Noisy power steering

[thegipper]

I'm asking for a friend who is not on T4R.

He has an 04 V6 limited that he recently got, I think it has about 130k miles on it. The issue is the power steering pump is noisy, when you turn the wheel it changes the pitch of the noise so we are 99% sure its the PS pump.

The fluid level appears to be fine. I know the obvious answer is to replace the pump.

Before he goes and does that, is there something else that it could be? Would old fluid cause the pump to make the PS noise? Is there a known issue with the 4.0 V6 PS pumps?

Can they be rebuilt (new orings ect) or does it need to be replaced? If so, where is the best place to get a good replacement?

Thanks

 

[ben550]

First thing I would do is spend the $10 to put new fluid in there and see if that fixes the issue. Start small/cheap and work your way up.


http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/219646-diy-power-steering-flush-4th-gen-specific.html

 

[HiVel-JR]

This is probably not your issue... but..

I noticed mine was squeaking when i turned only to the left. Like an old farm gate opening type of sound.

I got under the car, had the kids turn the steering wheel to the right.. no noise. To the left. SQUEAAAK.... The squeak sounded like it was coming from the inside of the driver front wheel where the joints meet.

I replaced my fluid anyway just to be sure... still squeaked.

SO I went to our boat ramp and drove in and out of the water several times, giving the 4Runner something similar to a water enema.... water up to the bottom of the doors, tail pipe bubbling... Immediately after the noise went away.

I think it was dust or dirt causing the noise.

Hope you figure it out.

 

[earthrealm]

count me in, have similar issue, mine is a bit worse as the steering gets stiff sometimes, i tried wd 40 on the ujoint on the steering shaft, it seemed to help for a few months...ie the stiffness, but the noise is still there

 

[m85476585]

count me in, have similar issue, mine is a bit worse as the steering gets stiff sometimes, i tried wd 40 on the ujoint on the steering shaft, it seemed to help for a few months...ie the stiffness, but the noise is still there

WD-40 is mostly a solvent not a lubricant. Put some grease on there, or maybe oil if you can't get grease to soak in deep enough.

A worn drive belt could squeak on the PS pulley. Try replacing the belt if it's old, if it sounds like a belt squeaking.

 

[V8PoWer]

If you're having a whining noise(not squeak or squealing) it's because air is getting into the pump.
Check hoses that connects to the pump or reservoir for leaks.
If all hose connections are clean and clear, replace fluid as other said.
If still present then replace pump. They are cheap.