Where's My Power Steering?

bearpuf
Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:01:09 +0000
Maintenance/Repairs

My wife started the 2000 Toyota Sienna yesterday morning (temp about 30 degrees Farenheit), warmed the engine for about 30 seconds and drove a block to the stop sign. As she made a left hand turn she was in sudden shock to feel that she had no power steering. She still was able to turn and brought the car to a stop. At that point the power steering returned and she continued her mile journey and eventual return without a problem. The power steering fluid reservoir was full. There was no puddle underneath the car. The serpentine belt was tensioned. I drove the car to the Toyota dealer and presented the problem to a front desk technician. At first he said it could be the power steering pump or rack and pinion steering assembly. When I told him that the power steering was back after she made the return he said he’d never heard of that situation. Further, he said unless the problem was showing itself when we brought the vehicle in a repairman wouldn’t be able to diagnose the situation.
If anyone has a notion to what was happening and what the fix should be I’d appreciate hearing from you.

13 posts - 8 participants