DIY for power steering? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

JBlacks · 02-01-2010, 05:35 PM

Ive got a terrible power steering pump somewhere and i didnt know if anyone had a link to a good pictorial DIY for it. Would like to have an idea what im getting into before i start ripping apart.

Nervous · 02-01-2010, 09:33 PM

First of all: why do you think this is a power steering pump? This could be it, but this also could be a rack or just a loosened belt. What are exactly the symptoms?
As to pictorial. Go to FAQ sticky topic and you'll find it. I would recommend to download factory repair manual (a link should be in that FAQ topic).
And - "Search" option. This problem is very common and there are very many answers already on this forum.

JBlacks · 02-01-2010, 09:34 PM

i already looked through the DIY, its either the pump or hoses but ive already found a how to else where sorry ill search next time.

***projektvertx*** · 02-01-2010, 10:13 PM

At the OP, what specifically makes you think it's the pump? It may not be the pump at all. If you hear a whining noise at startup, or when you are turning the wheels with no motion of the car, then it is the pump. If you are finding the car increasingly hard to steer, it may be the rack and not a loose belt/bad pump. Check out this website:

http://www.camrystuff.com/index.php?page=Gen3_Manuals

Look up your specific engine, I found the removal/installation of the PS belt under the Timing Belt section (I have a 1MZ-FE...) Hope it helps!

Jimnist · 02-01-2010, 10:17 PM

Whining/whirring noise could be low fluid level too. Squealing is the belt slipping. OP, have you tried flushing the old fluid out and replacing it? It can make a world of a difference.

If the steering feels heavy, it could be as simple as a seized universal joint (and not the pump).

JBlacks · 02-01-2010, 10:24 PM

Its the pump or a cut in the hose. It has a terrible leak and has to be refilled at least once a week.

Nervous · 02-01-2010, 10:39 PM

I recently had a leak from steering rack..... Just a hint.... Find the leak location first.

Mazeezi · 02-02-2010, 11:58 AM

I need some HELP! I have a 1992 V6 Camry Wagon w/ a hydraulic cooling fan. I have had a powersteering fluid leak where I have been refilling the reservoir every 1-2 weeks for the last couple of months. At some point I used Penzoil ps fluid w/ stop leak, most times I was using fluid w/o stop leak to replace what was lost. A few days ago it suddenly became very difficult to turn the wheel. It grabs every quarter-turn, basically when turning the wheel full circle it feels like {NO PS-PS-NO PS-PS} I assumed the pump was bad. I took it too my mechanic he said the pump wasn't producing any pressure (which is weird cause the cooling fan seemed to be running fine..) so he replaced the pump and flushed the system. I got it back and he said the steering still grabs cause the stop leak may have gummed up my rack and pinion system but hoped the new pump would clear out the gunk now that it is producing pressure. Nothing improved. The steering only improves slightly when the car is at running temp. He ran the car for over an hour to make confirm replacing the pump fixed the leak. For two days the level stayed the same. I had my car parked over the weekend and noticed it is still leaking cause the reservoir was empty. So basically the new pump didn't improve anything. Any ideas about what I should do next.

Mazeezi · 02-02-2010, 02:45 PM

I just found another really easy solution, spray lubricant on your U-joint. My steering felt like it would seize at any moment, little lube no problems. May need a new U-joint in the near future but for now it is much safer.