Power Steering Leak/Vacuum Switch 1994 SR5 V6

[COLO4Runnr]

I have recently bought an automatic 1994 4Runner V6 SR5 with 154XXX miles and thus far it has been nothing but problems. I have done the belts, timing belt, thermostat, spark plugs (2/6 cracked), and had to replace the fan (a bearing locked up very uncommon from what I've been told). Other issues still remaining are high RPM shifting, jerky low gear shifting, and an A/T Oil Temp light that illuminates on drives from Ft Collins to Denver (about 50miles out when running it hard the light will kick on).

My latest issues seem to be derived from what I beleive is a power steering vaccuum switch. The manufacturer calls for transmission fluid to use for power steering. I filled it three times yesterday to get me to and from work. When it is full, the car starts better, idles better and shifts at lower RPMs. This morning when I started it, the fluid was not full and a big billow of white smoke emerged from the exhaust. I hear this is common for a power steering leak derived from the vaccuum pump.

Can anyone offer me direction as to how hard this will be to do a diy fix? What is the correct part I am looking for and where might I find some instruction on how to do this. I am hoping it is not a tough or real epensive fix as I don't really have any more cash to pour into this thing.

Any input would be great!

 

[fourwd1]

I think your talking about the vacuum switch on the pwr steering pump.
When the diaphragm inside goes bad, engine vacuum will suck the PS into the engine where it gets burned. You can replace the switch, or pull of the vac hoses and plug them, and plug the ports on the switch.

 

[Clone of the Mean]

I pulled the hoses and plugged them on mine bcos I broke the nipple when I changed the pump out. I guess the idea behind the vacuum on the P/S is when the pump is in a bind it won't stall the engine, that sound right? Any way, no problems with it so far.

 

[fourwd1]

I pulled the hoses and plugged them on mine bcos I broke the nipple when I changed the pump out. I guess the idea behind the vacuum on the P/S is when the pump is in a bind it won't stall the engine, that sound right? Any way, no problems with it so far.

Kind of right, it causes the engine idle to increase when the pump is being stressed, like when you are turning the wheel full lock while sitting still.