Power steering or Rack n pinion?

99 Tacoma 4x4 ...when it is parked on a paved lot and I turn the steering wheel it is difficult to turn. If I speed up engine it get a little better. Kinda of jerky. When moving down road it is fine. No sounds from the power steering pump. No leaks. I changed that rack n pinion about 9 years ago. Do you think it is going bad again or something else? Was wondering if the pump could be causing this issue? Input anyone?

 

When my wife's Honda power steering pump was starting to go it would be difficult to turn at a stop. But the pump also screamed like a banshee especially when cold. Replacing the pump fixed it.

How is your PS fluid? Full and not too old?

Check the boots on either side of your steering rack...there should be no signs of liquid or leaking around the boots. Those boots are for keeping dirt and debris from the rack seals, if you see power steering fluid around them then the seals are failing.

 

I bet your power steering reservoir screen is clogged and starving your steering rack of fluid. If I were you, I'd pull the reservoir off and check out the screen and flush your power steering fluid at the same time.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/5k61KXRK8bM

 

Fluid is full. Fluid is old. No leaks.

 

I would start with a fluid change then, and definitely make sure to pull the screen and clean the debris off it like @Timmah! mentioned above. I need to do the same to mine.

 

Timma. I'm going to try that next. Thanks for the video.

 

Hope it works out for you. People have commented that you really don't need to run the pump to effectively move the fluid through the system. If you jack up your front end, you can turn the wheels back and forth a few times and empty most of the reservoir. Top of the reservoir and repeat the process until the fluid starts coming out clean into your catch container. If you try this method, let me know how it works out for you.

 

OK.. I'll try it that way. It's only me and that way I can do it myself. Will be a few days as I don't have enough ATF or Brake clean to get er done. Will let you know for sure tho.

 

I believe there is a filter inside the reservoir, my 97 had one. If you wish to change the fluid remove and block fitting on the tank dump the return fluid into a container. turn the engine off refill the reservoir, repeat until it's clear

 

That's the way I change out my PS fluid. Keep in mind though that Toyotas don't use "power steering" fluid they use Dextron III/IV ATF fluid in the power steering system.

I use a suction device to pull the old fluid out of the reservoir, fill it up with new fluid, turn the wheels side to side a few times and repeat the process a dozen or so times until the fluid you take out of the reservoir starts to look clean. It's not as efficient as doing a proper flush but it works and is easy to do with minimal equipment.

When turning the wheels it's best to keep them either off the ground (jacked up) or put cardboard under them to protect the tires.