Power steering bolts do not stay bolted in place

TOYPACIFIC

MEMBER
2003 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

Hi guys, back here again with another issue.

so, i'm trying to put the power steering pump back on and the bolts do not want to catch into the female side of the power steering bracket. I did flush the female side in as it comes out when removing the pump, I had removed both screws from the power steering pump and tried to screw it to the other end just to see if maybe it wasn't straight or what not, but i'm doing it and it's not catching. I'm afraid this could be a big problem because i'm not sure how to replace the inner part female side. The bolts do not look cross threaded so i'm assuming my problem is in the female side. Any solutions to this please let me know what I can do?

Thank you

Image (Click to make bigger)

7 Replies

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

I would suggest trying to start the bolts with the steering pump out of the way like in the picture. This way you will know if the bolts thread in fine it's just a miss alignment problem. If they don't start then you will know there is a problem with the threads. If there is a problem with the threads then you will need to use a tap to clean and re-thread. Get back to us and let us know what you find. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:18 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

Just wanted to add a tutorial for you showing how to replace a power steering pump:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-power-steering-pump

I've also attached picture steps below on how to remove, rebuild, and replace the power steering pump on your vehicle. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-

Images (Click to make bigger)

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 7:03 PM

TOYPACIFIC

MEMBER
159 POSTS

Thank you sorry for late reply. Anyways, I had went to my local hardware store and got some bolts same size, they went on just fine. Anyways I have bled it and all for while still making wining noise, no leak and power steering isn't running out it remains at normal level in reservoir. So I may have to bleed it again. Quick question. I have bled it left to right after installing pump without turning on vehicle, I did this about 30 to 50 times I think, lol. Then when I started the vehicle the noise is still screaming. I drove it for about 2 miles back and fourth and it goes away while driving but as i'm making turns it's still there. Anyhow is it okay to bleed with tires up and car one? Left to right?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 7:21 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

Yes, full turns all way to left, all way to right. It might take some time. When done for the day letting it sit overnight sometimes it bleeds down as well. Just keep checking the level. Keep us updated. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 7:35 PM

TOYPACIFIC

MEMBER
159 POSTS

Thanks, I did it today again wheels in the air car running. Bled left to right about 30 to 40 times. No leaks fluid still good not much bubbles any more but once I set the wheels back down it still whines. I've attached a video here hopefully you can help me rule out anything.

Video (Click to make bigger)