Major Power Steering Issues on my 87 FJ-60

[Zack1978]

Hey everyone,
I am having some major issues with the power steering on my 87 fj 60 with 240,000 miles. A few years ago the PS pump pully fell off the shaft so the pump was replaced with a aftermarket rebuild. At that point the shop replaced the pump at least 4 or 5 times, because the PS would work when the truck was cold, however it would basically stop working when the truck got warmed up. But there was still some power assist when it was warm but not a lot. So I got to the point of just getting sick of going back to the shop so I just lived with it.
Well when it started getting cold this year, the pump would moan and groan for a while, but then stop. Now I have NO power steering at all. Every once in a while esp when you step on the gas you get about a seconds worth of power steering, but that's about it.
So what do you think does it sound as if the pump has just totally given out? Do you think the above mentioned issues about it only working when it was cold, but basically not working when it was hot, are related to the fact that the pumps were not OEM? Are there any other areas of the PS system that I must look at other than the pump? How much does a new PS pump from Toyota cost?

Thank you,
Zack

 

[hammer1]

sounds like MAJOR gunk in the system. The hoses, especially the upper one connecting to the steering box. over time , the fluid causes the hose to break down, from the inside out.
i had major problems with my PS pump this summer ( do a search)
after two or three PS aftermarkets, i got ahold of a re-built OEM. If i didnt get THAT, i was going for a new. couple hunderd buck, if i recall.
hammer

 

[Zack1978]

sounds like MAJOR gunk in the system. The hoses, especially the upper one connecting to the steering box. over time , the fluid causes the hose to break down, from the inside out.
i had major problems with my PS pump this summer ( do a search)
after two or three PS aftermarkets, i got ahold of a re-built OEM. If i didnt get THAT, i was going for a new. couple hunderd buck, if i recall.
hammer

Well if in fact there is GUNK in the system, will replacing the pump and hose fix the problems? I know for a fact that the hose that connects to the pump (a low press rubber hose I think seems to be crappy, like it's breaking down) BUt if I replace that and the pump, will that cure the issues? Could the GUNK hurt the steering box?


Zack

 

[hammer1]

i recall having to fill and bleed the system many times, untill the fluid was clear.i dont know if guck actually affects the steering box, but there is a screen in the resi that

 

[hammer1]

what the...?

clogged.
plan on bleeding the system a few times
hammer

 

[Zack1978]

Am I correct in that there are only 2 lines on the PS system? There is a high pressure line and a low pressure line correct? I know that the high pressure was replaced on my truck about 3 yrs ago.

Zack

 

[Toadhopper]

Hey Zack,
From what I hear the pumps get trashed from dirt in the system.
When you do replace the pump, replace both lines (HP&LP). Also get an inline filter (which goes in the LP side).

Once the new pump is in do a full flush by taking off the LP return line that goes to the res. and routing it to a clear plastic bottle. Then keep the res. full and start the engine, crank the wheel stop to stop. repeat until the fluid comming from the return line is clear of any contaminents. Then install the in line filter.

The new pumps from CDan are $309, the HP line is about $100, the LP line is $5 and the filter is about $25

Toad