Power steering Squirrely with A/C on? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

ericdude · 05-09-2009, 12:12 AM

I've noticed that the power steering sometimes seems a bit squirrely when idling
with the A/C on. Nothing wrong with the engine power or power steering with
A/C off. I know the engine idles slightly higher when the A/C kicks on, but
how would this mess up the power steering?

Maybe the PS just hiccups when the compressor kicks on/off (which I believe
happens if the A/C is not working at fully capacity)?

kcwa · 05-09-2009, 10:22 AM

What year and model of your Corolla? Maybe the power steering and ac share the same belt and this could be the problem...

ericdude · 05-09-2009, 11:11 PM

It's an '88. The PS pump only shares the belt with the water pump. A/C is on a different
belt.

90 GP · 05-10-2009, 05:28 AM

By squirrely do you mean the belt gets noisy or the power steering lacks power assist? If it lacks power assist check the fluid level and belt tension. The idle up feature for the a/c also operates with a/c off with any load put on engine. Examples are turning the wheel in either direction or turning on headlights.