Just bought this truck. Drive train whines like an old lady. Sounds like a turbo charger. Is there something about an old transmission or 3rd member that makes 'em do that? Seems to be coming from the back, but you know how sounds travel. Is this something worth worrying about?

While I'm here, I can't seem to get my 1986 Toy 4X4 to stop leaking at the power steering box. I've replaced the return hose 3 times (where it seems to be leaking), and still leaks. Is there a seal on the top where the return hose attaches? Also, the "new" '90 4 Rnr leaks at the power steering too, though seems to leak from much further down. Whats with Toyota and power steering?

Might pull the rear drive shaft and run around in front wheel drive. If that quiets it, might be the rear diff is the cause, could be a loose pinion flange (check for play), or drain the rear diff oil, t-case and trans oil and see if there is any in there and if there is any metal shavings on the drain plugs.




Could be that power steering fluid was used in there instead of the recommended auto tranny fluid (ATF). That will cause leaks.

Ummm, ATF??? Ah, yeah...
y'know, this is the 2nd time I got caught up in that one. Guess I shoulda put that one together myself. Explains why the '90 had RED "power steering fluid" when I was topping it off with REAL power steering fluid. How long has Toyota used ATF as power steering fluid? Always?

Yep, Toyota has. Dextron only. Drain that stuff out and put some Dex in there to see if you can recover from the leakage. The cheap power steering fluid from the box stores doesn't cut it.

With just getting that Runner, you should be swapping out the fluids and getting it on your own maintenance schedule anyway. Break out the lube gun too.

Really? I never knew until now. ATF eh? Maybe that's why the lower clip of my hose is wet too? So Dextron only, from any stores?

Yep. I believe the Dextron III and IV can now be mixed; check with the manufacturer. My '82 and '86 have Dextron labels on the P/S reservoirs IIRC. Is specified in the owners manuals and FSMs if you have them.

I run walmart store brand ATF in mine, no leaks. So goes with motor oil and filter.

Hey, thanks for the tip. Pwr Str leaked when I bought it. It was WAY low. I'd pour some in, turn the wheels both ways, and have to add more. It gets real noisy when it leaks out. I'll be replacing the fluids, that one esp. I'll probably have to wait for warmer days here in AK--no heated garage and it's about zero here. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />

Oh c'mon now, toss a tarp over that and stuff a space heater under there. I'm 380 miles north of you. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Gonna drop down to highs of -15 this weekend.

BTW, on the seals if you wind up needing them, take your VINs and go to www.toyodiy.com to look at the parts breakdown to get an idea of what you'd need.

Sounds like you have an idea what needs to be replaced. Hate to spend the $150 for a new unit if I can do as well with a few seals. Is there a particular seal that tends to leak?

BTW, my '86 Toy 4x4 pwr steer leaks too, but I think it's the seal to the return line pipe on the reservoir.