Power Steering Issue

[SR587]

While having fun in the snow yesterday I lost my power steering. When Im not moving I dont have any ps but once I get moving its much easier to turn the wheels. I checked the fluid and I havent lost any but I noticed it didnt look like the fluid was circulating. Not sure if all of them are like this bump Im thinking the pump took a dump. Before I go out and buy a new pump I wanted to be ask if there was anything simple that goes bad on the ps in a 3VZ and if the fluid is suppose to circulate. Can anyone verify this? Has anyone else had this issue? Thanks all.

BTW its on my 94 3VZ auto 4Runner

 

[mistersnowman97]

You need a new PS Pump. Mine went out playing too. When rpm's go up, it helps to get it working again, but leaving it broken will only make it worse. Get a new pump. :wave:

 

[RiFF RaFF]

Before throwing out a bunch of money for a new pump check the belt carefully. If you had a bunch of snow/slush/ice built up under the hood it could hold the belt until you had enough RPMs to get it moving again.

Check the belt for dry rotting/cracking, and extra play. Could need to be tightened or replaced.

 

[SR587]

Before throwing out a bunch of money for a new pump check the belt carefully. If you had a bunch of snow/slush/ice built up under the hood it could hold the belt until you had enough RPMs to get it moving again.

Check the belt for dry rotting/cracking, and extra play. Could need to be tightened or replaced.

unfortunately I already checked that and the belt is tight, not slipping and the pulley is spinning. there was a bunch of snow stuffed around all the steering linkage and I was hoping that was the problem but after it all fell off the steering was the same.

 

[SR587]

You need a new PS Pump. Mine went out playing too. When rpm's go up, it helps to get it working again, but leaving it broken will only make it worse. Get a new pump. :wave:

yup sounds exactly whats happening. only really works when the rpms go up.

 

[mistersnowman97]

yup sounds exactly whats happening. only really works when the rpms go up.

when the rpms are up in neutral, try turning the wheel. (on a level surface) If you can hear a low whining, that's probably it

 

[RiFF RaFF]

when the rpms are up in neutral, try turning the wheel. (on a level surface) If you can hear a low whining, that's probably it

Probably right. I was just hoping for a less expensive repair job. <sigh>

Your best bet for a cost effective replacement is RockAuto.com

RockAuto Parts Catalog

 

[SR587]

awesome, thanks for the help guys!

 

[crazy gringo]

there is also a vacum asst valve that screws into the bottom of the pump that helps when the vehical is running at low rpms