steering trouble - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

norcalcam · 05-24-2009, 11:40 AM

so about last week i was driving to work and i noticed the it got really hard to steer. i think it might be something to do with the power steering fluid because i checked it and the color of it was brown. i think the color of it is supposted to be pink-ish. it kinda hard to explain. like usually i could make a turn by turning with like 3 fingers but now i have to use my whole hand and really turn. any help?

Thanks

the_professional · 05-24-2009, 12:28 PM

Did/Does the pump whine when you turned before? Or was it silent?
Did you check your power steering belt?
If there was a problem with your belt slipping, you'd hear it whine.
Unless the belt came off?
Are you leaking power steering fluid?
& lastly if nothing turns up with that I would check the pump. It might be done. Its behind the passenger side front wheel well.

norcalcam · 05-24-2009, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_professional

Did/Does the pump whine when you turned before? Or was it silent?
Did you check your power steering belt?
If there was a problem with your belt slipping, you'd hear it whine.
Unless the belt came off?
Are you leaking power steering fluid?
& lastly if nothing turns up with that I would check the pump. It might be done. Its behind the passenger side front wheel well.

no its does not make any sound when i turn. i am not leaking fluid, and i will check the pump. thanks!

the_professional · 05-24-2009, 01:01 PM

Just check the belt that its functionioning.
Since the pump is belt driven you should notice a fluctuation of RPMs if your turning with your car in park.
(atleast im pretty sure it will fluctuate at least on my 4cyl it does on start up)
Check the shop manual on camrystuff, you'll prolly find out specifically where everything is. Maybe the pump isn't getting any power since its not making any sounds. I would check the belt to make sure its on and see if the pump itself is getting power.

JCamry94 · 05-24-2009, 01:05 PM

RPMs do fluctuate in park. Brown PS Fluid could be suspect, but check belt and pump first.

500KCamry · 05-24-2009, 06:24 PM

Like they say, check the belt first, it could have broke.

CamryWilly · 05-24-2009, 10:41 PM

I got the same thing with my last camry... probably the fluid is due to be changed. I lost all power steering one day, and when I recirculated new fluid in the system...after a couple of days it came back when it had finally "cleaned" itself.

I've got the manual tranny, so i could give some gas on neutral while cornering or manuvering to get back some of the sterring assist lol.

BTW there a DIY how to change the fluid. And DOT fluid isn't that expensive, it's worth a try.

William

SamKT · 05-24-2009, 11:11 PM

Also check to make sure the pump pulley is turning with the belt. See that the fluid is moving in the reservoir.

If the power steering pump is bypassing internally, you would not have enough pressure at the rack. Also, it could be the rack leaking fluid past seals.

norcalcam · 05-25-2009, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 500KCamry

Like they say, check the belt first, it could have broke.

i checked the hose's and they seemed fine and secure. where exactly would the belt be? i think next im going to flsuh out the power steering fluid and put some new fluid in.

Jimnist · 05-26-2009, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamryWilly

BTW there a DIY how to change the fluid. And DOT fluid isn't that expensive, it's worth a try.

William

DOT fluid? Umm....that's for your brakes. You usually put ATF Dex 3 or 'power steering fluid' in, which is pretty much the same thing.

Maybe the universal joint between the rack and steering shaft seized? That happened to my Camry. A new one fixed it all up.

the_professional · 05-26-2009, 02:09 PM

^ nice catch.

Yeah obviously don't put that in your fluid reservior.

I usually put just "power steering fluid" in.
I have no problems with my system.
Should ATF Dex 3 be in my system?

MyFreeCamry · 05-26-2009, 02:16 PM

While your picking up the DOT3 fluid, don't forget to grab a bottle of headlight fluid while your at it. Thats probably never been changed either.

the_professional · 05-26-2009, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyFreeCamry

While your picking up the DOT3 fluid, don't forget to grab a bottle of headlight fluid while your at it. Thats probably never been changed either.

Maybe I havent been around my car much...
I cant find the headlight fluid. (:

It's his power steering, not his brakes.