Power Steering

[b1rd0g]

Clipped the post below from the AC problem thread. I figure I'd start a new thread since the issue is new.

<snip>

Well...here we go. I thought I was one of the few that had very few probs with my Sequoia. Wrong!

This morning, I started the truck and heard a slight moan as I backed out of my driveway. Felt a slight vibration in the wheel. It sounded like when you cut your wheel all the way to one side, you'll sometimes get a slight whine or moan, but this was much louder.

I drove down the block and it got signficantly worse. So I drove home, broke out the trusty video cam and taped the incident. Got it all! Moaned and groaned on turns all the way to work as well.

Took the truck into the local dealer. While I was driving, it seemed to have gone away, almost completely. Got the dealer and of course, they were unable to find the noise or a problem.
That's when I played the tape back for them. You should have seen their faces...they could not believe what they were hearing.

They said "Sequoias don't do that!". I said "Really?".
"We've never had one do that before!" they continued. Great...so now they get to "tinker" until they find the issue. To me, it feels like a temperature induced problem with the power steering system.

So, it remains in the shop for them to figure out what the prob is.
If I didn't have the video tape, they most certainly would have indicated on the receipt, "no problem found" and sent me on my way.

More to come....

[b1rd0g]

Update...

Received a call from service. They are replacing my entire power steering "rack". Does anyone know exactly what this is? Does this mean the entire assembly and all components?

Thx.

[Stooge]

The steering rack on the Sequoias (and any car/truck with rack and pinion steering) is is a long tube like structure mounted beneath the truck and it connects to both whells by a tie-rod. It, in essence, is the entire steering system and is what actually turns the wheels. The only other "device" in the system is the power steering pump/hoses and the steering wheel. If they are replacing the rack (quite a big job and expense), the only other thing I would look out for if you feel that the steering still is problematic, is the power steering pump and belt/tensioner on the engine. Test drive the truck afterwards WITH A TECHNICIAN. Ensure that it "feels" right to you (it will feel differently than the other slightly), and ensure that the work order has the vehicle aligned. Replacing the rack requires a thorough realignment of the front end after completed. Check for leaks after a couple days and abnormal tire wear, pulling after a week or so!

[b1rd0g]

Stooge,

Good advice! Thx.

I just got the truck back and the steering feels tighter. They performed the front alignment and the truck drives straight as an arrow. So far, so good. But I'll be watching it over the weekend.

They told me that fluid leaked out into the boots. I noticed a path of drops going into and out of my driveway, but I have no spots in the garage. It may have been leaking only when I was turning to the extreme.

Got my brakes done while I was at it. I have 25K on the truck and they mentioned that the pads had approx. 15% left. I was noticing a grinding/crunching feel in the brakes when they were hot so I asked to have the pads replaced with the TRDs and rotors turned. Brakes feel much better now.

Steering was covered under warrantee. Service was good.

Thx for your help.