[sacdon]

My 1997 Toyota tacoma 6 cylinder steering wheel is very hard to turn. First it was turning OK but groaning when making a turn, and now it will hardly turn at all without a lot of effort. The fluid in the power steering reservoir is full. It wasn't empty when I checked it, just a bit low and I actually ended up putting too much in, so now the level is over the "full" mark. It has 230,000 miles and I've never flushed the fluid or had any problem with it till now.

 

[TheEplumber]

Welcome to the forum!

Moved to automotive

 

[woodchopper65]

My 1997 Toyota tacoma 6 cylinder steering wheel is very hard to turn. First it was turning OK but groaning when making a turn, and now it will hardly turn at all without a lot of effort. The fluid in the power steering reservoir is full. It wasn't empty when I checked it, just a bit low and I actually ended up putting too much in, so now the level is over the "full" mark. It has 230,000 miles and I've never flushed the fluid or had any problem with it till now.

probably the power steering pump gave up the ghost..just replace it.. http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...+v6,1279009,steering,power+steering+pump,7380

 

[Brainbucket]

First check the belt and make sure it's tight and not dry rotted. Second there is a screen at the bottom of the reservoir. With that many miles it may be restricted. You have to remove it to clean it. Most likely it's a bad pump. But watch out as I have put aftermarket pumps on and still nothing. Got one out of a salvage yard and bingo! If you put a new pump on and it comes without the reservoir, you have to clean the tank. I also test this way but I'm a pro so..BE VERY CARFUL AS THIS TEST COULD INJURE OR KILL YOU! Engine idling get a pair of pliers and SLOWLY pinch high pressure line and listen to pump. It should start groaning as you MOMENTARALY pinch it and let off. If it doesn't make a noise change, bad pump. If it makes a major noise change, bad gear. Now I have come across a locked up ball joint that caused this so make sure what it is before you start slinging parts at it. Wheels off ground, see if you can turn wheels at the tire. Grab tire and turn right and left. If it doesn't, disconnect tie rod ends and see if you can turn the wheel ON BOTH SIDES. Do a full sweep. If both wheels turn back and forth, bad rack. If one wheel turns and the other doesn't. Bad ball joint. Also check the steering shaft u-joints as they can bind on ya.:vs_cool: