'96 Camry PS pump leak. Have it done?

[John Hilmer]

The wifes Camry didn't respond to the A-RX attempt to solve the PS pump leak. Chances are strong that it was leaking for more than a short while before I introduced the A-RX as this leak was masked by CV joint troubles.

The question is if it is wise to have this repaired for me instead of doing it myself?

I have an offer from one of the MechTech's at the local dealership to do it "on the side". My friend that is the the parts manager at the 'ship suggested this and trusts the guy, whom I have met, and he seems a straight from the shoulder type.

I'm leaning towards this because trying to do this myself looks like a real pain and that the "System" isn't simple. I can envision replacing the pump only to find out that lines or the other bits are also contributing to the problems.

Yes, I'm capeable. I could probably rebuild the pump even though Toyota doesn't offer a kit.

I have no experiance with the total system though like the Tech does.

I'm also time limited and 60 years young.

So, come on, tell me it's OK to pay to have this done for me, I really want to get out of doing this, LOL! John

 

[PandaBear]

quote:

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I'm also time limited and 60 years young.

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That, alone, means it is ok to pay to have this done. DIY is not always the way to go.

 

[Schmoe]

Depends on where the pump is. It it's easily accessible from the top, I'd say DIY. Nothing really magical about PS pumps except that you may have a pressure fitting on the pump "out" line. Don't know much about Toyota's. But regardless, it's going to cost you money to have someone do it, even if it's on the side. Your looking at: taking the serpentine belt off, disconnecting the fluid lines, removing the pump. It sometimes isn't that simple, but that's generally the layout. Think of all the satisfaction you'll get and remember, your a BITOGER!!!!! I'd take the challenge if you have the time and tools.

 

[John Hilmer 2]

Thanks for the thoughts. I have the pump now.

It is located below the rear cyl bank and rather difficult to get to from underneath or through the wheel well.

I have the tools and ability but it is gonna be tough it looks like.

Is there a particular PS fluid you folks prefer?

Still un-decided.... John

 

[alreadygone]

Have you looked at the replacement pump? Most come without case and without pulley. Both require specialty tools to remove from old pump and install on new pump.

Fluid brands are unimportant. But they must meet manufacturers specs.

Bob

 

[John Hilmer 2]

Thanks Bob,

In this case the pulley needs to be swapped out. I have several pullers so this shouldn't hold me back.

Thanks for the info on the fluid. John

 

[unDummy]

How bad is the leak?

If you haven't done so already, I would just flush it with ANY PSF that has 'stop leak' in it already.

If the leak is caused by a bad bearing and the pulley is wobbling about, then definitely hire that mechanic.

 

[John Hilmer]

Thanks, but I tried ARX and that didn't help so after a bit of flushibg I tried some Lucas "Stop Leak" syrup, very thick stuff, and that failed also.

I'll be making the swap tomorrow AM. John

 

[82DMC12]

John,

Is your Camry the 1mzFE 6 cylinder?
If so, that power steering pump is a major PITA, I replaced it on my Lexus ES300. That was probably the worst job I've ever had to do, and trust me, I have pulled engines before.

That pump has about 6 hoses going into it because of the hydraulic cooling fans and remote reservoir. I think it took me 10 hours to do, and i'm not stupid. I would never do that pump ever again.

Andy

 

[John Hilmer]

Andy, Thanks so much. This forum really is tops for help.

Wow, that is really scary. Yep the it is the the 1MZFE but there are only two lines to this one on the Camry.

And while they are difficult to get to I think that I can manage it.

I really appreciate the concern and your post. If it was as yours was I'd have given up to having it done for me.

I may yet regret trying this myself. I'll do it myself this time.

If I butch it upI'll let you all know. John

PS I may shoot pixs if I can to help others. It depends on how cleanly I can get through this one.

 

[kschachn]

I have removed and replaced a PS pump twice, both times on 1st generation Siennas. This also has the 1MZ-FE engine and from what you described it is in a similar location (lower right corner of the engine). On the Sienna you CANNOT reach or otherwise work on the pump from the bottom and it is virtually unreachable from the top either. The only access is through the front wheel well and that isn't very good. One of the attachment bolts is ever so slightly too long to be removed and has to come off with the detached pump.

The second one I changed was with both heads off the engine and although easier, wasn't exactly fun either. Be forwarned that you will spill some fluid so suction out the reservoir first to limit the spillage as much as possible. The return line is rather large and long, and is nearly vertical. Once it is removed from the pump it'll dump its contents all over.

 

[John Hilmer]

Done!

It was a bit of a trial though not as bad as kschachn had.

The union bolt through the high pressure fitting required a breaker bar, extentions and a swivel to allow the use of a 4 foot "Cheater" to bust it loose. Then it broke the joint between the fitting and the pump, not between the union bolt and the fitting. Once backed up on said fitting we were able to get the high pressure side loose. This can't be done unless there are two strong guys doing this or one old guy (me) that can jam a wrench against a body part.

In stalling the new pump is also only possibel with two folks working on this. One from the bottom positions the pump and the other from above runs the top "Pivot" bolt back in.

Next, just try to get the union bolt back in and enjoy this as much as I did. Alignment is a real (add explitive).

It is done. I've only incurred a few gouges and abrasions to my old hide.

Hum, perhaps I saved two to three hundred bucks by doing this myself given the local shop time cost.

I started at 6:00 AM and finished at 1:10 PM given that I had help at about 10:00.

Yep, old guy, not familiar with the mechanics = bad results.

But it is done. And there aren't any "Runs, Drips or Errors" after the test drive.

I would say that this is a simple task for a pair of guys that know what they are doing.

Try this on your own and you'll be very sorry.

Best,

John