Topic: Tacoma power steering issue

[KDC]

Hey, guys.

I have an 04 Tacoma in which I'm having trouble with the power steering. I started the truck one morning to the pump screaming, but still had power assist. Fluid level was good and there appeared to be no leaks. Then I lost power assist.

The following is what I have done:
1. Replaced the pump- no improvement
2. Replaced the rack and pinion - no improvement
3. Replaced feed line - no improvement
4. Replaced the pump again - no improvement
5. Replaced return line - no improvement
6. Replaced the pump again - no improvement

At this point, I'm not sure what to do. I'm doubtful that it is a component failure, but don't know what it could be.

How long would you expect the pump to stop whining and power assist to return while bleeding the system?

Also, does anyone have any thoughts on what to do next?

I appreciate anything you can recommend!

[OVRAROK]

does the steering work now, with the exception of the scream. had a buddy had problem, ended up being ac idler pulley bearing

[KDC [OP]]

does the steering work now, with the exception of the scream. had a buddy had problem, ended up being ac idler pulley bearing

No, still no power assist. As I'm working the wheel back and forth during the bleeding, the pump screams bloody murder. Is there an adjuster of some sort on the rack and pinion?

[OVRAROK]

what about the filter screen under the reservoir, have you tried cleaning it? also are you bleeding with front end off the ground? have you looked into reservoir afterward, looking for bubbles?

[redneckcustoms13]

What rok said. The beat way to bleed a steering system especially on these trucks is with the front off the ground. Do not start the engine until you are getting no more bubbles in the reservoir while working the wheel lock to lock.

[KDC [OP]]

what about the filter screen under the reservoir, have you tried cleaning it? also are you bleeding with front end off the ground? have you looked into reservoir afterward, looking for bubbles?

I haven't cleaned the filter in the reservoir. I'll try that. I've had tiny bubbles in the reservoir while bleeding. I would have expected more or larger bubbles and have only needed to refill the reservoir once, right after start-up, prior to bleeding.

What rok said. The beat way to bleed a steering system especially on these trucks is with the front off the ground. Do not start the engine until you are getting no more bubbles in the reservoir while working the wheel lock to lock.

Are you saying to bleed it with the engine off?

[Toyotadon]

Yes, to bleeding with the engine off.  You can get most of the air out of the system by turning the wheel back & forth with the front end off the ground.  Hold it at full left or right for 30 seconds each time, many bubbles will be rising when you do this.  If you start the engine with air in the system, it just mixes with the fluid and makes it harder to get out.

[KDC [OP]]

Yes, to bleeding with the engine off.  You can get most of the air out of the system by turning the wheel back & forth with the front end off the ground.  Hold it at full left or right for 30 seconds each time, many bubbles will be rising when you do this.  If you start the engine with air in the system, it just mixes with the fluid and makes it harder to get out.

Cool. How long would you expect to have to bleed with the engine off?

[Toyotadon]

Go back and forth several times. Patience is your friend, it also helps to have a friend turning the wheel while you watch for bubbles, or vice versa.

[KDC [OP]]

Ovrarok wins! It was a dirty, clogged filter in the reservoir. Thanks for everyone's input and help.