97 Avalon Power Steering Failure

[parimento1]

So far my power rack and pinion has failed twice now it is going for time #3. Car has 101,000 miles. The wheels was very stiff in turns and it would get stuck while returning to center. Also wheels was hard to turn, like there wasnt enough power. Mechanic replaced the rack and pinion and all was good for 2 weeks or so, then the same problems occurred again. He says he thinks it is the pump...I am not so sure, I think he's trying to screw me. What are the differences between a pump failure and a rack and pinion failure...thanks in advance

-Brian

[Avalon1999inPA]

Brian: how did this turn out? My 1999 (75K miles) is headed down the same path. The initial repair was new P/S belts and a system flush. When that didn't work the P/S pump & rack and pinion were replaced. The problem still exists, but now it is only intermitently. I took it back to my mechanic (trusted family friend) and he didn't notice the problem during a short test drive, but changed the P/S fluid to the Toyota brand at the suggestion of the dealer. I'm at the 2 week point on the r&p replacement and fear this will only get worse.

[captpfd]

What brand of rack and pinion are you guys using? Sounds like the after markets are problematic. Is it better to go OEM from the get go?

[golfinator]

My 97 Avalon's rack & pinion developed a leak at 55k mi that got bad in a hurry. No help from Toyota or the dealer on what I felt was early failure. Replaced with one from Genuine Parts for about $165 and haven't had a problem. 140k mi on it now.

[bjlavalon]

Hi

Take a look at the post a few down the page. A guy there appears to have had the same problem, changed PS and R&P and still had a problem. He then changed the "steering knuckle" which connects the steering shaft to the R&Pinion whcih seems to have solved the problem

If the level has never gotten low I can't see why the R&P should be worn out, it should be just a leakage issue, The knuckle makes the most sence. PS maybe if there is a noise when turning the steering wheel, can't see the R&P making any noise.

I have had this stiff steering problem on two 99's, the first one started at 110K sold the car at 125k and bought a Platinum 99 with 68K. It now has started the same intermitant stiffness at 75k. There have been no leaks and didn't added fluid on either car.

Any comments from the more knowledgable.

Brian

[bjlavalon]

Hi all

Just got a responce and the guy says that the "steering knuckle" repair is still good. This would be therefore the most likely solution to the problem.

Good luck to all and any updates or comments on this problem would be appreciated

Regards

Brian