Power Steering Flush and new/rebuilt Power Steering Pump - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Idealconcepts · 03-11-2005, 10:25 AM

Ok, I talked to two dealers and each gave me different answers regarding when to get your power steering system flushed. I'm going to get a rebuilt Power Steering Pump form Auto Zone ($59 with a life time warranty). I was looking at doing the reseal but a little out of my skill set at the moment and I could see myself trying it screwing it up and having to go buy a rebuitl one, so I will just cut to the chase. One dealer said to flush the system before I install the power steering pump and the other said after. Logic tells me to flush it after, (flush a toilet after you use it, ok bad example but I thought it was funny).

Also anyone have experience with the autzone rebuilt Power Steering Pump or other rebuilt power steering pumps?

Note: Truck is 89 V6 4wd 5spd with 184K miles, just got it last Oct 2004.

GregoryM · 03-11-2005, 10:22 PM

What is the original problem with the P/S pump? Is it just leaking or is it ??? This would have an influence on what to do next.

Idealconcepts · 03-14-2005, 09:57 AM

PS Pump is leaking and I can see the build up of fluid on the parts beneath the pump. It's not leaking bad where I can see drops or a puddle on the floor. I had two mechanics check over the truck a few weeks after I bought it and they both mentioned the PS Pump was leaking.

(GregoryM - also wanted to take care of this before I did any suspension work and, if I decided to, go with larger tires instead of waiting for the PS Pump to completely go out)

GregoryM · 03-14-2005, 05:31 PM

If the pump is just leaking, ie. not damaged, I would try adding some Lubegard power steering fluid additive. This is available at any NAPA store and can help suppress the leakage. I have used this product in several vehicles and it does work well. It is not a cure-all but, I've had very good results with it and would not hesitate to recommend it.

Idealconcepts · 03-17-2005, 11:33 AM

GregoryM, thought about using PS additive to stop the leak but wanted a cure all, I get frustrated with not completely fixing something. I didn't want to get a stop leak and 6 months later have to replace the pump. I was at first going to do the re-seal on the pump but the seal cost me $38 at the dealer and I figured for the $59 and life time warranty fo the rebuilt PS Pump it was wortht he cost. The pump is installed and I had the system flushed before it was installed. So far no problems.

GregoryM · 03-17-2005, 12:04 PM

Just a comment: A life time guaranteed product doesn't mean it will last forever. If it fails, you get a replacement (usually) but, the labor and materials to install are on you. I am quite surprised that you were quoted $38 for a seal. For future reference, shaft seals are sold by size and configuration. A good industrial supplier can match nearly any seal, often at a fraction of the dealer's price.

Idealconcepts · 03-17-2005, 05:06 PM

I completely agree with you that a life time warranty doesn't mean the product will last for ever but does help me out if it goes out in the next 6 months, next year or in a couple of years and the only cost to me is the labor. I got quotes for $149 and $230 for a rebuilt PS Pump and the dealer I think was around $400 so the one I found for $59 was a great bargin, especially with the life time warranty. The re-seal kit I got from the dealer (I wasn't too sure if I was going to reseal it so I wanted to be able to return it with out any problems), and I believe on another message board you could get a factory re-seal for around $26. Thanks for the tip on the industrial supplier, this truck hobby is new to me so I am learning new things each day and should eventually be more comfrotable of trying alternative sources/routes instead going the more traditional/dealer route which is typically more costly.

phyl26 · 08-12-2005, 03:35 AM

WE had our mechanic replace our p.s.pump with a used one. That one went out so he replaced with another used one. that one is now going out! Don't know what to think of this!
He replaced and bought second one for free and is willing to go in half on new pump and not charge any labor. The problem is after paying for the one power steering pump our funds are at an all time low. Plus I don't know didly about them. It makes a high squeeling noise when you turn the wheel real sharp in either direction. So the second one he put in lasted about a month and a half! my worry is that it could be something else, but couldn't the mechanic be able to tell that? Like if its the rack and pinion or something. I need help and any advice anyone is kind enough to give. Thankx/