# Power steering 1997 RAV4

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/power-steering-1997-rav4/14084>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [May 16, 2008, 1:11am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/power-steering-1997-rav4/14084 "2008-05-16T01:11:20Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![reinhardt40](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e9bcb4/32.png) [@reinhardt40](https://community.cartalk.com/u/reinhardt40)\
**Post date:** [May 16, 2008, 1:11am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/power-steering-1997-rav4/14084/1 "2008-05-16T01:11:20Z")

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At the extremme right or left steering position, moving or standing still,  
  
 there is a loud “hissing” sound .  
  
 Any idea what could cause this sound?  
  
 Thanks! Bernie

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**Author:** ![Roadrunner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@Roadrunner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Roadrunner)\
**Post date:** [May 16, 2008, 1:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/power-steering-1997-rav4/14084/2 "2008-05-16T01:35:56Z")

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That is the result of the power steering pump being forced. That’s a no-no.

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**Author:** ![hd72mm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/9fc29f/32.png) [@hd72mm](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hd72mm)\
**Post date:** [May 16, 2008, 2:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/power-steering-1997-rav4/14084/3 "2008-05-16T14:10:14Z")

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I agree with roadrunner, make sure fluid level is ok.

[www.rav4world.com](http://www.rav4world.com) GREAT info on the rav4

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**Author:** ![researcher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/edb3f5/32.png) [@researcher](https://community.cartalk.com/u/researcher)\
**Post date:** [May 16, 2008, 6:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/power-steering-1997-rav4/14084/4 "2008-05-16T18:35:34Z")

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When in the locked position, the power steering pump is producing maximum pressure and the excess flow is exiting through the pressure relief valve. The solution to relieve this condition is to relax the steering effort leaving the wheels near locked position but not forcing them.

That ‘hissing’ is heating your steering fluid excessively. In regular driving turn the wheel to the stop; when you hear the ‘hiss’; and back off until the ‘hiss’ goes away. It is easier on the power steering pump and rack.