Power Steering

[mdudziak]

I have Avensis from 1999 andI have problem with my power steering. It dosen't work proprely. Steering wheel works stiff. I'm wondering if the problem is in power steering pump or maybe steering rack. Please help...

[Danny K]

It's a characteristic of these early Avensis's (just like it's DNA ancestor the Carina), that it's a given that the steering racks go - it's a full replacement if it is. £1,000 for new - 'bout half that from the specialist steering rack people, (but some say you can't refurbish the Avensis rack (the seals are unrefurbishable - it has to be a whole new s/rack).

- Keep your fingers crossed it's only the power steering pump that's gone.

[t-spiritpete]

I have Avensis from 1999 andI have problem with my power steering. It dosen't work proprely. Steering wheel works stiff. I'm wondering if the problem is in power steering pump or maybe steering rack. Please help...

Hi mdudziak,

the first thing to check is to make sure the power steering reservoir oil level is correct, if it is very low or empty the steering will go stiff due low hydraulic pressure. Topping it up may cure the problem short term but you will have a leak somewhere which will require attention soon, only top up with the correct power steering oil.

Regards Pete.

[igormus]

I have Avensis from 1999 andI have problem with my power steering. It dosen't work proprely. Steering wheel works stiff. I'm wondering if the problem is in power steering pump or maybe steering rack. Please help...

hello mate

As the normal hydraulic system ---> it consists of the pump, two impulse tubes, distribution valve (on the column), actuator cylinder with piston inside that is linked to toothed rack, oil tank. In case your wheel has becomes stiff then the below reasons must be considered:

- pump impeller wear down resulting poor delivery pressure;

- poor driving belt tention;

- simple dirty oil with mechanical parts etc resulting clogging of distribution valve holes;

- extensive gaps in distribution valve;

- extensive gaps in actuator (between piston/plunger and cyliner)

- actuator piston seal/s wear down.

- not proper oil is the system or iit is by end of its life.

PS- I do not conside any oil leaks due to you did not mention them in your claiim.

CHeers/Igor

[Aamir2892]

Check the fluid. If the fluid is black and not pink i recommend you drain all the fluid and put in new fluid. The fluid you can use is automatic transmission fluid as its the same thing.

['98 GS TD]

If the fluid is black and not pink i recommend you drain all the fluid and put in new fluid.

I've got some of the black looking PS fluid... where is the most accessible point for draining it & do I need to fill with clean fluid as the old fluid is draining...

~ Mark

[igormus]

If the fluid is black and not pink i recommend you drain all the fluid and put in new fluid.

I've got some of the black looking PS fluid... where is the most accessible point for draining it & do I need to fill with clean fluid as the old fluid is draining...

~ Mark

Mark

hi

There are no drain plugs belong to hydr system but only air escaping screws on each wheel + clutch. You have to do this job with assistant having push the pedal + unscrew these screws one by one + at the same time to pour new liquid.

Afterwards - it is understood you have to be sure all the air has been escaped.

Cheers/Igor

['98 GS TD]

You have to do this job with assistant having push the pedal + unscrew these screws one by one + at the same time to pour new liquid.

Igor, your advice seems like it's for changing the brake fluid rather than the power steering fluid or is it all the same system...

~ Mark

[igormus]

You have to do this job with assistant having push the pedal + unscrew these screws one by one + at the same time to pour new liquid.

Igor, your advice seems like it's for changing the brake fluid rather than the power steering fluid or is it all the same system...

~ Mark

YES YES YES MARK

I am so sorry -- you're right.

Sorry -- mine has electrical actuator .

If we have a photo then it would be easy to point you.

Cheers/Igor

[igormus]

You have to do this job with assistant having push the pedal + unscrew these screws one by one + at the same time to pour new liquid.

Igor, your advice seems like it's for changing the brake fluid rather than the power steering fluid or is it all the same system...

~ Mark

Mark

No any doubts that one should visually chceck with the power steering system -- where is the lowest spot doe draining and locate either connection.

It is mechanically simple. The task is to have an air escaped after refilling.

Cheers/Igor