Hey guys, been building other makes for years and just picked up my first sc400. Guy I bought it from had the altenator go out due to neglecting to fix the leaking power steering. I have replaced both the altenator and power steering pump and drive belt while at it. Thought issue was fixed. Coming home other night pump starting whining. No fluid in resevior when I got home and fluid that was there was dark brown not clear anymore. Guy at garage says it's gonna be $500 to fix and not guranteed. Know those reseviors have a built in screen on bottom...ANYONE that knows the fix??? Dont want the issue eatting another altenator. Saw rockauto.com sells the high pressure line. Resevior and change both lines ya think might do the trick guys? Thanks a million

 

Can you see any possible leaks on the ground overnight? Did you completely bleed and flush the new pump once installed?

 

Nothing on ground, completely bleed and flushed with new pump install. When I tried to refill and bleed the next morning after it leaked it was burping and throwing the fluid outta the resevior like crazy! Fluid was very frothy with air and brown

 

Thats whats making me think I have a leaking line....but ya'll have more expertise then me on these. Is that hydraulic line bad to leak on these?

 

you said the fluid is clear?it should be red....and the high pressure hose leaks often.... get a new one if it doesnt fix it just take it off and use it on the next steering rack u get

 

Ya, what kind of fluid did you refill it with? SC's hate power steering fluid. Use Dex ATF fluid only. Also, pull off your air intake hose and check to see if there's fluid in your throttle body. The power steering vacuum valve may have taken a crap, which would explain where all your fluid went.

 

Great catch on the fluid type.

 

Does it smoke? I had a similar issue and it was leaking into the intake manifold. I just did the quick fix which was plugging the hose that goes to the manifold and never had a problem since.

 

^^ this. Check the pressure-up switch on the pressure line. It has two hoses coming off of it, one to the intake manifold the other to the throttle body. If the internal diaphragm is compromised it could start sucking PS fluid into the intake. You can either plug it as mentioned or like $10 to replace it through toyota

 

Sorry, fluid was red...my bad guys! On another note...YES smoking like a damn freight train on start up! Was thinking it needed valve seats but this really explains it getting worse....I'll be checking the throttle body and intake mani asap

 

I swear I love ya'll. I'll def post the solution once it's sourced to help others with same issue

 

Can you tell me the step by step on how you fixed this problem, I think I have the same exact situation. I have smoke like crazy on start up whenever I fill up on PS fluid, and it doesn't even last I have to refill it a week later.

 

I have been outta town but the fix is the check valve in the hydraulic line. It's a lil ufo looking part that runs inline on the power steering line. Replace that and should be good to go partner.

 

Lemme know if that helped too broski

 

i have the same exact problem with my 93 sc400