Any Auto Mechanics Out there?

[LynnTH]

I have a question for you. I have a 1999 Camry. For the past few months everytime I go over a puddle or it rains/snows my power steering will go out and I have to really turn the wheel hard to turn. Then it will come back a few seconds later.

MY DH is at a loss to what it might be. He is good with cars and fixes all of ours (and neighbors and extended family) but this one he cannot figure out.

So, does anyone have any idea where he can begin to look for something like this. Thanks.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Has he taken it in to check what comes out on the computer thing?

Master cylindar, maybe?

Obviously since he is a mechanically inclined he checked the simple things, like the power steering pump and the fluid.

Our gas pump pump went out last week. 850 to fix that. DH had someone else do it because you have to yank out the gas tank.

Oh and I am not a mechanic but we fix alot of cars here too.

 

[Charade]

A quick google search and found someone reporting a similar problem. The problem might be a timing belt that controls the power steering pump. If it slips, you'll lose power steering making steering difficult until the belt dries.

How many miles and has the belt ever been replaced?

 

[LynnTH]

A quick google search and found someone reporting a similar problem. The problem might be a timing belt that controls the power steering pump. If it slips, you'll lose power steering making steering difficult until the belt dries.

How many miles and has the belt ever been replaced?

The car has about 127,000 miles on it. Couldn't tell you if the timing belt has been replaced - I know nothing about cars and try to keep it that way.

I can have him check it though - thanks. It's just really odd...

 

[JR6ooo4]

I would not think that something as important as engine timing would also be charged with the burden of turning a hydrualic pump. But I could be wrong.

I also suspect a belt problem since the failure is after water contact. The belt/pulley gets wet and looses grip.

It could be an old dry belt, the rubber is now like plastic and does not grip. Has it ever been changed, or is ti original? Is it one serpentine belt or are there more than one? Are there many surface cracks in the belt? Like more than two per inch. Check both sides, usually the inside shows the cracks. If so then replace it.

if the belt is fine then it could be the tension on the belt. This is adjusted by an automatic belt tensioner or by sliding the PS pump to tighten the belt. If you have an auto tensioner then test to see if it is applying the proper tension.

Or just move to where there is no water? Hehehehehe

Mikeeee

 

[LynnTH]

I would not think that something as important as engine timing would also be charged with the burden of turning a hydrualic pump. But I could be wrong.

I also suspect a belt problem since the failure is after water contact. The belt/pulley gets wet and looses grip.

It could be an old dry belt, the rubber is now like plastic and does not grip. Has it ever been changed, or is ti original? Is it one serpentine belt or are there more than one? Are there many surface cracks in the belt? Like more than two per inch. Check both sides, usually the inside shows the cracks. If so then replace it.

if the belt is fine then it could be the tension on the belt. This is adjusted by an automatic belt tensioner or by sliding the PS pump to tighten the belt. If you have an auto tensioner then test to see if it is applying the proper tension.

Or just move to where there is no water? Hehehehehe

Mikeeee

Thanks. I will have him check all those things. I actually do try to move where there is no water - lately it has been impossible. It has been raining and melting all the snow - so, we have puddles everywhere. I do try to avoid them but stop short of running people off the road in doing so....

 

[Charade]

There's an easy way to check if it's a belt. Open the hood with the engine running and use a hose to spray a little water on the belt while someone is behind the wheel trying to turn it.

***!!!*** Make sure you have the car IN PARK and the E-BRAKE ON!! ***!!!***

Just a little water right on the belt (don't soak the entire engine) should do it.

Stand back a little because it will spray you if you are too close.

 

[LynnTH]

There's an easy way to check if it's a belt. Open the hood with the engine running and use a hose to spray a little water on the belt while someone is behind the wheel trying to turn it.

***!!!*** Make sure you have the car IN PARK and the E-BRAKE ON!! ***!!!***

Just a little water right on the belt (don't soak the entire engine) should do it.

Stand back a little because it will spray you if you are too close.

That's a great idea. Sure beats trying to drive through all the puddles and then putting up the hood quick. I can't wait to show him all these ideas -he always laughs at me for always being on the DIS Boards. He doesn't understand the wealth of information you can get on here...