Power steering

TRAE NELSON

MEMBER
2001 TOYOTA RAV4
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

Hi ,

So my vehicle was way below the line for power steering (the reservoir was completely empty) I was using napa brand dex/merc atf :https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NO_75200

And it ran out pretty fast so I figured there must be a leak (my manual says it takes dexron 3 fluid). So I tried to put in Prestone multi vehicle ATF fluid : https://goo.gl/images/jHX6tS

But my vehicle is still making a whining sound and turning is acting really weird. (I only tried turning it in park and for less than a minute ) I was too worried to try any longer.

Also, on a side note I did notice the fluid for power steering reservoir looked like it was empty but when I turned it off all the fluid went back to normal on the reservoir.

I appreciate any advice on what is going on.

Sincerely,
-T

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros. Com.

The system may have air in it if you ran it dry. Try this. Safely lift the front wheel off the ground and support the vehicle. Fill the reservoir with the correct fluid. With the engine off, turn the steering from lock to lock (all the way left then all the way right) several times. Check and refill the fluid if it is low. Do this until the fluid no longer drops and the air bubbles in the system stop. You may have to wait a bit for the bubbles to disappear once the fluid stops dropping.

If this does not help, there may be damage to the pump if it was run very low on fluid.

Let me know if this helps. Also, make sure the belt is tight and in good condition.

Take care,
Joe

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Wednesday, November 7th, 2018 AT 8:17 PM

TRAE NELSON

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi Joe,

Firstly, thank you for helping me with your time and knowledge. So I did what you did in the exact order and it seems to have drained the max line to minimum line for the power steering reservoir. I noticed there is no drips so I am assuming that drained fluid must be in the vehicle somewhere. It now steers a lot easier. The only weird issues are a dark colored liquid (maybe like a chocolate brown mixed with a charcoal black ) mixed with the new fluids. I am assuming this was probably the remaining old fluids.

Also another issue is when I turn my wheel all the way when it is on, there is still a weird sound like two rubber surfaces are rubbing each other (sounds like a whining or squealing).

Note: I still have not taken off park during this whole process. I also never taken it for a test drive because I do not want to do anything yet that might damage it.

Edit: I went back to check the belt and noticed it might need a change because it is losing grooves in some places (looking shiny) can this be the culprit for the squealing or whining sound when I make a full turn left or right?

My greatest thanks for your help,
Trae

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Wednesday, November 7th, 2018 AT 10:15 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Welcome back and you are very welcome for the help. I just hope what I provide is helpful.

Yes, the belt is most likely causing the squealing. When you turn to the end of its travel, pressure increases which causes the pump to work harder. If the belt is loose, worn, glazed, often times you will get a squealing. Based on your description, it needs replaced. Here are the directions. The two pictures attached correlate with these directions.

____________________________-

PROCEDURES
REPLACEMENT
1. REMOVE DRIVE BELT
Hook SST on the hexagonal portion of the drive belt tensioner bracket, compress the drive belt tension the by turning the drive belt tensioner bracket clockwise, and remove the drive belt.
SST 09249-63010

2. REINSTALL DRIVE BELT
Hook SST on the hexagonal portion of the drive belt tensioner bracket, compress the drive belt tension the by turning the drive belt tensioner bracket clockwise, and install the drive belt.
SST 09249-63010

NOTE: Compress the drive belt tensioner by taking 3 seconds or more and installed the drive belt.
3. CHECK DRIVE BELT INSTALLATION CONDITION
a. Check that the belt tensioner movers downward when the drive belt is pressed down at the points indicated in the illustration.
B. Check the alignment of the belt tensioner pulley to make sure the drive belt will not slip off the pulley.
If necessary, replace the belt tensioner.

________________

The fluid's color does sound like the new and old fluid mixing. If it is black (the old fluid) it should be serviced. You can do it yourself. You need to fill the reservoir, start the engine, turn the wheels back and forth, and allow the fluid to mix. Shut the engine and vacuum the fluid out of the reservoir and then refill. Restart the engine turn the wheel back and forth and do the same thing over again. Do this until the fluid in the reservoir is clean.

Do not laugh, but you can use something like a turkey baster to suck the dirty fluid out. Since Thanksgiving is near, I do not recommend reusing the baster after this process. LOL

Do these things and let me know what you find and how it works out for you. As far as the power steering leaking, there is nothing in the car. If there is a leak, it will be under the hood or at the rack and pinion. You should see any power steering leak on the ground.

Take care,
Joe

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