Power Steering Noise

[Roger UK]

I have just started getting an awful squeeling noise when I turn the the Steering Wheel from side to side.

You can also hear a noise from the Power Steering Pump when the engine is ticking over (2JZ-GE)

The fluid level is OK . . . but it is very frothy !

I presume I need a new Power Steering pump?

 

[Bru]

It sounds like air is getting in the system. Do you have any leaks? Try jacking up the front wheels and moving them manually from lock to lock to bleed. Check the fluid level at that point to see if it's low. You can also get a squealing sound if you're running the engine and you hit the lock on either side. Try not to force it beyond were the steering wheel stops. You could also try flushing the system with new power steering fluid by disconnecting the low-pressure return hose at the rack, attach a short draining hose, and slowly move the jacked up front wheels lock to lock to drain out what's in there, then reconnect the hose and refill it with fresh fluid. Again move the wheel side to side to bleed it and check the reservoir level. Start the engine and check it again. Consult your owners manual for the proper power steering fluid to use. In a MK3 Supra it's Dextron II / III transmission fluid.

 

[Roger UK]

Thanks again for replying Bru . . .
Yes this is in my Mk3 . . . but I fitted a 2JZ-GE from a Mk4 Supra about 10 years ago. (so it has the pump with the reservoir attached)
Going lock to lock doesn't get rid of the noise, in fact I have never known such a loud squeeling noise !
And as I say, even with the engine just ticking over, it's squeeling like mad.

Would air getting in really make that much noise, do you think? Or shall I just get a new pump (about $100 over here)

And yes I use Dextron III - presume the Mk4 Pumps use the same fluid? (I even kept the PAS Cooler in line when fitting the new engine)

 

[Bru]

The only thing that comes to mind is a collapsed hose or debris plugging up the flow of fluid. That's why I suggested a flush with new. If the hoses are old it might be time to replace them. Take a turkey baster and draw up fluid from the reservoir to see if there are bits and pieces of rubber from the inside of the hose clogging up the screen mesh filter.

 

[Roger UK]

Just checked it again . . . there has been no fluid loss at all . . . hoses all seem good.

But the fluid is really frothy ! I will have to get a Turkey Baster to try sucking some of the fluid out to have a look at it.

And where is the mesh filter you mention? Can't see any reference to it in the Mk4 TSRM.

It's just really weird that this has suddenly started happening. The car was fine when I drove it last week. And then suddenly started making this really loud noise yesterday !

Could the Air Control Valve have anything to do with it? (I see this has 2 vac lines attached to it - is that so it gives more power assistance at low engine revs, ie when there is less manifold vacuum?)

 

[Bru]

The mesh screen is in the reservoir near the bottom. If you take the reservoir off you can back flush it manually. Check the belt tension and for liquid contaminating it causing slippage (Squealing). The air of valve is activated when turning the steering wheel at idle. It allows a little extra air behind the throttle plate increasing the RPM slightly So that the added strain doesn't diminish idle speed or cause a engine stall.