Weird Power Steering Fluid Situation

I checked my PS fluid yesterday and it was good. Drove 25+ miles today and all was good. Pulled into my driveway and the PS was moaning. I check it and it’s reading low. I research the best fluid to use (maybe 5 minutes) go to fill it up and it’s full again. WTF?
How/why did this happen?

 

I just started it and turned the wheel. It’s moaning and now the reservoir has zero fluid in it yet it was full 20 seconds ago?!?
Nothing leaking.
Just filled it up twice and it’s just sucking the fluid down without even turning the wheel.

 

AND the R&P just shit the bed. 55K miles. WTF?!?!

 

Shot fluid out both boots.

wtf do I do now?

 

What the hell??? Have you dug up any cursed mummies recently or violated any sacred Indian burial grounds????

 

I must’ve somehow! I had ZERO issues until this damn OME kit was installed and now I’m plagued with problems!

 

It’s definitely the rack and pinion. It’s blown. Why it just shit the bed is the question.
Who makes a good R&P thay doesn’t cost a fortune?
Thanks.

 

@csuviper

 

How bad did you beat the crap out of your Tunny the other day?

 

Enough but I wouldn’t thing too much. I put 100+ miles on it since then. I didn’t get airborn or any crazy shit like that, just worked the suspension. ~20mph on a dirt trail.

 

While it was in my driveway, and I was working the steering wheel back and forth, it made a noticeable pop in each direction prior to it pissing fluid out of the boots. I guess that was it blowing the R&P seals? Sitting still in my driveway?

 

@csuviper got a decent rebuilt rack. Forgot where.

....you might only need new seals.

 

Can a factory rack and pinion be resealed (everything I’ve read says no) and what all does it entail to remove and replace the rack and pinion?
Thanks.
I had to find a way to slow my roll and relax so I started welding my RRW rock rails. Welding is about the only thing I ever do that slows my brain down and lets me relax. I purposely put the cross pipe gussets backwards for better triangulation.

 

Agreed.

 

You mean turning the steering with out moving? Isn't that a big no no?
I was taught to never turn the steering wheel unless the wheel is also rolling.

When learning to drive years and years ago, my father had me turn off the engine and turn the wheel with out power steering, was impossible for my wimpy arms to do it while still, but as soon as it started rolling I was able to turn it. Lesson being the power steering can do it standing still but has to work incredibly hard.

Think the combo of those huge tires, stock rack and turning while sitting still was all it took.

 

I get your point but it’s moot in this scenario. It shit the bed pulling into my driveway. I rag on rookies on a daily basis about turning the wheel without moving (40” tires on 22.5” wheels). I’m not naive or ignorant to this scenario. I truly do appreciate your input though!

 

Keep us informed on what you do and how much..... did you ever do the steering bushing upgrade?

 

Looks like its part # 44250-0C131. $500+ shipping & tax.
Is the R&P the same for 4x2 & 4x4?

 

So evidently the fluid pouring out of the boots is the common way of knowing the R&P seals shit the bed. It leaks into the boot & when you add more, it builds more pressure until it can shoot it out the boot(s).
Just ordered 44250-0C131 for $525 delivered. My local dealership wanted $750 & wouldn't price match. Part should be here by this weekend.
I'll start breaking it down this evening or Wednesday. I'll try to remember to take pictures & any issues I run in to, which I'm sure will be many!

 

If it were me, I'd get your lift issue squared away before I put in a new rack.

 

I'd love to. Any suggestions?

 

I think it's an installation issue, particularly where you had the same result with two different models of springs. First place I'd look is the spring perch. I installed Eibach shocks and springs on my truck at the top setting (3" lift) and didn't use a compressor. Where you weren't able to and got 4.75" of lift points to this as your issue.

 

Where did you order from?

 

It's installed correctly, confirmed by me, ARB & Wheelers. They both looked over all the photos & said everything is installed correctly. I've removed & re0installed the coilovers 3 times & the UCA's twice, trying to find any issues. The PS is now @ 26" & the DS is @ 25.25" so it's dropped a bit in the last couple days.

 

McGeorge Toyota online.