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Power steering water damage fix

Tiny
ALZACK41
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 TOYOTA AVALON
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
On my questions regarding possible water damage to steering (recently running through the water in heavy rain), HMAC 300 Expert sent me this answer:

"First check the power steering fluid then the belt and tension-er which is recommended replaced at 60000 mi for both. Then check for torn boots on rack for tears, not sealing etc. You should never drive through water because it gets splashed submerged on parts like racks from driving".

Certainly, I will follow all these suggestions.
But since the water already got to the steering system,
how can be this specific problem be fixed?
Albert
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Friday, June 9th, 2017 AT 7:12 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
ALZACK41
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
  • 2000 TOYOTA AVALON
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
I would flush the system by following this guide.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-fluid-flush

My problem is

The original steering rack was found leaking and was replaced about two years ago (about 10,000 miles ago).
The steering was perfect since then until a few days ago when I drove through the heavy rain and ran into a few water pools about eight to ten inches deep.

The imperfection is that now, after turning left or right, the steering does not always return properly back to the "straight" position.
So now I have to watch steering more carefully and make manual adjustments when necessary.

Is heavy rain the reason?
Is it steering rack?
Is it steering belt?
Is it something else in the steering system?

How can that be fixed?
Albert
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Friday, June 9th, 2017 AT 9:22 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
First check the power steering fluid then the belt and tension-er which is recommended replaced at 60,000 miles for both. Then check for torn boots on rack for tears, not sealing etc. You should never drive through water because it gets splashed submerged on parts like racks from driving.
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Friday, June 9th, 2017 AT 9:22 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
You have to check the things I mentioned first in order to eliminate a problem like a rack being bad from water getting into it. Once all the other items have been done then it is probably the rack has been damaged due to the water intrusion or there is water in system so it does not work correctly.
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Friday, June 9th, 2017 AT 9:30 AM
Tiny
ALZACK41
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  • 20 POSTS
Thanks HMA C 300.
$5 donation is made,
Transaction ID: 40137896622
Albert
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Friday, June 9th, 2017 AT 10:21 AM
Tiny
ALZACK41
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
Mr. HMA C 300, you wrote:
"Once all the other items have been done then it is probably the rack has been damaged due to the water intrusion or there is water in system so it doesn't work correctly".

1) If it turns out this way - water intrusion in the rack and/or in the (steering?) System,
what should be the repair actions?
2) If water got into the steering rack, can it still be saved?

$5 donation is made today earlier,
Transaction ID: 40137896622
Albert
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Friday, June 9th, 2017 AT 11:07 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Rethinking this as we always are thinking about fixes, try flushing the system by disconnecting return line then hooking up new fluid to reservoir at return while running engine to pump through system. However, if fluid is black when it comes out cooling line then flushing will not help and rack is pretty much gone. I imagine you will need about three quarts to do this at least. It may bring it back.
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Friday, June 9th, 2017 AT 11:24 AM

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