power steering pump woes (1 Viewer)

[pillguy]

Hi All,

I have a 97 3g 4runner with 166k and the power steering pump is making noises and i have seen some smoke from the belt the other day. I has started up ever since we have had cold weather.
No leaks and fluid is full but dirty.
What gives, am I going to need a new pump?

Thanks

 

[raydouble]

Hi All,

I have a 97 3g 4runner with 166k and the power steering pump is making noises and i have seen some smoke from the belt the other day. I has started up ever since we have had cold weather.
No leaks and fluid is full but dirty.
What gives, am I going to need a new pump?

Thanks

You can try flushing the system with new fluid but typically the pump is on it's way out if it starts to make noise and groan. If you follow the link in my sig, there is a DIY section with a ps flush writeup.

The belt should be removed from the ps pump and turned by hand for resistance in turning. If it turns smooth, the belt is probably just worn and loose. The bearings in the pump could be going though, causing the belt to slip on the pulley due to resistance.

 

[pillguy]

Well,

Finally got to look at it in daylight and it turns out it was the AC belt that bit the dust.
A new compressor install is $1100, but upon closer inspection, it is the idler pulley that is shot.
Must be all the mud we have been through as it bit the dust in about 30 miles over a 4 week period.

I am going to flush the PS system as I have to remove a few belts to do this.

You can try flushing the system with new fluid but typically the pump is on it's way out if it starts to make noise and groan. If you follow the link in my sig, there is a DIY section with a ps flush writeup.

The belt should be removed from the ps pump and turned by hand for resistance in turning. If it turns smooth, the belt is probably just worn and loose. The bearings in the pump could be going though, causing the belt to slip on the pulley due to resistance.

 

[raydouble]

Well,

Finally got to look at it in daylight and it turns out it was the AC belt that bit the dust.
A new compressor install is $1100, but upon closer inspection, it is the idler pulley that is shot.
Must be all the mud we have been through as it bit the dust in about 30 miles over a 4 week period.

I am going to flush the PS system as I have to remove a few belts to do this.

The bearing in that idler pulley is replaceable. Check here
Idler pully rebuild - TTORA Forum and here
5VZ 3.4L AC idler pulley - YotaTech Forums

There are apparently two different sizes it could be. I think it is the difference between the factory AC and the dealer installed optional AC.

 

[pillguy]

Thanks a bunch for these links. I pulled the pulley and am going to replace it today. I ended up ordering the entire pulley as I wanted to replace it over holiday break

One question. The part I ordered has the round nut assembly (adjuster for tension). I started to remove the old one on truck but is nearly impossible to remove old one with bud built skid plates on.
Is there any reason to remove old one or can I just use it with new pulley?

Happy new year!

 

[raydouble]

Thanks a bunch for these links. I pulled the pulley and am going to replace it today. I ended up ordering the entire pulley as I wanted to replace it over holiday break

One question. The part I ordered has the round nut assembly (adjuster for tension). I started to remove the old one on truck but is nearly impossible to remove old one with bud built skid plates on.
Is there any reason to remove old one or can I just use it with new pulley?

Happy new year!

As long as it has the same fitment as the oe pulley it should be fine to reuse. BTW what bearing number did you have on your pulley?

 

[pillguy]

Not sure I was looking for it this morning and did not see it. I have to pull out bearing and confirm as I want to get one at the bike shop. BTW, the new pulley does not have a c-clip so everyone take note..
I will get some pics up tomorrow

As long as it has the same fitment as the oe pulley it should be fine to reuse. BTW what bearing number did you have on your pulley?

 

[pillguy]

AC Idler pulley and belt

Well,

Finally got around to replacing this.
Here is a pic of the belt

Here is a pic of the old and new idler pulley.


NOTE: the new ones are not rebuildable


BTW, the number on my idler bearing was

6301DU2

 

[raydouble]

Y'ouch, that belt has seen better days. Nice work.

 

[Duane]

Looks like you got your money out of that belt for sure!