Power steering issue fj60 (1 Viewer)

[Jim Carlson]

I recently replaced power steering pump and lines in my fj60(new pump, not rebuild). I bled the lines by turning wheel back and forth to lock while on stands about 20 times each direction, no bubbles. Unfortunately, after i drove it, the power steering was intermittent, and finally quit working all together. I noticed a puddle of fluid under where steering box would be, yet there was still plenty of fluid in reservoir. Is it possible, i wonder that the steering gear needs to be replaced? Anyone who could help me out with this, i would appreciate it.

 

[lovetoski]

New OEM pump?

You seem to have installed and bled correctly.

I don’t think the steering gear box would fail suddenly, nor else it those symptoms.

Which means it’s something else - I think a loose belt is the next logical thing to look at.

 

[CaptClose]

A new pump will usually exploit weak seals in an old gearbox. The fluid is going to try and find the weakest point to escape from. You’ll need to reseal your gearbox. First make sure you didn’t miss something obvious like a hose connection, etc...

 

[Jim Carlson]

Ok, hoses are tite. I checked the belt, its pretty snug. Would it cause an issue if it was too tite? Just wondering? Going to take a closer look at gear box as well.
Thanks for the replies!

 

[mattressking]

Spray down the gearbox and all hose connections, wipe down and dry off. Fill up reservoir and inspect for leaks after driving. That will tell you what you're dealing with.

Too tight of a belt puts unnecessary strain on the alternator and p/s pump and can damage the bearings and shorten lifespan. Put the belts on as loose as you can without slipping(noise). If the belt requires less than about .5" of deflection to eliminate squeaking, then replace.

 

[Jim Carlson]

Spray down the gearbox and all hose connections, wipe down and dry off. Fill up reservoir and inspect for leaks after driving. That will tell you what you're dealing with.

Too tight of a belt puts unnecessary strain on the alternator and p/s pump and can damage the bearings and shorten lifespan. Put the belts on as loose as you can without slipping(noise). If the belt requires less than about .5" of deflection to eliminate squeaking, then replace.

I will try that, thanks!

 

[CaptClose]

The power steering system is a closed system that only has a few areas to leak from.

First, lets assume your new pump is good and that you also replaced your hoses when you installed the new pump and that their condition is fine. Let’s also assume the fittings and clamps are secured and the leaks are not coming from there.

Finally, confirm that you used ATF and not regular power steering fluid.

If all that checks out, you have a gearbox issue. As I said before, a new pump will put added pressure in the old gearbox seals. Usually more pressure than the old seals can take and fluid will start to seep. ATF fluid will be reddish and sticky on the ground. It will not wipe up as easily as gear oil or engine oil.

@mattressking gave you good advice, but if you’re leaking as much as you say you are, it shouldn’t be a mystery where it’s coming from. I’d just jack up the front end, remove the driver side tire and get a good look at the gearbox.

Really it doesn’t matter where the leak is at the gearbox. You’re going to have to pull it, open it up, and replace all the seals. Replacing just one seal at the point of the leak, will simply just cause the next weakest seal to leak. Just replace them all.