Power steering not working properly after replacing the pressure return hose

2003 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
170,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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TOYPACIFIC
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So I've changed out power steering pressure and return hose due to a leak coming from the pressure hose. Although it was leaking prior power steering was was good no noise and not hard at all. Now that I've changed out those hoses, my steering is harder and a winding sound when I turn. The leak has been repaired but somehow I think I did something wrong.
Just to add on here when i got the new pressure hose from rock auto the threads on the pressure side was a bit longer then the original so I couldn't thread it in all the way. But it wasn't leaking while testing . Anyhow I'm going to have to go back down and figure it out. Any suggestions what might've happen or what I can check?
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Oct 2, 2020 at 3:04 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good morning,

This sounds like it is air bound.

Try turning the wheel to full left and hold it there for 5 seconds and then turn right for the same. Do this several times to bleed the air from the system.

Did you flush out the system of all the old fluid when you performed this repair?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-fluid-flush

Beyond this, the pump may have an issue and needs to be replaced.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-power-steering-pump

Roy
Oct 2, 2020 at 3:41 AM
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Yes, I forgot to bleed the air, lol.
Anyways, I did drain out all the old fluid before repair. So since I didn't bleed I went and got more fluid, drained the reservoir and added . I didn't start the vehicle just turned the steering left to right about 20 times. I then started it after closing reservoir.. it did get a lot lighter but the noise is still there. Should I continue to bleed or do you think I might have already messed up the pump?
Oct 2, 2020 at 4:25 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Try bleeding it again and see if the noise subsides. If it does not then the pump may be the issue.

Roy
Oct 2, 2020 at 5:14 AM
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Will do thank you. I'll update this afterwards.
Oct 2, 2020 at 5:24 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
Oct 2, 2020 at 5:31 AM
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is it possible you can shoot me a diagram and instructions to removing and replacing the power steering pump? this is a 4 cylinder Highlander the power steering is on the side of the engine. thank you in advance.
Oct 2, 2020 at 6:55 PM
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Okay, maybe you might know from this explanation what might be happening.
so i bled it, turned on the car turned the wheel right left, it was light no sound from the pump, then after 4 minutes of running the noise comes in slowly again and then back to the winding sound. could there possibly be air coming in from one of the lines i have replaced or the new reservoir? i replaced maybe is not good. anyways it sounded good for a minute then the winding came back.
Oct 2, 2020 at 7:58 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, I attached the procedure for you.

I would bleed it again as it may just have some more air in the system.

I attached a YouTube video for you as well. It is a little blurry but is on point.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkpt7KPvC1A

Roy

NOTICE:
When using a vise, do not over-tighten.
When installing, coat the parts indicated by the arrows with power steering fluid.

1. REMOVE FRONT WHEEL RH
2. DRAIN POWER STEERING FLUID
3. REMOVE FRONT FENDER LINER RH
4. REMOVE FRONT FENDER APRON SEAL RH
5. REMOVE FAN AND GENERATOR V BELT
SST 09249-63010
6. SEPARATE OIL RESERVOIR TO PUMP HOSE NO.1
a. Remove the clip and disconnect the oil reservoir to pump hose No.1.

NOTICE: Take care not to spill fluid on the V belt.


imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print


7. SEPARATE PRESSURE FEED TUBE ASSY
a. Separate the connector from the oil pressure switch.
b. Using a spanner (27 mm) to hold the pressure port union, remove the union bolt and gasket.


imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print


8. REMOVE VANE PUMP ASSY
a. Separate the connector from the oil pressure switch.
b. Using SST and a deep socket (14 mm), loosen the bolt A.
SST 09249-63010
c. Remove the bolt B and vane pump assy.
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Oct 3, 2020 at 4:27 AM
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thank you for this, video was on point.
anyway, i tried bleeding again and it seems good then the power steering whining starts up all over again. i might go back under and go through those hoses i replace and take a look them again, it seems like the bleeding is working but the whining sound comes back a minute or two after i start the car. i'm thinking air has to be getting sucked in from one of the lines, maybe i need to tighten them up a lot harder. anyways thank you again i m going to use your information as soon as i confirm i ruined the pump. i hope i didn't ruin the pump already. haven't driven it yet, just turned on reverse and forward that's about it.
Oct 3, 2020 at 4:54 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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We have the same issues with needing to bleed the pump several times before you get the last bit of air out of the system.

Make sure the fluid level is correct as well.

Roy
Oct 3, 2020 at 5:02 AM
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definitely going to check those lines again and bleed until it works, lol. changing out that pump seems a bit of a work load for now, hoping it doesn't come to that just yet, I will continue to bleed. thanks again for your response and information, i appreciate that most..
I will keep this thread posted as soon as i get things resolved.
Oct 3, 2020 at 5:15 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
Oct 3, 2020 at 5:26 AM