Power steering problem

thesolarsailor

thesolarsailor

New member
I have a 2000 4Runner, on mornings below 40 deg F the power steering is stiff and jerky until the rig warms up for a couple of minuets. I had the dealer flush the system this spring and it did not seem to help. Belt is new and does not make any noise, am I looking at needing a new pump?

Thanks
 
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As someone who is on their 3rd steering rack I can definitely sympathize with your troubles.

I replaced my rack @ ~ 150,000 miles and again last month at 205,000 miles.
 
Replacement options

So, if I am looking at replacing the rack do I go rebuilt or OEM. Since I only have 127K on the rig and run stock tires I don't feel like the OEM is of great quality. Does anyone have praise or horror stories on re-builders?
 
Since you say it only happens in the cold weather I'd try flushing it with synthetic ATF before replacing the rack.
 
The problem when it's cold is a sign the rack is going out, it's commonly referred to as Morning Sickness. You can try flushing again to see if it buys you some time but ultimately you're going to wind up having to replace the rack.
 
Thanks for the advise. I have priced out a rebuilt with a lifetime warranty (since I'm keeping this rig forever) at NAPA, $389.99...ouch.
 
what is the difference between the "rack" vs the pump?????

cause mine is like not having power steering when its cold. I have sucked out the old stuff and added new. didn't seem to do anything as its getting cold in MT again. hehehe, praying for more snow
 
So it sounds like my rack is in need of replacing on mine, got 196K on the odometer so overall it has had a good life! :bravo:

What all is involved in the replacement, time down, specialty/recommended tools, ect.
 
The OP's symptoms are/were exactly what mine are. Jerky/stiff when cold, but only temporarily. And I have a new OEM rack...so it's not likely to be the rack. I'll be changing out the pump and will report back. Eventually...
 
First things first. Have you replaced your LBJs yet. The notchy steering is usually the first and last sign before the ball joints fail and destroy your fender, yada yada. A sticky grinding LBJ can stress an otherwise good steering system. If you have more than 100k miles consider doing it. There were two threads just last week on newly failed LBJs. I cant stress it enough.

If the LBJs are fine. Start by installing a magnefine 3/8" inline filter and swap out the steering fluid (ATF) with Synthetic steering fluid. If the cleaner, more temp stable fluid does not help, it might be time to replace the rack. FYI, its a good idea to replace the pump at the same time because what damaged the rack in the first place probably came from the pump. Considering the work and cash to replace the rack, the pump is cheap insurance. But always install a Magnefine filter to protect the system.
 
I had the no/hard steering on cold mornings, and then it suddenly went away. I didn't change anything, but I no longer have the problem.
Try jacking up the front end and seeing if you have any binding with the engine off and no load on the front-tires. The steering should be "stiff" but there should be no binding.
 
So my issue is kinda similar. So what I did was replace the outer tie rods cuz they were crapping out, also while I was there I did my lbj. Went a little while and then the squelching happened again. I looked under to see what was binding and looked like my outer tie rod was thrashed again, aftermarket bull sheet! So went and got oem lbj and outer tie rods hoping the problem was fixed. And it isn't. Just put a lift on too so a little worried once I get my bigger tires. Steering is stiff, but that's to be expected from new tie rods and lbj, but when I get it close to fully turned, not maxed but maybe another 180° on the wheel from being there, and power steering squelches hard and I get no luv to the tires. Just holds stiff and squeals like hell. But when I start to move I can get the turn in better. Currently I just make sure I'm moving a little to prevent it from screaming. But once I put on heavier tires I feel something's gonna blow. So are we looking at a rack or pump problem? I would hate to spend a lot of money that can be going elsewhere to not fix it(ie buying a new rack when I don't need it) I don't care about spending money on it as long as it fixes it. Any tests I can do? belt is brand new, well less then 2k miles on it. I'm pretty sure that the previous owner put just ps fluid in, not atf but I've searched thru forum and a lot of peeps run ps fluid instead of atf. However I think there was a mixture of both in the Rez.
Sorry so long and to hijack post just confused about it now.
Thanks
 
k2damfc said:
Steering is stiff, but that's to be expected from new tie rods and lbj, but when I get it close to fully turned, not maxed but maybe another 180° on the wheel from being there, and power steering squelches hard and I get no luv to the tires. Just holds stiff and squeals like hell. But when I start to move I can get the turn in better.

I'm pretty sure that the previous owner put just ps fluid in, not atf but I've searched thru forum and a lot of peeps run ps fluid instead of atf. However I think there was a mixture of both in the Rez.
Click to expand...

New LBJs and tie rod ends should not cause noticeably stiff steering IMHO. And why are you cranking the wheels sitting still? I'm pretty sure I have never felt the need so can't comment on yours being abnormal.

Also, I have never read anything good about people using Power steering fluid in the 4runner. ATF is what's called for. Maybe a flush might help.
 
By "cranking while standing still" I mean I back out of my driveway then while going from reverse to forward I turn the wheel all the way to right. Not that I'm parked and just keep forceing it, or even turning into a parking spot I drive slow on approach and as I cut it, it almost comes to a stop(the steering wheel not the wheels" before I can get it fully turned. I think a flush is gonna happen today or tomorrow and probably clean the screen in the rez, a good start it seems.
 
k2damfc said:
So my issue is kinda similar.
Sorry so long and to hijack post just confused about it now.
Thanks
Click to expand...

Unless an absolutely abysmal job was done on the BJ's and tie rods, what you're seeing/hearing should not have anything to do with them.

You need to tell us more about the lift... if the geometry of the car has changed, many things are affected.

If the car was factory height, then I'd say make sure you have the correct PS fluid, you may wanna flush (but that's not a must), and after fluid/pump have been eliminated, it's time to have a look at the rack.
 
k2damfc said:
... I think a flush is gonna happen today or tomorrow and probably clean the screen in the rez, a good start it seems.
Click to expand...

Mine made some noise in cold temps years ago, i took it to a mechanic that flushed it, said it took 5 cans of his 'cleaner' stuff to make the fluid run clear, was black before. Worked for a year, then started making noise (while turning in cold for the first time of the day only) so I had it done again, that was 6 years ago, never returned. Luck. :cowboy:
 
I've switched out the pump and now no more whining. Couldn't get a rebuilt one so got a new non Toyota one and keeping the old to rebuild cuz no core charge.

Now my "stiff" steering has been pinpointed to the symptoms. When I turn the wheel it doesn't wanna go back to center, driving straight. So I'm constantly turning the wheel to get it back to center. What would be causing this?

I just put on a 3" Toytec boss suspension, front end comes at 2.5" but is adjustable and don't wanna push it until this steering is resolved.
 
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