HELP! No Assist from the Power Steering!!

[baber]

Hello All,

I started my 1998 Camry XLE V6 this morning and there was a sudden whining sound when I started the engine. Then it went away. After warming up my care for about 3 mins(it was -9 Fahrenheit). When I backed out of the parking, suddenly the steering was very very hard. No assist at all. First, I thought that the power steering fluid might have got frozen. I Idled the care for about 10 mins, but still the same problem.

What do you think the problem is? Do I need a new power steering pump? or is it just due to the cold?

And I need to replace the pump how much will it cost? Thanks in advance buddies!!

-Bob

[ghettosled]

whenever my car is cold (today it was -11) my power steering is tough and particularly annoying being after i turn the wheel, it doesnt automatically return to center like it normally does. wait until the weather is a little warmer to see if your problem persists. in tthe mean time, check the level and color of the power steering fluid.

[Jimnist]

Yes, check the fluid, colour and level. The whining sound is either the fluid being pump (which usually means you're low on fluid) or if it was a squealing sound when you turned the wheel, the power steering belt slipping.

Edit: So did it get better after it warmed up? Or was it crap and heavy the whole time? And you constantly heard that whining noise? Sounds like the pressure hose blew if it didn't better + noise. This happened to my uncle's Vienta not too long ago.

[David48]

Cheack the fluid level, and all belts.

[baber]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and helping me out guys. Since, the weather is warmer now, it is better and has returned back to normal.

However I sometimes feel that the steering not as light as it used to be before. Anyways thanks once again for all your help!

[cruisn76]

^ if you feel the steering is a bit rough, find some time and do PS flush. It might improve it.

[BamZipPow]

Remember...use ATF instead of power steering fluid.

[Hajoca]

You can use either generic power steering fluid or Dexron ATF.