Solid Axle Steering Issue

[07Custom]

Alright everyone, I'm back haha and not with good news. So, it pertains to my steering again.... and I wish completely swapping out my steering setup was possible money-wise but that's not an option.

My SAS used a Toyota 4-runner steering box. The first one that came on it wasn't working incorrectly but it did have some looseness I didn't like. So I bought one from some guy on pirate and needless to say...it was in pretty rough condition, ugly rusted and gross. But it turned and seemed okay. Upon installing it I got some squealing noises and 4Speed told me that was normal until the box was full of fluid. He's smart, and was correct, it went away in minutes.


Fast forward to today, and its ~15 degrees outside and I start my truck, the squealing noise is out of hand this time. But as I drive it gets better. I figured it was the super cold weather we haven't had yet (I know 15 isn't cold compared to some of you guys, but whatever haha) Leaving work an hour ago, and its horrible, then my steering gets amazingly great, more than it has ever been....then BOOM!!! No power steering :gaah: Turning 37s was a bitch! Anyways I get home and see tons of steering fluid on the frame, leaking onto the axle, everywhere....

Any opinions? I think the box finally went out, which I expected due to the look of it at first. Any tests I can perform on it? I'm just going to refill the fluid and see what happens. This is annoying :no:.

Thanks everyone.

 

[bebe]

Noise is almost always equivalent to air in the lines or a leak of some kind (air in the lines/pump make is sound like there is a Tyrannosaurus Rex under the hood).

Or you used of the wrong type of fluid.

Track down the source of the leak - fitting, hose etc.

Make sure the right hose was on the High pressure side.

Check the fluid for foam.

Then get back to us

 

[07Custom]

I knew you'd come to the rescue. As far as I know I used Power steering fluid which is a big NO NO apparently. Dammit. And I'm sorry...which portion is the high pressured area? I googled it but there's a bunch of nonsense on there. This all just sucks. Why can't I have an offroad GURU out in my parts. :no:

 

[07Custom]

There's two hoses, a rubber one, and a nylon one that has an angled copper tubing looking connector...that is probably the high pressure one? If so that's where the leak seems to be coming from.

 

[bebe]

Is the leak coming out of the nylon, or near the fitting?(May need a new seal)

Using the wrong fluid - sounds like it built too much pressure and blew.

Not uncommon.

It's a learning curve grasshopper - I see making more mistakes and learning from them in your future.

 

[bebe]

PS use the NAPA or GM clear fluid and nothing else. If you are still running the Hummer/GM pump it has to be clear fluid. It doesn't matter what the steering box calls for.

 

[07Custom]

To be honest, I'm not 100% sure. I opened the hood and topped off the fluid (power steering fluid :gaah and it was reasonably full? strange strange strange. I reversed it half way up the street and drove down turning left to right and still no power steering. I dont know exactly where the fluid is coming from, it's everywhere though top to bottom so i'm thinking its from one of the hoses rather than the box itself. Immediately after driving it back down the street I looked at it and nothing was leaking....so confusing lol

Pump wise, I never looked into it...so I'm assuming that it's probably the factory pump. Either way, it's clear fluid for me...from now on! How am I going to find out whether its from the hose itself or the fitting? Any tricks you've learned over the years?

 

[bebe]

Clean everything with a degreaser - carefully. There is a dye you can get at your local NAPA. Follow the directions.

Google "Power Steering pump failure" and do some reading. You have a leak we know that, but from where will determine if the pump just died or if a leak has caused the failure.

You have no power to the steering, but you have fluid? Is this correct?

 

[ReconH3]

I really have nothing to add since Bebe covered it as good as you can. The only way to discover the leak is by cleaning everything fully. I know it's a pain with the mess that it probably made. Trust me I know!!! like Bebe said, the whining noise is air getting in the system. Try this:

1. Put front axle on jacks. Wheels off the ground.

2. Fill reservoir with clear fluid as Bebe suggested.

3. WITHOUT STARTING VEHICLE turn steering from one side all the way to the other various times. Leave lid off reservoir. Check level and fill if necessary. Repeat this until you see that fluid level in reservoir doesn't drop and doesn't need refilling. Let it sit for a while to let whatever bubbles are left out.

4. Close lid on resevoir. Start vehicle for about 30 seconds without moving steering. Turn off. Let fluid settle for about 10 mins. Check if fluid is foaming and top off if necessary. If foaming badly let it settle till fluid is clear. Repeat. If at this point it's foaming up again, you definitely have a leak. Check for leaks. If there is no foaming or whining then go to next step.

5. Lower vehicle so wheels are on ground. Make sure reservoir lid is closed. Start engine. If there is no whining, start turning steering from side to side all the way. Do this a couple of times. If all goes well and fluid level is stable, go out for a drive.

This is what you should always do, every time you replace a component in your steering to avoid damage to your seals or creating over pressure. I had to learn the hard way both on my TJ and in the H3. Hope any of this helps.



Ex Umbris Venimus

 

[07Custom]

I'll clean it all the best I can. I'll get the dye in the AM. All I can tell is there's a huge leak....which isn't detracting from the reservoir.

That is correct: No power steering, but upon opening the reservoir it is topped off.

If it is a hose, I'm now wondering how it's all going to match up. It looks to have a hose clamp on the connecting end of one of the hoses (which may be the norm?).

For Christmas...I'm asking for a 4speedfunk/bebe/ReconH3. The best gift of all haha

 

[bebe]

I'll clean it all the best I can. I'll get the dye in the AM. All I can tell is there's a huge leak....which isn't detracting from the reservoir.

That is correct: No power steering, but upon opening the reservoir it is topped off.

If it is a hose, I'm now wondering how it's all going to match up. It looks to have a hose clamp on the connecting end of one of the hoses (which may be the norm?).

For Christmas...I'm asking for a 4speedfunk/bebe/ReconH3. The best gift of all haha

Hose clamp is usually on the return line. The HP line screws in and has a little o-ring type seal.

It may have blew out the cap, but if you have fluid and no steering, the pump is probably dead. Testing for leaks now may be a moot point if it's not building pressure.

 

[ReconH3]

You may have damaged the pump internals if you ran it too long dry or when you created the over pressure. Make sure you get a degreaser that doesn't damage seals. Stay away from brake cleaner!!!



Ex Umbris Venimus

 

[07Custom]

Very good to know. I'm just spouting out things I see...but learning as you all post. Thank you. I've got full fluid for sure which completely surprised me seeing how much came out. But like I said, the box was disgusting when I got it, the guy on Pirate definitely talked it up...but for $60 what did I expect :/

The hose definitely looks oily and strange at the moment, but that is to be expected with the leaking and all. As far as a used box, does that seem like a stupid idea? (should I learn from my previous mistake) or is a "pull and pay" type junkyard an ok idea since the boxes are about $25......wow even typing that I felt cheap and dumb haha I'm more than likely going to test it and end up buying a re-manufactured/new one...and dream of the day when I can get a custom steering job done... :sigh:

 

[07Custom]

You may have damaged the pump internals if you ran it too long dry or when you created the over pressure. Make sure you get a degreaser that doesn't damage seals. Stay away from brake cleaner!!!



Ex Umbris Venimus

Shoot really....when I cleaned it the first time I used brake cleaner. Ahhh....the simple mistakes that lead to bigger problems. Definitely on my list of things to remember. Thank you.

 

[bebe]

Lets stop for a second.

The steering box is different from the pump. Let's keep the conversation on the pump.

 

[bebe]

Speedy wants to know if the box you bought was a stock unmodified Toyota steering box.

Can you forward the PM's from pirate to my pirate inbox? That would help a lot.

 

[07Custom]

Yes, it is a stock unmodified box from a 4runner (86-88). Which PMs did you want exactly?

 

[07Custom]

I think I did what you wanted haha I sent you the messages between me and the person I bought it from...if that's not right then...then just let me know

 

[bebe]

Got it - it is an unmodified box.

 

[07Custom]

In your opinion, will a new box fix THAT problem. I have no issue buying one, just dont want that to not be the problem ...

 

[bebe]

Your problem is the pump.

 

[07Custom]

For sure? I'll buy one tonight if so. Me driving it home with no power steering wouldn't have messed up the box at all?

 

[bebe]

Not likely......but we'll cross that bridge when you get there. You need an H3 power steering pump. Can you take a pic of the PS Pump and Pulley for me?

 

[07Custom]

I will definitely get to that. This is a silly question...so hang in there..where exactly is it located? I've read so much and used google images and nothin. Apparently there's differences depending on the engine being inline or V. Is it behind the radiator like a standard chevy v8 or is it mounted vertically....sorry...

 

[07Custom]

Wow, is it directly under the reservoir? the Chevy Colorado forum is saying so, and our engines are the same.