Power steering pump or drive belts?

[S4Cruiser]

Here's the deal...

I've had a new to me 97 LC for a 1k miles or so and have been in the process of baselining fluids and my lengthy PM list. I have a noticed whine/grrrr sound similar to a supercharger. From a search on here, I attributed this to the AC Delco (aka... cogged) drve belts the PO had installed.

Had the transmission serviced by the local dealership this weekend and they recommended that I replace the power steering pump. Not quite sure this is the case though. I had previously checked the power steering fluid and it looked clean and at the appropriate level. The whine/grrr sound I have doesn't increase/decrease with load on the steering so I am thinking the pump is fine.

Should I replace the belts first and then if the noise isn't eliminated then proceed to the pump?

I am new to the LC, so any thoughts/advise would be mucho appreciated!!

Thanks in advance.

 

[cruiserdan]

Get rid of the cogged belts first. They do not belong on that vehicle.


By the way, the power steering pump IS NOT belt driven, it is gear driven off of the crankshaft and oil pump.

 

[S4Cruiser]

That's what I was thinking. I'll be giving you ring tomorrow for a set of Toyota belts. BTW...thanks for the brake pads, you're the man!

 

[S4Cruiser]

Update:

Wanted to follow-up on my noise issue. Replaced the belts with Toyota OEM and no more noise...

Thanks!

 

[IdahoDoug]

You should thank your local dealership for their helpful suggestion to spend $500 on a new steering pump. That was nice...<shakes head>

DougM