Vehicle: 2007 Toyota Highlander, 2WD, V6-3.3L (3MZ-FE), Automatic Transmission/Transaxle

Mileage: 162,558

Problem: This Highlander was originally brought into the shop for unrelated maintenance work. After the work was done and with the engine running, the steering assist became inoperative, the power steering pump was noisy, and power steering fluid was blowing out of the reservoir.

Case Details: After the fluid blew out of the reservoir, the fluid level inside the reservoir dropped very low and the steering assist returned. Shortly after that, the fluid level seemed to rise in the reservoir and steering assist stopped working again.

NOTE: None of the hoses appeared kinked. Nothing in the power steering system was touched during the unrelated maintenance work.

An inspection of the reservoir revealed that the fluid was contaminated with gunk and sludge.

Confirmed Repair: On the advice of an ALLDATA Tech-Assist consultant, the technician removed the flow control valve from the pump and thoroughly cleaned it. He also disconnected the lines and blew them out, cleaned the reservoir and refilled/bled the system with fresh fluid. The technician road tested to vehicle. Problem solved!