Power Steering moan getting worse. Suggestions? (1 Viewer)

[Jdfern]

On my 2003 100 Series with 264K miles.
I have been trying to pinpoint the whine noise I'm pretty sure is coming from the power steering pump. I've read a few posts where the PS pump was replaced and the whine still exists so I'm trying to avoid that. It whines a bit with the engine running and really gets bad when turning the wheels.
So far I have removed serpentine belt and felt the alternator, PS and anything that spins for play or binding but everything seems good. ( I just did the timing belt , water pump tensioner and pulleys 15K ago)
I flushed the fluid and added new dextron lll. Still whining.
I replaced both low pressure hoses and replaced the reservoir with a new one, flushed filled and bled the system this time using Mobil 1 ATF synthetic. Still whining.
I'm about to bite the bullet, buy and install a new PS pump but before I do, does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.

 

[AARONTLC]

On my 2003 100 Series with 264K miles.
I have been trying to pinpoint the whine noise I'm pretty sure is coming from the power steering pump. I've read a few posts where the PS pump was replaced and the whine still exists so I'm trying to avoid that. It whines a bit with the engine running and really gets bad when turning the wheels.
So far I have removed serpentine belt and felt the alternator, PS and anything that spins for play or binding but everything seems good. ( I just did the timing belt , water pump tensioner and pulleys 15K ago)
I flushed the fluid and added new dextron lll. Still whining.
I replaced both low pressure hoses and replaced the reservoir with a new one, flushed filled and bled the system this time using Mobil 1 ATF synthetic. Still whining.
I'm about to bite the bullet, buy and install a new PS pump but before I do, does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.

I know for a fact the alternator could be the culprit. The alternator may even be operating properly but produces a “whine” mistaken for a power steering pump. To be honest with you the only way to be positive may be with a stethoscope. Especially if both are operating properly. Good luck!

Edit:

 

[take123]

Does it whine all the time when steering or just at the very end?

Do you have a video of the sound?

 

[LJE]

I can't help with the diagnoses, but I will say a new power steering pump seal kit is like $30, and it's a pretty easy job to do IMO.

Not sure if that'd help here or not however, but maybe worth a shot to check before dropping big money on a new pump? If you've got a decent set of calipers (or ideally, a micrometer) you can also check the vane thicknesses inside the pump when you have it open to see if they're still in spec or not.

 

[Jdfern]

Does it whine all the time when steering or just at the very end?

Do you have a video of the sound?

I hear a whine while the engine runs but as soon as you turn the wheel you get a groan, not just at the end.
I'll try to capture it on video today.

 

[Jdfern]

I can't help with the diagnoses, but I will say a new power steering pump seal kit is like $30, and it's a pretty easy job to do IMO.

Not sure if that'd help here or not however, but maybe worth a shot to check before dropping big money on a new pump? If you've got a decent set of calipers (or ideally, a micrometer) you can also check the vane thicknesses inside the pump when you have it open to see if they're still in spec or not.

I did consider a rebuild kit but it looked like it would mostly help if it were leaking, and there are no leaks (externally anyway). and I do have measuring tools but if the vanes are out of spec then I would probably need a new pump anyway, that was my logic.

 

[Jdfern]

It's hard to diagnose stuff with video / sound but here it is:

 

[Jack90210]

Make sure that the screen in the reservoir is clean.

 

[Jdfern]

Make sure that the screen in the reservoir is clean.

Yes thank you, I did that too in fact I broke the screen while cleaning, and then installed a brand new reservoir.

 

[Jdfern]

I ordered the new pump from Toyota, when I put it in I will update.

 

[Jdfern]

Installed the new PS pump 44310-60390. While I was in there I felt the alternator bearing again and it wasn't perfect so I went ahead and installed a Denso OE alternator 210-1099. I couldn't find the correct puzzle position to get the alternator out, so I removed the plastic timing belt cover and that gave me enough clearance to get it out. Moaning is gone!

 

[2001LC]

Typically when vane pump has gone bad, it's the bearing. They almost always then leak, when bearing bad.

Sound was like a vane pump with air in system.
Make sure you bleed air with tire off ground engine off first, then tire on ground engine running. Each is done by turning steering wheel slowly lock to lock, holding at lock 3 seconds or more and inspecting fluid for foam/bubbles.

Note: Torque spec for three 14mm vane pump mounting bolt: 13ft-lbf. Over-torque, can result in sound and damage, to vane pump.
Note: Make sure to move old wire housing bracket from old alternator to new.

 

[AARONTLC]

Installed the new PS pump 44310-60390. While I was in there I felt the alternator bearing again and it wasn't perfect so I went ahead and installed a Denso OE alternator 210-1099. I couldn't find the correct puzzle position to get the alternator out, so I removed the plastic timing belt cover and that gave me enough clearance to get it out. Moaning is gone!

View attachment 3647845

View attachment 3647846

Good for you. Nice to have that done!