I backed out of synthetic as it increased the dampness around the pump. [I introduced synthetic at around 150K miles].

Problems with the pump are
1) leak
2) bubbles in the reservoir
3) Jerky assist
4) Whining

Salim

 

Just reseal my power steering pump last week. The most difficult part is the pivot bolt loosen up. I like to make a note here, the pivot bolt can't be access through hole of pulley. I saw a lot of online videos and forums' discussions to loosen up the pump in order to change belt; only one guy did it the right way(even in "How-To" section of this forum state it wrong). Sorry to mark your method Salim , but it's wrong, I really don't want to see guys to waste their time to figure this out(it can't be done).
I could guess why Salim figure his way like that, the Lexus service manual use a special tool to reach that bolt, the figure on manual look very like the tool go thru the hole of pulley but it's not.
The bolt is above the pulley, very difficult to reach(you can't see it ). I find a way to skip the special tool, if any body have better solution,I'm all ear. My way is use a 3/8 to 1/4 adapter plus 12mm socket, the extra length make it reach the bolt and socket wrench can avoid the pulley blockade. You can reach it from either under or above, but under is easier.
The first time I tried to loosen the bolt (8 years ago), I cracked my 12mm socket(it's very tight). So I went to Sears and bought another 12mm socket(6 points), I managed to loosen it the second time and changed my belt. Please make sure your tool is strong enough if you try to loosen it the first time. Hope this experience could help forum members who want to change belt or fix power steering pump.

 

I dont ever claim to be infallible, and if another process works or is easier, then all the power to you. It has been years since I had mess with my pump, but to best of my recollection, I had to spin the pulley by turning the main pulley till I could reach with the socket extension. Next time I crawl under, I will come back and confirm.

Salim

 

No offense here. Just want to help members. One more note, if you want to remove the pump, don't try to remove the pivot bolt, it can't be removed, just get it loosen until it can be pull out, the side panel will block the bolt from be removed. So be careful with the bolt when you try to loose it, if you damage the hex head, you probably need to lift up the engine in order to change the bolt(Toyota's weird design).
After you pull out the bolt, the pump can be drop down because of the U opening of the bracket.

 

@ RKT10: I have some PDF manuals, if you still need. Private message me and I'll send them to you. Also, I pulled my power steering pump and replaced the seals, etc. on it while I was doing my timing belt. I'm pretty sure I wrote down the procedure with pictures, but I never got around to posting it. If you are interested, let me know. I can at least get you pictures of the procedure.

 

Will I need to pull the wheel off to do this? The videos I have seen are not great and look like they removed the wheel and the spindle to access it.

 

Not sure i should replace either. First noticed a semi stiff steering wheel. Not so much that i cant turn, just not as easy as with my other cars.

took vehicle in for inspection, mechanic said pump is leaking which i see but not enough to notice any change in the reservoir level. He also said the control arm is wearing out.

seeing as though i can still turn the wheel im not sure how necessary it is to change or how dangerous it is to leave it. The part seems pretty cheap but the labor it seems isnt that easy. Ive changed the alternator before but ive heard this is more difficult and may be difficult to torque.

any thoughts?

 

First determine where the leak is? If it is on the pressurized side/line then don't wait. If it is on the low pressure side then figure out where does the leak go. If it gets into electrical stuff then again replace it in a hurry. If it goes on the rubber parts then again replace soon. If it messes up you garage floor then ...

I would suggest fix it and enjoy instead of worrying when it goes bad and where would the vehicle be when it goes bad. Access, tools and your skill are needed.

Salim

 

I’m suspicious max life caused my ps systems to leak as well. Read a few comments that this could happen but google said that switching to conventional wouldn’t help so I didn’t bother. I reluctantly added some stop leak after some time partly to see if it would help make the steering smoother (as opposed to a separate issues from the ps system itself) and it makes me wonder, why is stop leak so bad if it seems to serve the same function as using a more viscous fluid (which isn’t bad for the system)?

the leak is minor so I haven’t felt the need to replace the pump. Does this job really take 5 hours? Videos make it look easy.

 

I am never a fan of additives.

I don't remember, but you might have to remove both belts, which adds time.

I also struggled to build tension in the power steering belt. I wish I had pulley to pulley push tool.

Salim