Power steering failure1

[Steak]

Hi folks!

I have a 2007 SR5, 4WD. Last week, I had the check engine light come one, along with all the other idiot lights. Yes, my gas cap was not on tight enough. at the same time the lights all came on, my power steering became weak. Turning the wheel while stopped, is loud and very difficult. If I step on the gas it is normal again(so, I figure pump is fine?) fluid is fine.

So, I guessed that when the check engine light came on, it shut off auxiliary pull from the motor (ie power steering). Well, after a day, the lights went back out, still have the steering problem. What the hell could this be?

Whines at full turn,and very difficult to turn wheel, slightly tight in the center.

Help! Too young a 4runner to be failing on me!

 

[gm350reratliff]

Did you check your fluid level? How did it look/smell? Trace the routing of all the PS lines to make sure you don't have a leak. If the fluid is a little low try adding some lucas ps conditioner. If the fluid is real dirty and burnt smelling you may want to change/flush it out.

 

[galactic_04]

Have you checked the fuses for the system?

 

[DaveS]

The P/S pump is driven off the serpentine belt - there is no way the mechanics of the engine can stop driving that pump or reduce power to it just because your check engine light came on. When that light comes on the main thing that happens is the electronics shut off VSC and ATRAC to reduce load on the engine so you get quite an array of lights when the check engine light comes on.

Heavy steering can be caused by all manner of things - bad P/S pump, failure of a component in the steering column, bad ball joints - I would get it looked at because some of those issues can end in a pretty nasty moment on the road especially in winter road conditions.

One simple thing you could check yourself is whether you have a damaged or loose serpentine belt (loose would mean something failed in the automatic tensioner - bit more pricey to fix than replacing the belt because the AC has to come off to get at the bolts that secure the tensioner). If you have this issue, you would probably be getting other symptoms however - low charge from the alternator, weak brake fluid pressure etc.

 

[Steak]

Okay, I figured it was a stretch, but was coincidence that it happened at the same time check engine light came on.

So, I checked it out today. Yes, fluid is fine, was a tad low last week, but filled up now.

So, I found found a leak. Can't visually see it leak, but the pressure release valve has a lot of fluid on it, and under it. Is something clogging the pump up? Problem with my steering linkage putting too much strain?

I assume the pump works, since when I started the car with the hose pulled, lots of fluid pushed out of it. Not sure though.

When wheel is all the way cranked, it whines, a lot. Would this small a leak have this much effect? Or could my pump still be bad?

Again, when I step on the gas, even a bit, there is enough power and steering is normal.

 

[Steak]

Found a small leak in a hose. Not enough to let much out, but apparently enough to let air in. Patched it for now, and will replace this weekend.

LOTS of time to get the air out, but its getting better with every steer to lock. Feeling better.