My power steering pump is whining constantly, yet functions properly. Has anyone rebuilt the OEM pump w/the Toyota rebuild kit? Does the bearing in the pump need to be installed with a press or can it be done with hand tools?
Thanks
All of the kits I seen are only the seals, no bearing, I couldn't even find a bearing or kit with the bearing, have you checked to see if the bearing is bad, if you loosen the belt you should be able to feel if there any play on the shaft by grabbing the pulley.
That being said it could be other internal parts that aren't replaceable since the parts aren't readily available and it may still whine if you just put a new bearing and seals in it, if I were you I would just get a new pump or remanufactured one, the seals and a bearing if you could find one would cost you $35 to $50 at least, a remanufactured pumps are from $60 to $125 or so and you get a bit if warranty.
I am interested in this topic. I think I have this same issue. If I am parked and my 4runner is at idle, I turn the wheel back and forth and it whines. Also whines while driving but you can hear it whine the most when you turn the wheel. Is this the issue you are talking about? If so, what exactly should I do to fix this problem? Thanks!
I just went through a power steering circus with my Honda Accord. Accords are notorious for air getting into the fluid and turning it into a frothy mess which creates lots of noise. The issue is air getting into the system from leaks on the suction side - someplace between the rack outlet and the pump inlet. Honda was convinced the air was getting past an o-ring used to seal the inlet fitting for the pump. A new larger o-ring was the cure. This repair worked for almost everyone...for a few weeks at most, then then noise would come back. If people got in and moved hoses around the noise would stop...then come back.
If you have air in the fluid - keep reading. If not, the pump is probably where the issue is.
I replaced the o-ring, then a pump. The noise went away each time, then came back.
Being methodical, I looked at the rest of the hoses between the pump and the rack. The reservoir its in the middle. Two hoses remain - the outlet from the rack to the mid point on the reservoir - and the suction line from the pump to the bottom of the reservoir. This line actually sees suction from the pump. Since the lines are black, you're never gonna see a leak. I replaced the line between the pump and the reservoir with $3 of bulk hose and the noise went away..the air stopped getting into the system.
I am convinced the issue here is old hardened low pressure hoses and constant tension hose clamps. The hose hardens and as we go in to do other work, we bump and move things around. Once the hardened hose takes a set, the barb on the reservoir may or may not seal. It obviously does not leak oil out, but air leaking in under negative pressure is another story.
Before you replace anything...try putting a worm drive hose clamps on the hoses on the suction side. You may find the solution is only $10 away.
I will replace the Low pressure hoses with new formed hoses when I get a chance.
Have not had this issue on the 4Runner yet, but this is the approach I'd take first.
I was looking at this kit:
![]()
Part # 0444653030
Now that you say you've only seen seal kits, the thing that looks like a bearing in the pic is probably the front pump seal. I can get a reman pump but I've heard the aftermarket ones are crap. I guess I can get the OEM one but didn't feel like spending $250+ on something that is a nuisance at best right now.
Mine whines all the time, buts gets quieter as the truck warms up.
Interesting theory. I don't see my fluid foaming up so I'm not sure that air is getting in the system, but anything's possible.