p/s fluid leak - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

32oz. · 07-03-2006, 08:25 AM

brief history because this is my 2nd post. i got the car from a neighbor for near free and i had to put a battery, muffler, brakes, and a few minor other things. totalling about $400 with all my discounts from work.

now my problem. i havent had time to check out where the leak is from, but the reservoir is empty after about 2 weeks. even with stop leak fluids. so i know something is very wrong. all i want to do is remove the entire power steering system instead of putting more money into the dry rotted hoses, possibly the pump, etc. ive heard from a few locals (non-toyota owners) that i could possibly take some fittings and hose from the rack, into a T fitting, run the single line to the reservoir so i have a lubricated manual rack. has anyone done this? or does anyone have suggestions on how to solve my problem with a cost efficiant method?

p.s. its a 91 4 cyl w/5 speed. dont know how much of that is needed.

JetspeedCamry · 07-03-2006, 08:32 AM

Honestly the best idea is to remove what needs to be replaced and replace it. Wether it's the lines, the pump or the entire rack itself...its a far better option. Making the PS rack do something it wasn't intended for can put unnessary pressure on certain parts, gears etc, which will lead to premature failure, and thats not something you want with steering. There is a writeup somehwere here re: rack replacement on a Lexus ES250.

Welcome to TN.

***Your Uncle Moe*** · 07-03-2006, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 32oz.

brief history because this is my 2nd post. i got the car from a neighbor for near free and i had to put a battery, muffler, brakes, and a few minor other things. totalling about $400 with all my discounts from work.

now my problem. i havent had time to check out where the leak is from, but the reservoir is empty after about 2 weeks. even with stop leak fluids. so i know something is very wrong. all i want to do is remove the entire power steering system instead of putting more money into the dry rotted hoses, possibly the pump, etc. ive heard from a few locals (non-toyota owners) that i could possibly take some fittings and hose from the rack, into a T fitting, run the single line to the reservoir so i have a lubricated manual rack. has anyone done this? or does anyone have suggestions on how to solve my problem with a cost efficiant method?

p.s. its a 91 4 cyl w/5 speed. dont know how much of that is needed.

I have heard a few of the DSM guys doing that on our board. I guess it might just work but it would be horrible driving that car without PS. Worst case scenario you might have to change the entire rack. Thats what we had to do with our cam.

32oz. · 07-03-2006, 07:05 PM

well to add to the history ....

got the car from a neighbor for next to nothing. i still havent paid her because we agreed to work out a final amount after its plated and see how much i had to spend. so far its $400(ish). battery, muffler, brakes, little stuff, inspections, yadda yadda. so basically i may not have to pay her, because she was asking $500 to just anyone else to just get it off her driveway.

so anyway ... its been sitting for about 2 years. im sure stuff is just dry rotted. what hoses should i replace to see if thats the problem?

OR .. do they make a manual rack that i can just swap out for? i just really dont wanna spend much more money on this car

marc780 · 07-04-2006, 10:45 PM

Quote:

ive heard from a few locals (non-toyota owners) that i could possibly take some fittings and hose from the rack, into a T fitting, run the single line to the reservoir so i have a lubricated manual rack. has anyone done this? or does anyone have suggestions on how to solve my problem with a cost efficiant method?

This idea's not a good one - DANGEROUS - its the steering so unfortunately, it's gotta be fixed right.
there's a couple options i can think of, look for a similar model toyota thats being parted out and remove all the parts you need. Or a pick-a-part junkyard. Or option #3, is there an automotive technical school in your area? Sometimes you can work out a deal with the instructor to have his students fix your car, for peanuts in labor-

32oz. · 07-04-2006, 11:02 PM

i suppose i should just take it up to the local shop i attend from time to time when i cant figure out stuff and have them take a look at it and see if we cant find out EXACTLY where it is leaking. then ill just go from there.
but thank you guys so much so far. this site has been a lot of help. im gonna get this car into top notch shape again and then mod from there. for a 91, this thing is in great condition, but yet has its flaws. minor minor body here and there and the inside is just ... wow, perfect.
i do wanna upgrade the suspension. i hear the intrax are popular on this car?

32oz. · 08-21-2006, 05:46 PM

is there a new/used parts place to get an entire power steering system for my car online? not all as one package, but piece by piece is how im sure ill have to do it. i know that i had a place online for my ranger. just wondering if there is one for the camry as well.