[Jefmarty]

Hi all. I've got a '97 LX450 with 171,00 very dependable miles on her. Have replaced one front axle (Birfield) already about 5k miles ago. Steering is now requiring more strength to turn the wheel, and there is a strange gear noise (sounds like a propeller airplane) starting at around 30mph on up to 70mph that has developed out of thin air. No popping or clicking when turning, but something is not right when your turn, as it feels like it does when in low gear (locked) even when in High normal drive (e.g. hard to steer, tires tend to skip/skid when turning). Any of you have any thoughts on what this could be?? Thanks. Jefmarty

[fj80toyman]

Sounds like wheel bearings, over tightened or worn out. Were those done at the same time as the Birf? Is it coming from one side in particular?

Another thought is that, depending on how the Birfield was installed, the cage is directional. Don't know if thats the sound it makes, but it could make turning more difficult.

Dan.

[Jefmarty]

Thanks for the reply Dan. I did not have the wheel bearings changed when the birf job was done. Nor do I understand the cage installation issue -- does this mean the birf job may have been done incorrectly?? Thanks for any additional info you might have.

[Cruiserdrew]

If the wheel bearing were that tight, they would have gone south before now. The hard steering and whirring noise sounds like your Power steering pump has gone bad. What does the fluid look like? If it's dirty or smells burned, start there. It should not be too hard to isolate the problem. Put the front axle on jack stands and "steer" the wheels. If the effort is still high, you know for certain the wheelbearings have nothing to do with it. Air in the system also makes a bad noise and increases the steering effort.

A short piece of hose or a mechanics stethescope is very helpful in isolating where noises originate.

[Jefmarty]

Thanks Andrew -- that's pretty much what the mechanic said. The fluid level is still good, but I've been suspicious of the power steering unit for the last 50k miles, as the steering has gotten progressively harder and fluid level has slowly dropped, but I've always kept it full and no obvious leaks. That said, I think you're probably right, the power steering pump is probably shot. I'll know for sure just as soon as I can get it in the shop. I'll keep you posted.

[Jefmarty]

Well, its at the shop and Dan was right, the right front wheel bearing was shot. So we're replacing both for good measure and throwing in a brake job to boot! Thanks for all the input guys!

[Jenny Cruiser]

I've encountered that noise from bearings that were not torqued like they should have been. I'll bet you anything that there was a bit of play in the hub when they took it off. If it moves at all it's not right.