2003 Tacoma Power Steering Service: Step 1: clean the reservoir

#TimmyTheToolman #1stgentacoma
Correcting the Power steering Whine or Growl present in these 1st Gen Tacomas and 3rd Gen 4Runners with high miles or lack of regular maintenance. 1st step is a flush and cleaning of the reservoir.
Next up will be a PS pump replacement as the flush did not satisfactorily quiet it down as wanted.

[@BCRBCRBCRBCRBCRBCR]

If you only have ten minutes, I used an empty hand soap pump dispenser to remove as much fluid as I could, added new and repeated. This cleared the power steering squeal on my 1999 Tacoma. It did come back about 3 years later on the very coldest mornings for a minute or so as the engine warmed up. Not the best way, but may be the simplest.

[@louiemarkovitz1880]

I was about to buy a Turkey baister but this is a great idea!!! Thanks!!!

[@isaacdeleondetailing9300]

Good video ! You and Timmy the tool man rock!!

[@JanChacn]

Hey thank you for the video, i will use this as my guide to replace an oring on my reservoir

[@georges4562]

Happy holidays ! I lost track of you for awhile, are you running the Tundra

[@masterdriveroftoyotazupr4164]

"Its just my Power Steering Reservoir, it needs cleaning. 2 Chalupa Supreme please" Drive Thru Worker:" yeah, like i dont care. Please pull up to the 2nd window"

[@privatefrey7876]

Got the front bolt off but reservoir stuck?

[@Nessal83]

Can you let me know where you got the o-rings at? Thanks!

[@JLeeChron]

At the dealer I think if you go to that part in the video you’ll see the part number- right now I don’t have it

[@privatefrey7876]

How do you OPEN the lid to pull screen out? Can opener?

[@JLeeChron]

you don't normally, I've heard of guys wrecking them and a new one is a search in a junk yard or $250 new. risky, just take your time and brake cleaner cans are best

[@mujtaballa3105]

Have you changed your idler pulley?

[@JLeeChron]

Not squeaking or wobbling, so no It could be worthy of a closer look though. The groan/whine is cold weather noticeable mostly Alternator possibly too

[@hsahagun916]

Did not understand, did not show where those hoses comes from

[@georges4562]

Oops my question was premature. I see it in the driveway 👍

[@JLeeChron]

George S yep -Tundra may get a 2” lift soon or may trade to a 20.. swapping extras over. Thanks for watching

[@papimew2672]

“Transmission steering fluid” ? You mean power steering fluid ?

[@JLeeChron]

Tacomas use Dexron/Mercon III transmission fluid for power steering- If you use standard power steering fluid expect leakage and seal failure.

[@papimew2672]

@@JLeeChron awesomene! Thank you for the quick replies. Going to do this as a side job tomorrow and just wanted to make sure I have everything right.

[@drewwood1986yt]

lord . please get the point lol. I'm impatient

[@MyRcGoSlow]

I out regular power steering 3 years now it leaks like a MF should I flush it and out atf ?

[@JLeeChron]

faus_ek Correct-you should use mercon/dexron III atf in the system. Your seals are probably shot, in the pump or the rack. Changing fluid at this point probably will not fix it- You may need to rebuild the pump with a seal kit, or replace the o-ring on bottom of reservoir. If that doesnt do it, may need to pony up for New rack. Oem is best

[@barrymorton4268]

Had mine cleaned - still makes noise :(

[@JLeeChron]

Barry Morton yes, its still whining a bit even after the pump swap coming up. Afraid its going to be a new rack to get it right!

[@barrymorton4268]

@@JLeeChron Ouch - i'm subscribed so I'll see the pump swap!