My '96 Camry 2.2 decided it was going to be a pita. Quick background..
About 2 years ago, I had a loss of power steering. Hard to turn in any direction, wanted to stay turned which ever way I had it set. I flushed the power steering with some Multi-ATF and it was fine. (I have flushed the system twice since then, I try to do it once a year)
Fast forward 2 years later to about a week ago....
I noticed that I was losing assist again. This time however it comes and goes. Sometimes it feels fine, other times I have to fight it. It can change while I'm driving. I changed the fluid again in hopes that something might happen, and it did not.
I have to fight it turning either direction, and as I said sometimes it is fine, but more often I have no power assist.
I'm looking towards replacing the pump. I would think that if I was having problems in one direction only, that there may be a steering gear issue. I'm sure the proper way would be to verify correct p/s pressures etc. But who really has the special tools for that? My dealership doesn't even have them.
Anyway, should I take a shot at throwing $100 towards a new pump? Is it possible the rack could be the issue?
On another note, after 175k and 16 years of beautiful Michigan roads, I finally have my first chassis part wearing out. There is small amount of play in my left outer tie rod end. I have to admit that I am pretty impressed on the quality of this old school Toyota. I replaced struts on it at about 100k, and replace rear sway bar bushings on it about 6 years ago. All of the other steering and suspension parts are still original. It is a little disheartening to work at a dealer where I see so many steering and suspension parts wear out at low mileage, and my old sled keeps going. It really has been a fantastic vehicle. Only real complaint is the massive amounts of oil the engine leaks, which I've hear is not uncommon with these engines.
About 2 years ago, I had a loss of power steering. Hard to turn in any direction, wanted to stay turned which ever way I had it set. I flushed the power steering with some Multi-ATF and it was fine. (I have flushed the system twice since then, I try to do it once a year)
Fast forward 2 years later to about a week ago....
I noticed that I was losing assist again. This time however it comes and goes. Sometimes it feels fine, other times I have to fight it. It can change while I'm driving. I changed the fluid again in hopes that something might happen, and it did not.
I have to fight it turning either direction, and as I said sometimes it is fine, but more often I have no power assist.
I'm looking towards replacing the pump. I would think that if I was having problems in one direction only, that there may be a steering gear issue. I'm sure the proper way would be to verify correct p/s pressures etc. But who really has the special tools for that? My dealership doesn't even have them.
Anyway, should I take a shot at throwing $100 towards a new pump? Is it possible the rack could be the issue?
On another note, after 175k and 16 years of beautiful Michigan roads, I finally have my first chassis part wearing out. There is small amount of play in my left outer tie rod end. I have to admit that I am pretty impressed on the quality of this old school Toyota. I replaced struts on it at about 100k, and replace rear sway bar bushings on it about 6 years ago. All of the other steering and suspension parts are still original. It is a little disheartening to work at a dealer where I see so many steering and suspension parts wear out at low mileage, and my old sled keeps going. It really has been a fantastic vehicle. Only real complaint is the massive amounts of oil the engine leaks, which I've hear is not uncommon with these engines.
