Posted: 5/8/2014 5:36:21 PM EDT
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2006 Toyota Tundra with 125,000 miles.
Started to work today and had a loud whining which seemed to correlate to the RPM's in my truck. Having just had the transmission flushed a couple months ago, I assumed it was the transmission. It didn't seem to shift any way but normal. I didn't NOTICE (that's not to say that it wasn't) the noise correlating with the turning of the steering wheel. Once I 'decided' it was my tranny, I was focusing on plotting a path to my mechanic that would allow me to go the slowest. Got to the mechanic's place and turned the truck off. He arrived 10 minutes later and when he started it up, he heard it for a second or two and it quit. He looked at it but couldn't find anything but that the power steering fluid was a little low. He filled it up and I was on my way, no more issues today over 50-60 miles round trip. He seemed to think it was the power steering pump. What say the AR15 mechanics? UPDATE: Took it to a new shop and they said that both of the high pressure lines AND the rack is leaking. I don't have the quote yet but I am expecting it will be approaching $1,000 (just a guess at this point). So the 1,000,000 question....with it leaking onto the back of the engine/tranny housing (and potentially the exhausts) is this something I can ignore until it gets worse or is it a serious safety/fire hazard? Keep in mind that I travel 50 miles round trip daily on a busy interstate in the HOV lane where there's no escape if I catch fire or lose steering. Thanks to all who provide input. |
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2006 Toyota Tundra with 125,000 miles. Started to work today and had a loud whining which seemed to correlate to the RPM's in my truck. Having just had the transmission flushed a couple months ago, I assumed it was the transmission. It didn't seem to shift any way but normal. I didn't NOTICE (that's not to say that it wasn't) the noise correlating with the turning of the steering wheel. Once I 'decided' it was my tranny, I was focusing on plotting a path to my mechanic that would allow me to go the slowest. Got to the mechanic's place and turned the truck off. He arrived 10 minutes later and when he started it up, he heard it for a second or two and it quit. He looked at it but couldn't find anything but that the power steering fluid was a little low. He filled it up and I was on my way, no more issues today over 50-60 miles round trip. He seemed to think it was the power steering pump. What say the AR15 mechanics? Power steering pumps can be rather noisy, sometimes even if the fluid level is good. |
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Any signs of a leak? It could have been an air bubble, air in the pump will make them sound horrible. Or, someone swapped it with a ford pump, because no matter how much you bleed those pieces of dogshit they all sound horrible. The ones in the late 80's-early 90's Mustangs and Thunderbirds were loud as shit. |
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I haven't seen any signs of a leak anywhere.
The sound wasn't a screeching that I typically associate with a PSP, it seemed more like the sound a vehicle would make if you dropped it down in an ultra low gear and ran it fast. But like I said, everything shifted just fine. |
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I haven't seen any signs of a leak anywhere. The sound wasn't a screeching that I typically associate with a PSP, it seemed more like the sound a vehicle would make if you dropped it down in an ultra low gear and ran it fast. But like I said, everything shifted just fine. Screeching is typically a belt. A power steering pump is more of a low "ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR" |
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Screeching is typically a belt. A power steering pump is more of a low "ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR" Quoted:
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I haven't seen any signs of a leak anywhere. The sound wasn't a screeching that I typically associate with a PSP, it seemed more like the sound a vehicle would make if you dropped it down in an ultra low gear and ran it fast. But like I said, everything shifted just fine. Screeching is typically a belt. A power steering pump is more of a low "ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR" That sounds like it. Assuming it was the PSP, should I go ahead and replace it or just wait for the inevitable? Not sure if this is a comfort issue or a safety issue.....I drive 25 miles each way on blazing interstates in Atlanta. |
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That sounds like it. Assuming it was the PSP, should I go ahead and replace it or just wait for the inevitable? Not sure if this is a comfort issue or a safety issue.....I drive 25 miles each way on blazing interstates in Atlanta. Quoted:
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I haven't seen any signs of a leak anywhere. The sound wasn't a screeching that I typically associate with a PSP, it seemed more like the sound a vehicle would make if you dropped it down in an ultra low gear and ran it fast. But like I said, everything shifted just fine. Screeching is typically a belt. A power steering pump is more of a low "ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR" That sounds like it. Assuming it was the PSP, should I go ahead and replace it or just wait for the inevitable? Not sure if this is a comfort issue or a safety issue.....I drive 25 miles each way on blazing interstates in Atlanta. If it were me, I would wait and see what's up before doing anything brash - and see if you can find the leak. The leaks tend to follow hoses and may pool up in a crevice in the engine bay as opposed to leaving a puddle on the ground so it may not be immediately apparent. You need to learn how to replace your serpentine belt and carry the needed tools with you for now. If the bearing is bad, the belt can come off. They're really easy to replace if you know how to do it - get a little practice first. |
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I went out to see if I could replicate it now that the Truck is cold. I saw a very small wet spot (about the size of a silver dollar pancake) under the truck. It wasn't oil, that's for sure, it dripped and then seemed to evaporate or at least wasn't leaving any color to note on the driveway. Looks more to be a liquid than a thick oil, definitely not oil.
Whatever it is it is coming down where the engine meets the tranny and is also dripping off the axle and components. 
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Clean up the power steering rack and the tie rod boot, see if you spot any leakage in the future. If it was low on fluid that explain the noises; now you just have to figure out why it became low on fluid.
Is your steering wheel difficult to turn? If so, does it get easier to turn if you drop the truck in neutral and increase the RPMs? If so, your power steering pump is failing. If it was too low it might have sucked some air in. You can bleed the power steering system by putting the vehicle's front end on jack stands and turning the wheel back and forth (lock to lock) at a slow to medium pace with the vehicle turned off. You will have to do a lot of repetitions of this, but it will bleed the air from the system. |
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Clean up the power steering rack and the tie rod boot, see if you spot any leakage in the future. If it was low on fluid that explain the noises; now you just have to figure out why it became low on fluid. Is your steering wheel difficult to turn? If so, does it get easier to turn if you drop the truck in neutral and increase the RPMs? If so, your power steering pump is failing. If it was too low it might have sucked some air in. You can bleed the power steering system by putting the vehicle's front end on jack stands and turning the wheel back and forth (lock to lock) at a slow to medium pace with the vehicle turned off. You will have to do a lot of repetitions of this, but it will bleed the air from the system. Will do thanks! No, the wheel never was hard to turn either way. That's why it never dawned on me that it might be ps related. I looked hard in the engine compartment and I cannot see any leaks from the hoses. Guess I'll run it in tomorrow, maybe as simple as a bad hose or something. I'm clearly not mechanically inclined, I can change belts and hoses and oil but that's about it. |
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Anyone......$2000 out the door.
Both lines Rack Outer tie rods $2000... OMG. Anyone want to argue that I shouldn't just throw a bottle of PS fluid in the truck, check it daily, and drive it until it completely breaks? Maybe put a bottle of Lucas stop leak in it? |
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Ok, first off jack your truck up so the wheels are off the ground. Then hold the sides of the wheel and shake it like you're trying to make it turn left and right. This eill tell you if your outer tie rods are bad. If they are, they need replaced. If they're tight, they're fine.
Next, figure out if the rack is really leaking. If it is, there will be power steering fluid in the boots around the inner tie rods. Loosen the clamp or cut it off (make sure you replace it with a new one if you cut it) and compress the boot - see if fluid comes out. If it does, the rack needs replaced. Would not be surprised if the hoses need replaced, they do go bad. Edit: just looked closer at your picture - looks like there is a leak somewhere around the rack but you need to make sure it isn't a fitting first. If it is a seal, I would definitely put some Lucas in there. Oh, and $2,000 for that is ass rape. |
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Ok, first off jack your truck up so the wheels are off the ground. Then hold the sides of the wheel and shake it like you're trying to make it turn left and right. This eill tell you if your outer tie rods are bad. If they are, they need replaced. If they're tight, they're fine. Next, figure out if the rack is really leaking. If it is, there will be power steering fluid in the boots around the inner tie rods. Loosen the clamp or cut it off (make sure you replace it with a new one if you cut it) and compress the boot - see if fluid comes out. If it does, the rack needs replaced. Would not be surprised if the hoses need replaced, they do go bad. Thanks. No tools/ramps/stands to jack it up but I can check it at the shop. I personally saw that (before they touched the truck) that the foam covering the hoses was moist (not dripping but moist). I don't doubt they are bad but for the love of all that's good and holy one (1) of the is $450 parts cost. $450 for a glorified metal straw with a bunch of bends in it. I'm in the wrong business. I'll look at the boots. |
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Just order one online for under 200 bucks and replace it yourself. It's not difficult, I replaced the one on my Jeep. I would love to but I neither have the tools and time....otherwise I would rather pay a buddy who knows to help me. I've called a couple other places for parts and one of the lines is nearly impossible to find and $450. Both places said they had to call six places to find one. |
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Thanks. No tools/ramps/stands to jack it up but I can check it at the shop. I personally saw that (before they touched the truck) that the foam covering the hoses was moist (not dripping but moist). I don't doubt they are bad but for the love of all that's good and holy one (1) of the is $450 parts cost. $450 for a glorified metal straw with a bunch of bends in it. I'm in the wrong business. I'll look at the boots. Quoted:
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Ok, first off jack your truck up so the wheels are off the ground. Then hold the sides of the wheel and shake it like you're trying to make it turn left and right. This eill tell you if your outer tie rods are bad. If they are, they need replaced. If they're tight, they're fine. Next, figure out if the rack is really leaking. If it is, there will be power steering fluid in the boots around the inner tie rods. Loosen the clamp or cut it off (make sure you replace it with a new one if you cut it) and compress the boot - see if fluid comes out. If it does, the rack needs replaced. Would not be surprised if the hoses need replaced, they do go bad. Thanks. No tools/ramps/stands to jack it up but I can check it at the shop. I personally saw that (before they touched the truck) that the foam covering the hoses was moist (not dripping but moist). I don't doubt they are bad but for the love of all that's good and holy one (1) of the is $450 parts cost. $450 for a glorified metal straw with a bunch of bends in it. I'm in the wrong business. I'll look at the boots. Holy fuck did you go to the stealership?! Your local parts store probably sells that hose for $100-150... Edit: the most expensive power steering hose that rock auto sells for your truck is $130. |
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I would love to but I neither have the tools and time....otherwise I would rather pay a buddy who knows to help me. I've called a couple other places for parts and one of the lines is nearly impossible to find and $450. Both places said they had to call six places to find one. Quoted:
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Just order one online for under 200 bucks and replace it yourself. It's not difficult, I replaced the one on my Jeep. I would love to but I neither have the tools and time....otherwise I would rather pay a buddy who knows to help me. I've called a couple other places for parts and one of the lines is nearly impossible to find and $450. Both places said they had to call six places to find one. Just checked online, they are running ~$60 and in stock everywhere. |
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Does your vehicle use Dexiii/mercon atf as the PS fluid?
Here's what I did in a similar situation (the pump died 5years after this despite initially being noisy). Buy a quart of cheap appropriate atf, and a quart of Mobil 1 synthetic atf. Flush out your system using a hand lube pump--using up the quart of the cheap. Flush out the cheap with the m1. That seems to make things better. As advised earlier, clean the fluid off of the points of leakage. Carry a spare quart in the car. |
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Just a little piece of advice. Having been a mechanic for the last fifteen years, if a part is that hard to find it's because it doesn't fail very often. Most likely the shop is just trying to be on the safe side and replace everything to cover their ass.
Myself I would just keep adding power steering fluid to the system until it gets annoying or it's just leaking too bad to keep up with it. But that's just me. |
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Holy fuck did you go to the stealership?! Your local parts store probably sells that hose for $100-150... Edit: the most expensive power steering hose that rock auto sells for your truck is $130. Quoted:
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Ok, first off jack your truck up so the wheels are off the ground. Then hold the sides of the wheel and shake it like you're trying to make it turn left and right. This eill tell you if your outer tie rods are bad. If they are, they need replaced. If they're tight, they're fine. Next, figure out if the rack is really leaking. If it is, there will be power steering fluid in the boots around the inner tie rods. Loosen the clamp or cut it off (make sure you replace it with a new one if you cut it) and compress the boot - see if fluid comes out. If it does, the rack needs replaced. Would not be surprised if the hoses need replaced, they do go bad. Thanks. No tools/ramps/stands to jack it up but I can check it at the shop. I personally saw that (before they touched the truck) that the foam covering the hoses was moist (not dripping but moist). I don't doubt they are bad but for the love of all that's good and holy one (1) of the is $450 parts cost. $450 for a glorified metal straw with a bunch of bends in it. I'm in the wrong business. I'll look at the boots. Holy fuck did you go to the stealership?! Your local parts store probably sells that hose for $100-150... Edit: the most expensive power steering hose that rock auto sells for your truck is $130. No that's multiple independent shops around here. They all said that the hose for a 2006 Toyota Tundra was nearly impossible to find and all were quoting the same price. Apparently this hose is one of those which goes through many other pieces of the vehicle with a tremendous number of bends. I brought the truck home and will decide what to do later. |
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Just a little piece of advice. Having been a mechanic for the last fifteen years, if a part is that hard to find it's because it doesn't fail very often. Most likely the shop is just trying to be on the safe side and replace everything to cover their ass. Myself I would just keep adding power steering fluid to the system until it gets annoying or it's just leaking too bad to keep up with it. But that's just me. Good advice, I like it. Thanks |
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Does your vehicle use Dexiii/mercon atf as the PS fluid? Here's what I did in a similar situation (the pump died 5years after this despite initially being noisy). Buy a quart of cheap appropriate atf, and a quart of Mobil 1 synthetic atf. Flush out your system using a hand lube pump--using up the quart of the cheap. Flush out the cheap with the m1. That seems to make things better. As advised earlier, clean the fluid off of the points of leakage. Carry a spare quart in the car. That's a good sounding plan. Any thoughts to putting in some lucas stop leak with the replacement mobile 1? |
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That's a good sounding plan. Any thoughts to putting in some lucas stop leak with the replacement mobile 1? Quoted:
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Does your vehicle use Dexiii/mercon atf as the PS fluid? Here's what I did in a similar situation (the pump died 5years after this despite initially being noisy). Buy a quart of cheap appropriate atf, and a quart of Mobil 1 synthetic atf. Flush out your system using a hand lube pump--using up the quart of the cheap. Flush out the cheap with the m1. That seems to make things better. As advised earlier, clean the fluid off of the points of leakage. Carry a spare quart in the car. That's a good sounding plan. Any thoughts to putting in some lucas stop leak with the replacement mobile 1? Your call on the Lucas, but you can always add that later if you find that your leak gets worse. The m1 approach is aimed at getting what you have in good Working condition again. |
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If the PS fluid hasn't been changed in 125K, that would be my next step. Shit's gotta be pretty nasty by now. Quoted:
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Assuming it was the PSP, should I go ahead and replace it or just wait for the inevitable? If the PS fluid hasn't been changed in 125K, that would be my next step. Shit's gotta be pretty nasty by now. I change mine every 35K Miles. DEX III is cheap. |
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Have someone start it and turn it all the way one direction until it bottoms out.
Have them turn it till it stops and hold it for 10 seconds while you look (VISUAL ONLY, DON'T USE YOUR HAND) to find the leak. Look for spray from the high pressure hose and where it goes into the rack. |
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You can have air build up without actually have a leak. A rack seal can go bad, but instead of leaking fluid, it sucks in air. Air in the power steering pump is not a good thing and can cause total destruction of the pump, or in the least a loss of power steering. Also, the rack has teflon rings on the valve that can wear into the housing and cause debris to go through the system. Either way, I don't recommend going very long and risking further damage or the possible loss of steering while your on the road.
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You can have air build up without actually have a leak. A rack seal can go bad, but instead of leaking fluid, it sucks in air. Air in the power steering pump is not a good thing and can cause total destruction of the pump, or in the least a loss of power steering. Also, the rack has teflon rings on the valve that can wear into the housing and cause debris to go through the system. Either way, I don't recommend going very long and risking further damage or the possible loss of steering while your on the road. Wouldn't he just lose the power assist or will the vehicle become uncontrollable? |
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Wouldn't he just lose the power assist or will the vehicle become uncontrollable? Quoted:
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You can have air build up without actually have a leak. A rack seal can go bad, but instead of leaking fluid, it sucks in air. Air in the power steering pump is not a good thing and can cause total destruction of the pump, or in the least a loss of power steering. Also, the rack has teflon rings on the valve that can wear into the housing and cause debris to go through the system. Either way, I don't recommend going very long and risking further damage or the possible loss of steering while your on the road. Wouldn't he just lose the power assist or will the vehicle become uncontrollable? You just lose power assist. As long as you have any speed at all (like more than 5mph) you can still steer. You can steer down to parking speeds, it just takes a LOT of effort. |
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Quoted: Wouldn't he just lose the power assist or will the vehicle become uncontrollable? Quoted: Quoted: You can have air build up without actually have a leak. A rack seal can go bad, but instead of leaking fluid, it sucks in air. Air in the power steering pump is not a good thing and can cause total destruction of the pump, or in the least a loss of power steering. Also, the rack has teflon rings on the valve that can wear into the housing and cause debris to go through the system. Either way, I don't recommend going very long and risking further damage or the possible loss of steering while your on the road. Wouldn't he just lose the power assist or will the vehicle become uncontrollable? Not worth the risk of a 2 ton wrecking ball. |