Steering Really Stiff @ Low Revs?

[hellmett]

Hi All,

This is a pain but when my 2.4 is idling the steering is as stiff as a bugger!

As soon as I give her a bit of juice it goes back to normal!

Can be a bit dodgy when parking and I have nearly smashed a few cars up when I have to put my foot down to lock the wheels!

Anyone know a remedy?

Thanks!

Gary

[BUSHWHACKER]

First off, check the fluid level.
If it's low, thats why you need to rev the engine to circulate the fluid.

[hellmett]

Re

Hmmmm!

I had this FULLY serviced recently and unless the garage has neglected to check the fluid level is there anything else it might be?

Thanks for the advice!

Later!

Gary

[da SLUG man]

loose PS belt?

[dirtydog]

Hmmmm!

I had this FULLY serviced recently and unless the garage has neglected to check the fluid level is there anything else it might be?

Thanks for the advice!

Later!

Gary

I bet its low on fluid, my steering box leaks and when it gets low it does as you describe.

[hellmett]

Re

How easy is this to sort?

Is it just a matter of topping up the fluid?

I am an "eejit" with motors and if someone could tell me how I top up the fluid, I would appreciate it!

(I can hear all the gasps from here!)

Thanks for the info!

Later!

Gary

[NiftyNev]

Power steering reservoir is bottom left of this pic and on passenger side.



Just unscrew the cap and check.It has a small dipstick setup on it.

Neville

[hellmett]

Re

Power steering reservoir is bottom left of this pic and on passenger side.



Just unscrew the cap and check.It has a small dipstick setup on it.

Neville

Thanks lads,

How much below the "correct level" would it need to be to effect the steering so drastically in this way?

Are we talking a lot of fluid under or just a small amount?

Is there any special power steering fluid to use to top up or will any "generic" brand do?

Thanks for the advice!

Gary

P.S.

We took the Surf all the way from N. Ireland to London via Wales a few weeks ago!

Apart from going like a dream and making me grin like a chesire cat from her performance and demeanor, I have never seen so many Surfs in my life as I did going through Wales!!!!

They were blinking everywhere!

Maroon ones, blue, green, silver! I even saw a white one!

All 2nd Gen as well!

They must be breeding them in the valleys!

LOL!

Gary

[dirtydog]

Not too much probably, mine goes from dead to working with not much at all. You will see "cold" and "hot" on the dipstick, just top up a bit at a time until its right again.
Power Steering fluid is pretty much generic for all cars apart from mineral type fluid used in rolls and citroen i think.

Thanks lads,

How much below the "correct level" would it need to be to effect the steering so drastically in this way?

Are we talking a lot of fluid under or just a small amount?

Is there any special power steering fluid to use to top up or will any "generic" brand do?

Thanks for the advice!

Gary

P.S.

We took the Surf all the way from N. Ireland to London via Wales a few weeks ago!

Apart from going like a dream and making me grin like a chesire cat from her performance and demeanor, I have never seen so many Surfs in my life as I did going through Wales!!!!

They were blinking everywhere!

Maroon ones, blue, green, silver! I even saw a white one!

All 2nd Gen as well!

They must be breeding them in the valleys!

LOL!

Gary

[JimL]

Nothing special just power steering or ATF fluid. Normally red.

[hellmett]

Re

Thanks a bunch!

Gary

[hellmett]

Re

Have just checked the fluid level - Fine!

The PS belt is also ok!

Has anyone a notion of what else it might be?

Have an awful feeling it might be a pump?

Is this possible?

Gary

[BUSHWHACKER]

Sounds like you need to read this......

http://toyotasurf.asn.au/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7037

[hellmett]

Re

Hi, Thanks for that!

Problem is, It don't appear to be leaking?

The fluid level was perfect when I checked!

Is it possible that the pump could be damaged/faulty/knackered and not working 100% without actually leaking?

I understand that when the pump goes it leaks but mine seems to be fully intact!

Thanks!

Gary

[BUSHWHACKER]

Maybe it's not leaking, but probably not circulating the fluid?

Have you tried this test......Get someone to sit in the drivers seat, start engine and turn the steering wheel to full lock in both directions while you remove the power steering cap and watch the fluid. Does the level fluctuate?