Another Power Steering Question (1 Viewer)

[EDPA]

I just reviewed previous threads on power steering and it was of no help. Here's the deal: 1997, ~66K miles, power steering fluid is full, appears clean, and no obvious leaks. However the thing whines or hums only when I turn the wheel. Seems to be a little worse after driving for a while. I was in my local Toyota dealership snooping around and thought I'd ask them if they know what it is. Their suggestion was possibly the power steering unit itself, or the power steering "rack", whatever the hell that is. They didn't look at it. Does it just need to be flushed or should I get on the horn to Cdan for some parts? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[RavenTai]

LOL

did you tell them what vehicle you have? F_J-80's do not have a "rack", it used a saginaw style box instead

 

[cruiserdan]

Is this a "buzzing" noise? And, how loud is it? Some noise is normal.


You may try adding a tablespoon full of Downey liquid fabric softener to the reservoir to see if that quiets it.

 

[EDPA]

I don't think I'd call it a buzz (although I'm working on one at the moment). It's a hum or a whine. It's of and on and becoming more on than off. It drives fine though. This steering seems smooth.

 

[EDPA]

Oh yeah, I told them the year before they told me it might be "the rack".

As far as how load it is, I'm not sure and to describe that. It's quite noticable though.

 

[cruiserdan]

I don't think I'd call it a buzz (although I'm working on one at the moment). It's a hum or a whine. It's of and on and becoming more on than off. It drives fine though. This steering seems smooth.

Give it a shot of Downey.......

 

[EDPA]

Will do, 1 tablespoon coming up. Out of curiosity what does the Downey do? Or in other words how does it fix it?

 

[NorCalDoug]

Mine does it too. With a new PS pump. Although...less now than before. I think I'll try the downey. Dan says it contains lubricants -- we covered this once before

 

[OZCAL]

I have this noise in my '97 80 (Australian spec, 190,000 kilometers) ever since the belts were replaced 1000 miles ago. A loud vibratory whine after a cold start, decreasing over the first twenty minutes of driving, but never going away. It decreases when I turn the AC off (AC default position is "on" in Queensland!), and increases when the steering wheel is turned.

I have read previous threads about this, and would try Downey, but it is not sold in Australia. Would anybody know the key ingredient in Downey so that I can look for a similar product here? Otherwise I'll be bringing some home from California next trip up and try to get it through LAX security and customs...

Thanks

David