Well done all. Pls help me out.

I use 2000 toyota rav4 (auto) & just started to notice dat my power steering gets strong when negotiating bend or in very slow drive. But when in full straight motion it gets normal (soft).

Also when I noticed shortage in d power steering fluid, I 'topped' it thinking it might be d cause, yet d problem persists. Ironically, I can't stil find any leakage. Even d tyres are well guaged.

Now my mechanic is saying d problem is an indication of steering pump malfunctionin. Pls could he be true? And if true, is it 2 be repaired or replaced? Any idea of d price?

Or what could it be? Pls help.

Most likely steering pump should be changed entirely and not repaired...Check the timing belt first though.

change the power steering pump.

Do you know if your car has 3 belts or one belt. and also if the belt on the power steering pump is still there.

Belt will likely break before pump fail(no leak), run the engine and look at the belt driving the power steering see if it works then have someone turn the steering side to side, listen for any sound you might figure what it not working.

Tks all 4 ur concerns so far.

sultaan: Do you know if your car has 3 belts or one belt. and also if the belt on the power steering pump is still there.
.....

might figure what it not working.

Pls what are these belts? Fan, timing or which?

Pls hw do I locate where dis pump is & its belt(s)? Tks once again.

Depending on the size of your engine





http://www.autozone.com/autozone/repairguides/Toyota-RAV4-2000-05/Engine-Mechanical-Components/Accessory-Drive-Belts/_/P-0996b43f80379f91

whats the part no on ur engine? Is 3s or 2az, is the engine block iron or aluminium?

When you open your bonnet, there is a diagram of how the belts should be routed somewhere there confirm if its like that.

That diagram is on all cars.

donkene: whats the part no on ur engine? Is 3s or 2az, is the engine block iron or aluminium?

How can one know these? Wil d owner need 2 engage a mechanic? Or are there indicators 2 help?

lonelydora: Check also the steering rack.

Correct Sir! If you are very certain there are no external leakages, raise the front side of the vehicle and secure with jack stands.

Get under the vehicle and pull back the steering bellows (boots) on both sides of the rack ends. If you see power steering fluid present an internal steering gear leakage (rack) is indicated.

Sometimes the leakage is not so severe for the power steering fluid to drop on the floor making it tricky to identify.

Continuous usage may affect the power steering pump.

Good luck!

Your rack and pinion might be leaking like the earlier poster said .