tknishi

I have 2002 ES300 and I recently changed the hoses from my PS reservoir that goes to the pump, as they were cracking and leaking. I bled the PS system couple times since then. Ever since then I have this loud crackling, static sound coming when i accelerate (heavy acceleration, especially up hills). It sounds very electrical, not a mechanical sound, if that makes sense. As my wife describes it "sounds like you are trying to contact aliens and trying to find the right frequency." And on that note, its not coming from the speakers, it sounds like its coming from the heater vent on the dashboard (so i'm guessing its coming from the engine bay). And it doesn't happen when i turn the wheels, just acceleration.

Any suggestions. Could this be PS related? I am still seeing drops under my car, but a lot less, so I may have a leaky pump too.

fortitude

What fluid (brand & type) did you use to refill the PS reservoir?

tknishi

Dexron type III, but the brand I will have to double check, but I think it was the Napa brand.

fortitude

Why I asked - changed the high pressure line and refilled the system with Valvoline Max Life. The pump became very noisey. Drove it for 1/2 day and noise remained. Drained and use Toyota Dex III - noise went away - sounds perfect now.

nsghtbrwry

^MaxLife won't cause noise if the pump's in perfect - and I really mean perfect - condition, but it is Dexron-VI thin so will be noisy in your average pump. I agree, best to use a thicker fluid like Dexron III or Mercon V.

PFB

You really should change BOTH bulbs to OEM bulbs. That should solve your problem. Not sure though if the problem is the front bulbs or the rears. Might as well change all bulbs and be done with it for many years to come.

Oro

I don't think it has anything to do with your PS repair and I think it's coincident. Check with a multimeter for AC ripple voltage across your battery terminals. It sounds like you have a failing recitifier diode in your alternator.

I am not a fan of Dex VI in Dex III/TIV spec applications (from experience, not "on spec'), but it would just not cause that much mayhem. I also believe in "checking what you changed last" when running down a problem, but I think this sounds different enough to keep an open mind and look more broadly.