Power Steering Loss of Pressure

[durrell]

I'm losing pressure in my power steering and getting a lot of belt squeal when I turn the wheel. Particularly bad when sitting still or driving slow and backing up on pavement. It's also really bad in 4WD, obviously.

Does that sound like a pump going out or a rack issue? It's kind of scary to be turning and all of a sudden lose pressure.

 

[chad99]

First thing that comes to mind is the simple stuff loose or worn p/s pump belt?

 

[durrell]

I haven't checked it at all yet. Is there a tensioner for it? If so, where? I know the AC compressor tensioning pulley is loose, because I have to tighten it pretty often to avoid squealing every time the compressor kicks on.

 

[chad99]

You shouldn't have to keep adjusting your belts, might be time for new ones...I changed mine awhile ago but i can't remember what type of adjustment it needed, once you look at it it becomes obvious what needs to be adjusted.

 

[notrayray]

You need to pull off that a/c belt and check the bearing in the idler pulley. I bet it's toast.

Is there fluid in the ps pump?
3.4L?
I figure the belt is not tight, worn or both.
When you have the belt off, turn the ps pump by hand to confirm it turns without much effort.

 

[durrell]

Yep, 3.4. I imagine the belts do need to be replaced. They will be replaced when I do the timing belt along with water pump and thermostat, etc.

 

[durrell]

I changed my inner and outer tie-rod ends and lower ball joints last night. My right inner TRE was trashed and both ball joints were in terrible shape. I never knew my 4Runner could drive so good. It's a huge difference.

Anyway. On the subject of power steering: when moving the rack back and forth to adjust tie-rods and such, the power steering pump sprayed fluid out of the top of the reservoir. I think it had been overfilled. I drove it down the road afterwards and had no problems, but now I feel it would be good to flush the power steering system. Is that something that can be done at home, or does it need to be hooked up to a pump of some sort?

 

[notrayray]

One man PS system flush

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