Hi.I new to this group but not the alphard.I have had my 2005 3ltr V6 for 7 years now.my steering pump broke last year and I replaced it with a second hand one.(not an easy job).all worked well to start with but now on start up when I try to turn the steering left or right it feels heavy and notchy.after 5 mins or so it’s absolutely fine and smooth.I’m at a loss as to what is causing this issue and was hoping some members here ,ight have some ideas I could try.

Edited February 14, 20241 yr by Baz

On 2/14/2024 at 10:10 AM, Baz said:

Hi. I'm new to this group but not the Alphard. I have had my 2005 3ltr V6 for 7 years now.my steering pump broke last year and I replaced it with a second hand one.(not an easy job). all worked well to start with but now on start up when I try to turn the steering left or right it feels heavy and notchy. after 5 mins or so it’s absolutely fine and smooth. I’m at a loss as to what is causing this issue and was hoping some members here might have some ideas I could try.

 

Hello Barry,

 

Welcome to the Forum.

 

I assume you have checked the fluid level; any bubbles in the reservoir ?

Did you change all the fluid when fitting the replacement ?

Any leaks under the vehicle overnight ?

 

I believe later models have electric steering; so many owners, like myself, probably won't be much help to you.

I am not sure whether steering systems need bleeding (did you bleed yours?) .

 

 

 

Thanks for your reply.done all the checks and drained the old fluids and replaced them.bled it by turning the steering left to right a few times,no leaks anywhere.when first changed it was ok but then developed this problem on first start up in the morning.after a turn or two on the steering it’s fine and normal for the rest of the day

Did you find anything Barry? I have the same problem

 

welcome Paul you should never turn steering full lock left and right when bleeding the system this should be done front wheels off the ground from 10 o'clock to 2pm back and forwards never full lock as this will over pressurize  the system and damage seals . regarding notching this could be down to the pinion bar not engaging teeth in the rack bar down to wear this can sometimes be adjusted to take the slack out there is a adjustment nut below the steering pinion this is what they do when they refurbish the racks. it maybe time for a new rack