Steering problems
 

So I searched around, but did not find anything to really help diagnose my problem. I have an 87 Turbo 5 Speed. I just fixed the car, and have been driving it around. It runs great except for my steering. I know it has a leak, so I have been making sure to keep it full of fluid. But the whining noise has become worse, until finally, I am afraid to drive it because I think Ill ruin something because it sounds so terrible. It is becoming increasingly difficult to turn, esecially when parking. I am going to park the Supra until I resolve this problem. I dont know much about power steering, or about the steering rack, but I was wondering if this sounds like a power steering pump problem, or if I need to replace the whole rack and pinion assembly? Also, is there a specific brand or type of power steering fluid I should be using, or does STP general power steering fluid work fine? Thank you for you advice.

Is it getting hard to steer? Mine has a crimped power steering hose underneath which in return is wearing out the power steering pump which is what is making the noise

OK. I'm going to check all the hoses, and probably replace the pump....once the weather cooperates. Thanks.

i think youre supposed to use dexron II atf in your power steering unit... if you use the wrong fluid it will wreck your pump, and it sounds like its on the way out.

If I am using the wrong fluid, how do I drain it and put in new fluid? Do I just pull the bottom hose?

atf in your power steering pump? isnt there actually power steeing fluid you can buy?

toyota service manual says use 'dexron or dexron II automatic transmission fluid'

i dont know if power steering fluid is the same stuff, but i would do as the manufacturer says. when you replace your pump make sure you use the proper stuff. these days we're up to dexron III i think, which will fill the requirements of dexron II and I.

Ok thanks. Ill replace the fluid and see if that fixes the problem

I usually fill mine with Dex III ATF. Slow leak cause my rack and pinion is tearing itself up =/

luckily i have a new one sitting prettily in a box

Pump
 

Dex III is the correct fluid.

Read: http://www.toyota-supra.info/forums/...ead.php?t=3666

Your Likely problem is the pump. Call around for prices.

Kragen's Autoparts....

Cardone Reman 21-5712 List $252
[Power Steering Pump] Remanufactured; Without Reservoir
Limited Lifetime*

Beck/Arnley 108-5069 List $274
[Power Steering Pump] Remanufactured

Crown 21-5712 List $242
[Power Steering Pump] w/o Reservoir

Reman Rack & Pinion Assembly......

Beck/Arnley 108-1102 List $395
Except Electronic Control Power Steering; Mount Bushings Not Included

Beck/Arnley 108-1101 List $412
Electronic Control Power Steering; Mount Bushings Not Included

so does anyone know what the difference between power steering fluid and atf is? besides one being clear and the other being red.
ATF is basically hydraulic fluid, bmw toyota gm use it im sure theres more.

Diffences are in the actual (secret) ingredients. Lots have to do with the seals. The wrong fluid could damage a seal, and cause a leak.

Lubricating properties, etc.

You'll never get an exact answer, due to the 'proprietary' nature of the fluids, and who makes them.

ie: Honda gearbox oil. It pours like 10w-40 motor oil. Honda says NEVER use motor oil in the gearbox, as it does NOT have the (secret) lubricating ingredients.

ah yes gear oil is designed to stay put on parts, where motor oil is designed to shit out. it comes down to different additives in the oils.

Sorry to bump an old thread, but I have figured out that my pump went bad, and I am going to replace it. I found two online (link), and was wondering which one I should use. I don't think I need a new reservoir, but would it be good to replace it anyways? Or should I go to a dealership and order a new pump? Also, do I need to order new hoses at the dealership? Thanks.

Try finding a wrecking yard in your area if the price from the dealer is too high, (which it probably will be) a self service yard is the best cause you can practice on that one before you thrash your own.
Power sterring pumps do not tolerate low fluid situations. I had my return line fixed at a hyd shop and the idiot that was doing the line told me to start it up and I heard a loud squeeling so I shut it off, the hoise happened right away. The dumbo forgot to put fluid in and the pump went in about 2 seconds.
My BMW is supposed to use a special CTF 7 hyd fluid but I also have the hyd suspension which is the same as the system as the power sterring and it also provides the power assist for the brakes. The fluid costs about 8 dollars a quart so I use 10W diesel which works great in the bimmer, and costs about 3.50 a gallon.
Don't fprget to check your hoses that go to the reservoir cause they are probably hard as a rock. As long as your repairing the system you might as well check the rest of it.

You can rebuild your existing pump for about $30 with the Toyota power steering pump seal kit. Dealer have them. This is common on the 3.0 V6 pickups and 4Runners. Not hard to rebuild. Here's a link to the truck i re-sealed. Not the same I'm sure, but pretty damn close.

http://members.cox.net/stacewilliams/ps-pump.htm

oh yeah, Dextron ATF. Same as the 4x4's

Kinda cool really. 1 fluid for PS and Auto trans,
1 fluid for Clutch / brakes.

They don't make a "clutch" fluid, like the PS fluids.. or do they?

I ended up getting a new pump. So, has anyone replaced their P.S. pump before, and if so, any tips or troubles when removing or installing the P.S. pump? Thanks.