Power Steering Problem Part II

[sport2004]

A few weeks ago, the PS started getting sluggish. Since then, it got a little worse, but then some days it was easier, then harder, on a random basis. No squeaking, whining, leaking of fluid or other symptom, just sluggish.

So, my brother, yeah him again (LOL), said he had a similar problem with his Tundra and found the pictured product. He ran it through the system, switched it out a few times, and after a week, the problems disappeared.

On his suggestion, I did the same thing last night. Drained out of the lower connection, filled, drove...back to the driveway, repeated the process. I do notice a slight improvement in turning the wheel, but it still is not fixed. So I will drive it for a week and see if the problem doesn't rectify on it's own. Bro described it as clogged/gummed valve(s) in the pump and he believes this product effectively cleared it out.

If not, Probably looking at a new PS pump...??!!

Doesn't seem like the rack is toast, no other symptoms whatsoever.

Any comments or observations would be much appreciated.

 

[ZiaMan]

Swap out the Lucas for literally anything else. Stop leak has particles that clot to stop leaks. What you want is to clean out your system, not put more stuff in it.

 

[vonguido]

^^^^ this - Royal Purple would be my recommendation

 

[sport2004]

t4r.org - 2

bro - 0

 

[ZiaMan]

For when you swap the Lucas out:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/219646-diy-power-steering-flush-4th-gen-specific.html

 

[sport2004]

For when you swap the Lucas out:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/219646-diy-power-steering-flush-4th-gen-specific.html

Thank you!

 

[sport2004]

OK, WTH...!

I followed my plan. A week after switching out the fluid, go to plan B to determine what is causing the sluggish steering. Since then, one week ago, the steering was the same, and actually worsening. I did not drive the vehicle yesterday.

Today, I went for a quick spin and the problem with the steering is completely gone!

Is my brother a genius??!!

 

[sport2004]

P.S. Drove it again. I've owned this vehicle for two years. Not only is the problem gone, the steering is functioning smoother than it ever has. This kinda thing never happens to me...LOL

(knock on wood)

 

[nevada]

Swap out the Lucas for literally anything else. Stop leak has particles that clot to stop leaks. What you want is to clean out your system, not put more stuff in it.

lucas isn't that kind of "stop leak". its a great product.

 

[sport2004]

lucas isn't that kind of "stop leak".

That's exactly what my brother said.

t4r.org - 2

bro - 2 + 1 (since it worked)

 

[V8Man]

[MENTION=84120]nevada[/MENTION]
Yep good stuff. My neighbor has a 99 Acura and had leaking rack. I put in the Lucas and kept topping it off and after a week the leak stopped. That was three years ago and it’s still not leaking.

 

[sport2004]

In the case of my bro's Tundra, the problem occurred 5 years ago. The Lucas product fixed it with no further issue. He recently sold the Tundra with 285,000 miles on it, bought a new one.

Oh, like [MENTION=91185]V8Man[/MENTION], he was 'Runner poor' at one point, between the wife and kids, owned four of them.

 

[sport2004]

t4r.org - 2

bro - 4

 

[Lhshockey24]

Power steering loss with all warning lights.

New member so I have to reply to a thread vs post my own.

After driving for about 20 highway miles this morning I stopped at a freeway on ramp light. Upon accelerating I heard some crackling like something under the car was falling apart. After that was a continuous mild thud - thud - thud thud - thud. The first thing to happen after that was the battery warning light. Upon exiting the freeway a few miles later I had no power steering at all. A few seconds later check engine light, then VSC, then VSC OFF. I think I hit for the cycle there.

Additional notes: had brake fluid and power steering fluid flushed at the dealer last week. Serpentine belt replaced, rotors machined, new pads. 152k miles, regular maintenance performed during lifetime of vehicle.

I’m off on a plane for work travel, car is parked at the airport. Now we can speculate what this might be before I call a tow truck tomorrow afternoon when I return.

 

[Inv4drZm]

New member so I have to reply to a thread vs post my own.

After driving for about 20 highway miles this morning I stopped at a freeway on ramp light. Upon accelerating I heard some crackling like something under the car was falling apart. After that was a continuous mild thud - thud - thud thud - thud. The first thing to happen after that was the battery warning light. Upon exiting the freeway a few miles later I had no power steering at all. A few seconds later check engine light, then VSC, then VSC OFF. I think I hit for the cycle there.

Additional notes: had brake fluid and power steering fluid flushed at the dealer last week. Serpentine belt replaced, rotors machined, new pads. 152k miles, regular maintenance performed during lifetime of vehicle.

I’m off on a plane for work travel, car is parked at the airport. Now we can speculate what this might be before I call a tow truck tomorrow afternoon when I return.

Serpentine belt came off or broke, no power steering pump, no alternator charging the battery, electrical gremlins.

 

[Lhshockey24]

Serpentine belt came off or broke, no power steering pump, no alternator charging the battery, electrical gremlins.

I imagine there could be a bit of collateral damage, yes? It’s being left parked at the airport for about a day and a half. Hopefully things don’t get too leaky.

 

[sport2004]

With the cold weather, steering has gotten a tad sluggish. So, for step 2 I'll switch this stuff in/out a few times and hope everything loosens up...

 

[sport2004]

Put a half pint of that stuff in yesterday, went for a short drive. Drove the vehicle today and the steering was very smooth. Another point for the bro...