Power Steering Reservoir

I recently replaced my steering rack on my 2.7 tacoma and after bleeding the PS pump will not stop whining. I replaced the rack bc of the whine and mainly because it had an awful leak, I was losing all of my fluid in 2 days. Well in an effort to fix the whine (which got much worse after using that gummy Lucas power steering stop leak) I followed this guide below
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-clean-your-power-steering-resivor.322460/

After taking the reservoir cap off to clean and inspect the screen, I realized that my screen is ripped, Not sure how this happened because i've never poked at it or anything.

So my question to you guys is: Should I replace the reservoir? And if so is there a cheaper alternative than oem bc $177 is ridiculous. Or is there another route I can take to fix this issue?

TLDR; Replaced the rack bc of leaking and a whine. Whine persist so I pulled the reservoir and the screens ripped. Should I replace the reservoir or is there a way to install another screen?

 

I would personally be inclined to replace the reservoir, the screen helps filter particles that could cause premature wear on your new rack. You could also just pull the screen and install an inline filter on the return line.

You might consider getting a used pump/reservoir off of eBay. They can be found in the $40-60 range, and swapping in a different one might help isolate what's causing the whine.

 

As stated above by TW Member CrustyTaco, replace or clean. I followed Timmy's video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k61KXRK8bM&t=1535s

 

The systems clean now, I replaced the rack, have drained the reservoir and at one time had the lines completely disconnected from the vehicle so I need to replace the reservoir. But I absolutely cannot find a reservoir anywhere near me or even online

 

I checked ebay and couldn’t find one. Also checked local listing for parts trucks, nothing. Not really sure where to look next for this.

 

I found a new one at toyotapartsdeal.com, but it's pricey. That's why I suggest you clean the screen inside the reservoir. Get you about 3 cans of brake cleaner.
Once you remove the reservoir, shine a flashlight inside and you'll see the screen.


https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem/toyota~reservoir~assy~vane~pump~oil~44306-04020.html

 

Again, we are talking about the screen inside the reservoir. You shouldn't have to replace the unit, just clean the screen.
Same thing happened on my friends Honda Passport. Screen was clogged, so it was making a horrible noise.

 

He said his screen is torn that's why he's looking for a replacement.

If it were me I'd crack that reservoir open and buy a hunk of stainless screen. Cut it to rough size and bend a lip in it to secure it against the sides of the can

 

I doubt you'll find anyone on eBay selling just the reservoir. You'll probably need to buy the pump and reservoir together. Search ebay for:

(1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003,2004,96,97,98,99,00,01,02,03,04) tacoma power steering pump "4 cylinder"

The quotes around 4 cylinder should filter out most of the v6 pumps.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-Stee...ylinder-Fits-02-04-TACOMA-290051/332754739085

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-Stee...ylinder-Fits-02-04-TACOMA-209057/352975856533

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-Stee...ylinder-Fits-02-04-TACOMA-107099/332840620634

 

The screen is torn? I don’t think you read my post

 

I'm sorry I used the wrong adjective?

 

What? I replied to jammer

 

Damn my bad, I quick read the TW alert and thought it said you quoted my post

But in relation to your problem if you can wait a week or two there's a good chance I'll have an extra reservoir you can buy cheap. I'm rebuilding my steerimg system and after I get a new seal kit installed on this donor pump I'll have an extra reservoir

 

That would be great! I don’t think my pump is bad tbh so I’d like to avoid buying the whole assembly
Shoot me a pm whenever you remove it if you wanna get rid of it I would be happy to buy it lol

 

Will do!

Gotta keep these 4bangers alive as long as we can

 

No doubt, proving to be a hard task for me ​

 

Sorry about that! I had tunnel vision.

 

Don't get a new reservoir, just put one of these in the return line. https://www.magnefinefilters.com/NE...ine-Power-Steering-Filter-R038M-P-3810000.htm

If your pump is still making noise I suggest rebuilding it. It's pretty easy. You will need a gasket kit. I think the part number for the 2.7 pump is 04446-04020 but you might double check that. This thread, https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/power-steering-pump-rebuild-how-to-with-photos.377002/ will show you how to do it.