MajorCommonSuspension

Toyota Land Cruiser 200: Power Steering Pump Bearing and Vane Wear

Power Steering Pump Bearing and Vane Wear is a common suspension fault on the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 on the 1998–2007 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $600 to $1,800 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 32 documented faults on the Toyota Land Cruiser 200.

Vehicle: Toyota Land Cruiser 200
Years: 1998–2007
System: Suspension

This page covers the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Toyota Land Cruiser 200 faults32 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the Steering rack yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

The hydraulic power steering pump on the 100 series is prone to bearing failure and internal vane wear at high mileage. The characteristic symptom is a whining or groaning noise that worsens at full steering lock. As the pump deteriorates, steering effort increases and fluid pressure becomes inconsistent. Fluid leaks from the pump shaft seal are also common as bearing wear allows shaft play. Replacement is moderately priced but labour to access the pump requires removing ancillary components. Common on examples over 200,000 km.

What you would notice

Whining or groaning from the engine bay, louder at full steering lock
Increased steering effort, especially at low speed
Power steering fluid leaks or residue around the pump
Inconsistent or vague steering feel

How to check it

Where to look. Engine bay — power steering pump driven by the accessory belt, typically on the passenger side of the engine

With the engine running and the vehicle stationary, turn the steering wheel to full lock in each direction and listen for whining from the pump.
Check the power steering fluid reservoir level and condition — dark or burnt-smelling fluid indicates internal wear.
Inspect the pump mounting area for fluid residue or drips.

Parts involved: Steering rack.

What it costs to put right

$600 to $1,800 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

“Has the power steering pump been replaced?”
“Is there any whining or groaning when turning at low speed?”
“When was the power steering fluid last changed?”

Now check the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Toyota Land Cruiser 200 buyer questions

Is power steering pump bearing and vane wear serious on a Toyota Land Cruiser 200?

We rate it major and common on the Toyota Land Cruiser 200. The hydraulic power steering pump on the 100 series is prone to bearing failure and internal vane wear at high mileage. The characteristic symptom is a whining or groaning noise that worsens at full steering lock. As the pump deteriorates, steering effort increases and fluid pressure becomes inconsistent. Fluid leaks from the pump shaft seal are also common as bearing wear allows shaft play. Replacement is moderately priced but labour to access the pump requires removing ancillary components. Common on examples over 200,000 km.

How much does it cost to fix on a Toyota Land Cruiser 200?

$600 to $1,800 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Toyota Land Cruiser 200 years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 1998–2007 Toyota Land Cruiser 200. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

With the engine running and the vehicle stationary, turn the steering wheel to full lock in each direction and listen for whining from the pump. Check the power steering fluid reservoir level and condition — dark or burnt-smelling fluid indicates internal wear. Inspect the pump mounting area for fluid residue or drips. Look here: Engine bay — power steering pump driven by the accessory belt, typically on the passenger side of the engine