93 camry sometimes loses power steering assist - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

brian long · 03-23-2010, 10:27 AM

Hello, looking for a little help.

My 93 V-6 3VZFE occasionally loses power steering assist. The only things that are constant:

only when backing up, and of course turning the steering wheel.
1: I hear a low rumble/growl when i lose assist.
2: The idle raises to the point where i have to stand on the brakes to hold it back. This along with the car not turning where i want it to go, is bad.

tried tightening the (new) belt. no good
tried cleaning the IAC valve, as i thought it may correct the idle. no good

I was told to try pulling the power steering belt, but the wife will never be able to drive it if no pump at all is anything like what i am feeling now!

Thank you for our time.

93celicaconv · 03-23-2010, 10:34 AM

You checked your power steering fluid level too, right? And it was OK?

***fenixus*** · 03-23-2010, 06:09 PM

if the fluid was never drained and refilled i would try flushing it out with new one.

brian long · 03-24-2010, 09:57 AM

Thank you, now why didn't I think of that? I'll try it.

Nervous · 03-24-2010, 10:18 AM

Seems to me either P/S pump or rack is failing. Leaning to rack, actually.

***fenixus*** · 03-24-2010, 10:20 AM

DIY P/S fluid flush:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t19334.html

or simply suck out the fluid from return tank with a turkey baster and put fresh one in there then use power steering from edge to edge in parking lot and repeat like tank refill 3-5 times, it should replace most of it for starters.

AlmightyCamry777 · 03-24-2010, 11:11 AM

Yes what the other people said, try a fluid change. Give it maybe a hundred miles to work and then if that doesnt do it, probably time to change parts.

The person that told you to "just remove the belt" is just STUPID, DO NOT do this. Obviously driving without power assist does not instantly turn the car into one that has manual steering.

Nervous · 03-24-2010, 11:19 AM

I don't understand how replacing the p/s fluid may help with loses of power steering. It won't hurt, though.

***fenixus*** · 03-24-2010, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nervous

I don't understand how replacing the p/s fluid may help with loses of power steering. It won't hurt, though.

i think there is hope that intermittent p/s fails due to air in system or dirty fluid clogging the pump sometimes or so. flushing it might help, if not new parts will be needed i think.