Power Steering, Need Help

[Fox408]

For starters, I'll explain my situation.
I recently purchased a 4runner, with intentions of flipping it and making some cash. It had a few issues, but I wasn't too concerned with them.
After driving it for a while, waiting for the new title, I have slowly fallen in love with it.

Now, I want to keep it and make it my primary vehicle. I do have an issue with the power steering that I'd really like to figure out.

Stopped, or at very low speed, it is very difficult to turn the steering wheel. At higher speed, there's no issue.
Also, when trying to turn the wheel while sitting still, it makes a squeaking/chirping noise, kind of like a belt.

Oddly enough, SOMETIMES after driving for a while, the power steering will magically start working, and then it'll quit.



My thought is that I need a new rack & pinion, but I don't want to fork out the money until I get some other opinions.
Thanks!

 

[nissanh]

Try low cost repairs first
How is the drive belt? (replace it, if bad). The easiest way to access the power steering adjuster bolt (which is right above the AC compressor) is to remove the complete air cleaner box with the intake rubber hose.

May be the fluid is bad. Use a syringe and remove the old oil. Then remove the low pressure line rubber hose that comes to the reservoir, cover the metal pipe that is now open. Inspect the filter mesh located inside the reservoir: if this is clogged remove the reservoir from the pump by simply removing the two 12 mm bolts). Jack up the front end with both wheels up. Fill the reservoir with A/T fluid and have the ignition key at ACC (never in the ON position for prolonged periods without running the engine: this can damage the coil packs)
Turn the wheel all the way left (or right) and collect the old fluid that comes out from the rubber hose that you disconnected. Now turn the wheel to the other side, and collect the old fluid: Repeat this until you see new fluid coming out from the rubber hose.

How many miles in the truck?
Thanks

 

[Fox408]

Try low cost repairs first
How is the drive belt? (replace it, if bad). The easiest way to access the power steering adjuster bolt (which is right above the AC compressor) is to remove the complete air cleaner box with the intake rubber hose.

May be the fluid is bad. Use a syringe and remove the old oil. Then remove the low pressure line rubber hose that comes to the reservoir, cover the metal pipe that is now open. Inspect the filter mesh located inside the reservoir: if this is clogged remove the reservoir from the pump by simply removing the two 12 mm bolts). Jack up the front end with both wheels up. Fill the reservoir with A/T fluid and have the ignition key at ACC (never in the ON position for prolonged periods without running the engine: this can damage the coil packs)
Turn the wheel all the way left (or right) and collect the old fluid that comes out from the rubber hose that you disconnected. Now turn the wheel to the other side, and collect the old fluid: Repeat this until you see new fluid coming out from the rubber hose.

How many miles in the truck?
Thanks

Thanks for the info. I'll get to working on it tomorrow.

220k. It's due for quite a few things I assume.

 

[St Runner]

X2 on what nissinh said. Completely replace all the fluid and make sure it is A/T fluid Not power steering fluid. The screen in the reservoir is the most likely culprit , it is delicate and difficult to clean. Best if you soak it overnight if it is bad.People have replaced pumps and not solved the problem because a new pump does not come with a new reservoir. If your rack is not leaking there is no need to replace it although you should check the inner tie rods and rack guide for play. I would say if the flush and cleaning do not solve your problem then I would lean towards replacing the power steering pump

 

[KidVermicious]

^ I agree. The problem described doesn't sound like a bad rack, it sounds like an issue with the pump.

 

[Fox408]

Thanks a lot guys.
I just hopped under it, and it looks like the rack may have a very small leak. Would that warrant replacing it, regardless of if it is the issue? I've never dealt with steering components before.

 

[ThorInc]

Thanks a lot guys.
I just hopped under it, and it looks like the rack may have a very small leak. Would that warrant replacing it, regardless of if it is the issue? I've never dealt with steering components before.

You might want to snap a photo or describe in detail where the leak is?

 

[BlazeRunner]

Personally, I would try the flushing the system first. A dirty or clogged system can cause the pressure to climb in the system and cause leaks that normally wouldn't be there. If the leak persists, then consider repairs or replacement.

 

[Fox408]

Thanks for all the help guys.

I pulled the reservoir off and cleaned the screen inside even though it didn't look very dirty. I flushed the system.
Fingers crossed, but my power steering has been working great ever since.
Thanks again!

 

[Brveagle]

Thanks for all the help guys.

I pulled the reservoir off and cleaned the screen inside even though it didn't look very dirty. I flushed the system.
Fingers crossed, but my power steering has been working great ever since.
Thanks again!

Great news!

The rack on a 4runner is a medium difficulty replacement. Invest in the right tools and a good rack, outter tie rod ends, ball joints, and fresh suspension and you will have a truck that drives like new.