Dispin

Hi,

There is the PS whine when you turn the wheel but this is another whine in addition. It's very loud and increases as you rev the car. This is a new whine that's just recent. I checked the PS fluid level and it was just below minimum so I filled it up. Is it safe to drive for another 100 or 300 miles? Or does it need attention asap? Is there a way to test different things easily to narrow the problem? I'd assume it's the PS pump going but I also know it could be the alternator. Anyway, I'd appreciate any advice and help.


The first 20 seconds I move the steering wheel. At 20 seconds I put it into neutral and rev the engine.
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engine video
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Oro

Sounds to me like a straining PS pump. When you add load (turning wheel) noise goes up.

Could be the pump, could be the bearings on the pulley of the pump. There are various ways to test, google "diagnose belt noise" and you'll find good ones. Here's an example:


Another technique is to squirt a liquid lube into the bearing, let soak and try it to see if noise goes away/down. Must be careful not to get oil on the belt.

Getting at PS pump is not too hard but not a straight shot. I think the ps belt is the inboard one - e.g., it's behind the alt/ac belt so you have to remove that first. Tip - use a Bando belt, or a gatorback. They are quirky about squealing with off-brand belts. I had a serious headache with that after a t-belt job until replacing with a Bando belt.

Wht95scort

Replace your alternator

Oro

Yes, it is important to check that too; I neglected stressing that. They are not on the same belt, but it could be referred. The alternators on these tend to be less robust than earlier Toyotas. I had to rebuild ours and while it had miles on it, it did NOT have a bad life or hard use.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Remove alternator belt and run the engine. Then remove the PS belt and run the engine. If you still have a noise, it's coming from under the timing cover (idler pulleys/water pump).

It's very likely that your PS pump is shot, but the above mentioned procedure is the true way to test everything before replacing it.

Dispin

Ok so with all the belts removed the noise is still there. The timing belt and tensioners were changed this year, but not the water pump. I guess it's the water pump...

Oro

If you have the belts off, you don't have to guess. Get a stethoscope and put it on the water pump housing. If you don't have a cheap mechanic one's around, a large flat blade screwdriver can work. Put the flat blade on what you want to hear, put your ear on the bulb of the handle. You should be able to listen around and ID exactly.

A lot of people skip the water pump and/or tensioner when doing the t-belt and get away with it. Many do not.