Power steering issue after drain/refill on '89 Toyota Cressida

I find that after an engine install during which I drained the power steering, sometimes when first starting up, the power steering only works within about a 45 degree range of motion of the steering wheel. Further, when driving down the road I hear what I could best describe as a "liquidy/squishy" sound.

There's plenty of fluid so that doesn't appear to be the issue. If it's significant, it was drained in the first place by disconnecting the hoses underneath so I could drop the lines out of the way of the engine. Reconnected it, poured fluid into the reservoir.

This issue gets less pronounced or goes away altogether as I get some miles on the car after startup and is much more obvious during the cold snap we've been having here in Florida - i.e. colder temps seem to have a bearing on it. Wasn't doing it at all before the engine install.

Any suggestions?

Happy New Year and thanks for all input.

Reply to
Doc
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Too bad you didn't have the Cressida manual handy or you'd have known you really didn't have to do that.

Replace the fluid again. You've likely got a lot of air in it. (The squishy sound)

Reply to
Gary L. Burnore

Yes, it is significant information that you disconnected the power steering hoses. ;-)

With the engine idling, turn the steering wheel lock to lock a few times and check the power steering fluid reservoir for bubbles or foam. If there are bubbles or foam, you need to bleed the system.

To bleed the system, jack up the front of the car and place on jack stands. With the engine off, turn the steering wheel lock to lock 3 or 4 times. Lower the car, start the engine, and top off the fluid if necessary.

Use the correct fluid as noted on the PS fluid reservoir, probably Dexron II or III.

Reply to
Ray O

Hey! My Supra manual says to jack the car up so the wheels (tires) are JUST touching the ground, and then turn lock to lock with the cap off...

Reply to
Hachiroku

Hmmm, I don't think it matters either way. Perhaps having the wheels touch the ground provides some resistance on the rack, which helps push the bubbles out.

Reply to
Ray O

Clean the filter screen in the reservoir. The system will sooner or later finish bleeding itself without any special procedures just by driving the car.

Don

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Reply to
Don

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