a pick n pull yard but chances are if you try and remove another one it'll break as well.

 

[brillo_76]

I did the search on a 1998 sr5 v6 but i think this is the diagram you are after.

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING - COOLER PIPING. 1998 Toyota 4Runner SR-5 3.4L A/T | Toyota

Its looking like part 88718-32220

Hope this helps..

 

[INDwinak]

I did the search on a 1998 sr5 v6 but i think this is the diagram you are after.

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING - COOLER PIPING. 1998 Toyota 4Runner SR-5 3.4L A/T | Toyota

Its looking like part 88718-32220

Hope this helps..

Thanks. A couple of dealers told me this part and 88718-24030 aren't made anymore. They suggested I go to a yard or 3D print it myself

I'll have to explore ebay stock...

 

[brillo_76]

Thanks. A couple of dealers told me this part and 88718-24030 aren't made anymore. They suggested I go to a yard or 3D print it myself

I'll have to explore ebay stock...

Interesting

8871824030 - Clamp, no. 1(for cooler refrigerant pipe). Usa, option, cnd - Genuine Toyota Part

Says msrp is $1.24 and green mostly means available