Power steering issues

[Rishi3]

So about 6 months ago, power steering was weak and noisy, so I did a flush with new fluid. It didnÂ’t help so I did some research and bought a new PS pump. Never put it in, but last week I just had no power steering at all. So now as I am getting ready to replace the pump, I see there is no fluid in the reservoir! The reservoir is stained and has a ton of gunk on the bottom, so at quick glance it looks full.
Next course of action is replacing the pump, cleaning out the reservoir, and new fluid.
I do not know where the leak is coming from, but do you guys think it is the pump and I should go ahead with the repair?

 

[AuSeeker]

So about 6 months ago, power steering was weak and noisy, so I did a flush with new fluid. It didnÂ’t help so I did some research and bought a new PS pump. Never put it in, but last week I just had no power steering at all. So now as I am getting ready to replace the pump, I see there is no fluid in the reservoir! The reservoir is stained and has a ton of gunk on the bottom, so at quick glance it looks full.
Next course of action is replacing the pump, cleaning out the reservoir, and new fluid.
I do not know where the leak is coming from, but do you guys think it is the pump and I should go ahead with the repair?

I would first clean the reservoir and old pump the best you can and refill it, clean any wet looking areas with brake cleaner to try and find where the leak is before installing a new pump, be sure to check the rack and pinion assembly for leaks as well, especially where the tie rods connect, inside the tie rods rubber boots and where the steering shaft connects.

Once you know where it's leaking then you can best determine what to do before installing the new pump.

 

[4r-4ever]

replace the power steering pump and find that leak. that old pump is probably bad now if you run it empty.

keep us posted.

 

[Drcoffee]

The leaks most often occur below the vehicle. Pull the bash plate and look for a rusted line. Cut it, splice in some 3/8” transmission hose and refill the res. If its on a high pressure line replace it. The leak is so small its not making a mess on the ground yet.

 

[Rishi3]

Hey guys,
So I went underneath and found the flui almost pouring out of both side of my rack through the inner tie rods. Got a quote from a nearby shop for 1132 all in including parts, labor, alignment, and a 2 year warranty. I trust the guy so I’ll probably go for it.
My question is, should I just have the pump replaced too, or see if I still have issues after the rack and new fluid are in?

I also cleaned out the reservoir and filter screen in it

 

[Drcoffee]

Yes. Changing the pump is a must. If its failing, it will ruin your rack again.

 

[Rishi3]

Has anyone had any experience with maval racks? Apparently they are Toyotas go to for ome remans?

 

[weaves]

I'm running one and have had good luck with it so far. I know at one point Maval was supplying Toyota with reman racks but I'm pretty sure that is not the case now.

Maval only replaces the inner tie rods if they don't pass the inspection process. So that does mean you could potentially get some aftermarket garbage from the previous owner. I don't know if they use new OEM or aftermarket inner tie rods when they need to replace them but FWIW my PS rack came with OEM tie rods that looked/felt like new.