Power Steering Not Working

[TB12345]

96 CamryLE 2.2L 4cy R&P

Stiffness when turning steering wheel in either direction . PS fluid was low and refilled approx two weeks ago. No apparent change in steering. Jacked car up and did not see any leaks around hoses, pump , etc. Turned steering wheel back and forth in in both directions . When steering wheel is fully turned in either direction I hear a funney noise . Took car off of jacks and car steering seemed to improve a little bit but not much. Checked PS fluid again last night and it looks ok.

Any thoughts on what could be the problem? I was thinking of replacing the ps belt and seeing if that made a difference. How would I know if the pump needs to be replaced?

Thanks in advance for any help

[BamZipPow]

How low was low? Any bubbles or foaming in the reservoir? Did you use PS fluid or ATF like the manual sez? You might have burned up the pump a bit...

[TB12345]

P/S reservoir was down 1/4 - 1/8 of an inch, added in ATF to bring up to level. I have not seen any bubbles or foam in reservoir.

What would I notice if the pump is burned up?

[AlmightyCamry777]

If the pump were burned you'd probably notice noise, the fluid would smell bad (worse then new from the bottle), and also probably the steering would be doing what it is doing now -

try tightening the belt, if it is loose. If the belt is glazed (has a shiny appearance on the sides) change it, if it were slipping often you would hear a squeak sound at start up.
Also try changing the power steering fluid, it is worth investing in $5 worth of power steering fluid (use what it says to use on the cap/owners manual) and change it out. I use a trukey baster to suck out the reservoir, refill, run the engine a minute, repeat, until the fluid starts coming out clean - usually about 5 or 6 times. Drive the car as usual and give it a 100 miles to notice any change.

If none of this helps then you may need a new pump, as you suspect already.l

[redtigerrocks]

I have a question guys. My power steering is low (Sitting at COLD LOW) and I was wondering if I put Dexron II ATF in, will it be alright because I don't know whether Dexron II or III is in the reservoir? Also what level do I fill it up to (Cold or Hot Max?)

[fenixus]

Originally Posted by redtigerrocks

I have a question guys. My power steering is low (Sitting at COLD LOW) and I was wondering if I put Dexron II ATF in, will it be alright because I don't know whether Dexron II or III is in the reservoir? Also what level do I fill it up to (Cold or Hot Max?)

all ATF type fluids are interchangable and can be mixed, price wise it looks like this (most expensive on left):
Mobil1 synthetic > Castrol Synthetic Blend Import Multi-Vehicle > Mercon-V > Dexron III > Dexron II

do NOT use latest Dexron-VI, though they say it can be used, but review say it's not a good idea for old cars.

so whatever you have their now doesn't really matter at all. just buy 2qts of brand new fluid and flush it out in 10 seconds with this DIY:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t19334.html

then you fill it up until fluid level sits on HIGH HOT when you exercised steering wheel from edge to edge a few times. if you get air in system in process of flushing, don't worry. put car on jackstands and turn the steering wheel (on shut engine) a few times from edge to edge and it will release the air, then refill and start engine and then exercise it more, drive it around, etc.

I had a problem with old p/s fluid, i think it was original and after 10 yrs it turned to a honey
I used Castrol last time flushing (needed a flush as i used wrong P/S fluid type for tank drain&refill in past) and it works great now.

[redtigerrocks]

Do you know what could cause P/S to go low? I didn't find any leaks of any sort but its been at that low mark for a pretty long time.

[redtigerrocks]

bumpppp