Surf / 4Runner Power Steering Problem

[Surfin Alec]

I rekon out of sympathy of not going 4x4ing at the Wattagans on the weekend the Surf's power steering has started to fail.
What would be the cause of the steering starting to get hard to impossible to turn on the spot? If your moving the steerings OK but slow manouvering is very hard. The fluid level was a bit low but not empty. The pump on the motor has a slow weeping leak and the box has no leak and steers OK on the road.

If it is the pump are they a servicable item ie: buy a reko kit or is it some thing that a power steer place has to tackle.

This is the first time I have ever had a problem with power steer so I have no idea what is inside the pump etc. Surely cant be tooo hard.

Cheers,

Alec

[Shorty40]

Have you checked your power steering belt ? Both for wear and tension.

[Surfin Alec]

Yeah, the belt looks fine. Not sliping at all. The steering just gets bloody hard to impossible to turn.

[roscoFJ73]

Someone on this site ,I cant remember who maybe Ruggers,recommends to throw a $10 can of power steering reconditioner in as a 1st step and then see.
If that dont work my guess is you are losing pressure at the pump.This could mean the vanes are worn .They are like little windmill blades that push the fluid through the system..Not a terribly expensive job but I think its best done by someone who knows.I dont have any experience with Surfs and Im basing my info on a landcruiser Im guessing and but allow $300 or look for a 2nd hand unit.
Something else,disconnect belt and spin pump around by hand and see how it feels.

[ozrunner]

Yep I would agree with Rosco.

You PS pump is cactus and the vanes are probably sticking. They work in a centrifugal manner

Try a wreckers as PS pumps are plentiful.

JD

[Surfin Alec]

Thanks for the replys guys.

How stupid am I , the belts I was looking at run just the pump. The pump is actually gear driven and bolts into the block on the 1KZ-TE motor.

Will try a wrecker this week as rego is due next week.

Cheers