86 BJ70 with 210,000 km. Power steering seems to be getting worse lately, It is very stiff almost as if there is no PS assistance. Changed out the fluid when I did the turbo install couple months ago and level is good. How do I determine if its pump or steering box problem. With front end off the ground it is smooth lock to lock. I sprayed the U-joint good with Pen-oil. Any experience with this issue?
BJ70 stiff power steering (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter dukecharmary
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2012
- Threads
- 571
- Messages
- 16,052
- Location
- Winter Park, Florida
- Website
- www.cruisermatts.com
Sounds like the pump.
Hi
2x. Most probably the pump is not building up sufficient pressure any more.
The pump has an amazing flow rate. So my appologies to mrntion the low brainers:
Make sure it has sufficient fluid and is properly bled (air would indicate itself as foam forming).
But I'm surprised this came out of the blue? No noise, no whine?
Probably the vanes are worn or got damaged by an object sucked trough.
When I rebuilt my pump 3ish years ago, the vanes as well as a rebuild kit were still available. Not a too complex job.
Good Luck Ralf
2x. Most probably the pump is not building up sufficient pressure any more.
The pump has an amazing flow rate. So my appologies to mrntion the low brainers:
Make sure it has sufficient fluid and is properly bled (air would indicate itself as foam forming).
But I'm surprised this came out of the blue? No noise, no whine?
Probably the vanes are worn or got damaged by an object sucked trough.
When I rebuilt my pump 3ish years ago, the vanes as well as a rebuild kit were still available. Not a too complex job.
Good Luck Ralf
Belt and belt tension is good, pulley is okay?
- Thread starter
- #5
No noise at all and no belt slippage.
- Thread starter
- #6
Sorry, no it didn't happen suddenly. It was somewhat lacking when I got the BJ 3 years ago. It did seem to take a step change for the worse when I did the fluid reservoir change during turbo install.
Mhmm. The reservoir dimension should be same. Hose diameter also still original, hose not kinked, reservoir not below pump level? Correct type of fluid?
I can't recall there was a screen or strainer anywhere in the line (check parts diagram. Probably on the reservoir outlet or could also be part of the steeringbox inlet.).
If I recall correctly, there is also an overflow valve in the pump (Check FSM and parts diagram). If that is stuck open, the pump may also not build up pressure.
You may also check the FSM for a spec for the pressure limits. There is a good explanation on how to rebuild the vane pump in the FSM, including tolerances for the vanes and gap and vane wear patterns.
Any fine particles may have intruded into the circuit during the replacement and may have been sucked trough over and over again since, clogging screens and valve and probably rapidly wearing the vains.
I suggest: Drain the fluid, flush the system and put new fluid.
Filter the old fluid and flushing and see whether there is any evidence of particles.
If there is a screen or strainer in the line: Get it out and clean it.
Go from there. If it doesn't improve, you need to get into the pump and check the guts.
Good Luck Ralf
I can't recall there was a screen or strainer anywhere in the line (check parts diagram. Probably on the reservoir outlet or could also be part of the steeringbox inlet.).
If I recall correctly, there is also an overflow valve in the pump (Check FSM and parts diagram). If that is stuck open, the pump may also not build up pressure.
You may also check the FSM for a spec for the pressure limits. There is a good explanation on how to rebuild the vane pump in the FSM, including tolerances for the vanes and gap and vane wear patterns.
Any fine particles may have intruded into the circuit during the replacement and may have been sucked trough over and over again since, clogging screens and valve and probably rapidly wearing the vains.
I suggest: Drain the fluid, flush the system and put new fluid.
Filter the old fluid and flushing and see whether there is any evidence of particles.
If there is a screen or strainer in the line: Get it out and clean it.
Go from there. If it doesn't improve, you need to get into the pump and check the guts.
Good Luck Ralf
- Thread starter
- #8
Great info, surely appreciated
- Thread starter
- #9
What's my options as far as kit for rebuild or new pump. So far not finding any rebuild kits or rebuilt pumps.
I like to have a spare pump, if you can source one. Then you can swap them over and give them a proper service and clean up whilst minimising downtime.
They are a simple vain pump. Often they can lose a bit of gusto if the lowest seal which covers the valve spring has a slight weep. It can be replaced onboard with grunting and yoga positions. But well worth pulling it out, giving them a full service, new belt, fresh juice.
Any little dribbles? The condition of tie rods and relay rods ends are another factor. Tyre inflation and tyre condition another. Quite a few elements in steering. Knuckles are another one.
They are a simple vain pump. Often they can lose a bit of gusto if the lowest seal which covers the valve spring has a slight weep. It can be replaced onboard with grunting and yoga positions. But well worth pulling it out, giving them a full service, new belt, fresh juice.
Any little dribbles? The condition of tie rods and relay rods ends are another factor. Tyre inflation and tyre condition another. Quite a few elements in steering. Knuckles are another one.
- Thread starter
- #11
Great idea, Where did you get the rebuild parts for your service.
In oz either ebay or online auto, some kits like for the hz even included a fresh shaft for pretty good value. Probably could make your own kit by looking up all the parts on amayama with the exploded diagram of you pump. a few grommets and seals, c clips and spring. Not many of the seal kits have a new bearing though. Not sure what juice you are using but atf is known as a cleaning oil, it takes a bit for it to get dirty, so if your seals are good you don't have to worry for awhile..
sorry vane not vain! 
Probably the worst thing about fb is spelling and grammar, especially marketplace. I know mud is about landcruisers but some effort does lift us a little within this enlightened group. It reflects self reflection. Enough vain pumping goes on regardless.
Don't worry, steer pump is an easy one.
Don't worry, steer pump is an easy one.
- Thread starter
- #15
ATF better than PS fluid?
well for me it is all I have used, I like the stuff. Someone else may chime in. Funny enough I do a bit of oil painting on canvas, atf is good for cleaning the brushes too. Probably pretty similar as power steer fluid, but don't know the science. They maybe trying to sell you another thing too, the buggers.
I did not mind my bj40 without power steer. It teaches you to turn the wheel as you move. Good habit, less stress on everything I reckon.
I did not mind my bj40 without power steer. It teaches you to turn the wheel as you move. Good habit, less stress on everything I reckon.
