2000 Toyota Corolla - Power Steering Noise

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Tim Martin
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2000 Toyota Corolla - Power Steering Noise

Post by Tim Martin »

This 2000 Corolla with a 1.8L engine/auto trans and 54000 miles on came in with the customer informing me that he thinks the belt tensioner needs to be replaced. Well, I got my stethescope out and listened to all the rotating parts and agreed that the tensioner pulley is where the noise was the loudest - actually screeching loud. So, I replaced the pulley to no avail. The noise goes away as soon as the steering wheel is rotated but when the pressure is off the power steering pump it is extremely whiney noisy. Turn the steering wheel just a little and the noise disappears for a little. The power steering works well though. Do I have a pump issue? pressure hose? or rack problem?
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brianp87
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Re: 2000 Toyota Corolla - Power Steering Noise

Post by brianp87 »

I would add a little bg mgc to the fluid road test and reevaluate noise
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steven kiser
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Re: 2000 Toyota Corolla - Power Steering Noise

Post by steven kiser »

it almost sounds like the pressure valve in the rack may be hanging up. on a shot in the dark see if the steering knuckle on the lower shaft is seized. is the belt the correct one and clean of any oil or other contaminant? what's been done prior to the car? when it's squealing is the pulley stuttering? is the tensioner moving freely?
never argue with a fool, they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience
Tim Martin
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Re: 2000 Toyota Corolla - Power Steering Noise

Post by Tim Martin »

I'd thought of a valve somewhere in the system as well. What wonders me if is there is a way to check for this. I suppose I could install my power steering pressure gauge on the system but what would I be looking for?
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Re: 2000 Toyota Corolla - Power Steering Noise

Post by steven kiser »

pressure maxing out. take a reading when it's not squealing and one when it is. if it's peaking while squealing i'd lean towards a rack.
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Re: 2000 Toyota Corolla - Power Steering Noise

Post by Tim Martin »

Well well. I guess we all screw up every now and then. I was going to install my pressure gauges on the steering system and I come to realize that the nut holding the belt pulley on the front of the pump shaft was just loose enough that it made a noise. I tightened the nut to specs and PRESTO! the noise is gone. Runs quiet like a Toyota can. But thanks to each for your input.

This is a reminder to me (and hopefully to others) to have the bases covered before we get too deep into a diagnosis and repair.
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Re: 2000 Toyota Corolla - Power Steering Noise

Post by steven kiser »

thanks for the update
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Re: 2000 Toyota Corolla - Power Steering Noise

Post by brianp87 »

Glad you got it fixed
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Re: 2000 Toyota Corolla - Power Steering Noise

Post by Tim Martin »

brianp87 wrote:Glad you got it fixed
Ya. It is a mutual feeling!
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