mouser991

you may want to check your air control valve on the power steering pump. I replaced mine on my 1991 LS after a search through this forum and it cured the whining noise of the pump, the bubbles and I have not added power steering fluid for 2 months now. Good Luck! Jim

Mike, I am an attorney and based on what you have presented for this forum discussion you certainly would do well to visit a local attorney licensed within your state. Each state has certain statutes (laws) that would generally (even specifically)apply to your situation. As I see it the situation is basically a breach of contract issue. You pay a premium and the insurance co agrees to provide insurance coverage based on the type of coverage you need, thus the CONTRACT. Most people never bother to read their policy language, usually because it seems like such a simple matter, you pay your premium for full and comprehensive coverage and once you make a claim the insurance company is supposed to do a good faith investigation and then make a determination. I would certainly read your entire policy and you will most likely see a list of exclusions, or reasons your claim might be denied. Since the time I started practicing law, it seems as though more and more insurance companies make more of an effort to deny your claim than trying to find a way to provide the coverage they promised. I believe that it has become an "unspoken" industry-wide standard, although they will deny it. A call to your state insurance commissioner may make you feel better but it may take longer to get a positive result. Check your State Gov't web page and see if you can review possible specific laws that apply to this type of claim. Most of the time there are damages recoverable in excess of the actual claim, if bad faith on the part of the insurance co can be shown. Ask around for the name of someone who has trial experience, and see if you can get a consultation. Most decent lawyers won't charge for a consultation. COOD LUCK!!! let everyone know how this progresses. Jim

there are 2 vacuum hoses attached to the valve which screws into the underneath side of the power steering pump. Apparently the purpose of the valve is to cause the engine idle to increase when the steering is turned all the way to either end lock. When the valve goes bad it sticks in the open position and actually siphons power steering fluid into the engine. I thought it was crazy when I first read about it but replacing the valve worked. No more whining from the pump and no more smoke at startup!

I had the exact same problem with my 91 ls. I read somewhere about a valve that would go bad on the power steering pump, which would then cause power steering fluid to be sucked into the engine. At startup smoke would roll out of the exhaust and then clear up. The pump would whine and I was constantly adding fluid. I could never find any signs of leaking. I went to the parts department at the Toyota dealer and ordered the valve ($90). You can get it off without removing the alternator. I used what is called a crowsfoot (17mm). It is basically the open end of a box-end wrench with a place to insert a socket wrench. I used a 3 inch extension and got the valve off in no time. Leo is right about covering your alternator, I didn't do it before removing the valve and fluid leaked all over it. 1 week now and still no leaks, smoke or whine. THIS FORUM RULES!!!