Supra (A70)

1986-1993 / Coupe / Japan

All Supra (A70) problems All workshop issues

Common Electrical

Power Steering Pump Whine

Symptoms

A persistent whining noise from the power steering pump, most noticeable at idle with the steering wheel centred (no load on the system).

Cause

Internal pump seals wear, allowing air to be drawn into the hydraulic fluid. The fluid becomes aerated, causing cavitation noise. Low fluid level from leaking hoses or rack seals worsens the issue.

Fix

Check and top up the power steering fluid first.

Inspect all hoses and the steering rack for leaks.

If the whine persists with correct fluid level and no leaks, the pump needs rebuilding or replacing ($300-500).

Use genuine Toyota power steering fluid or a quality ATF, the wrong fluid accelerates seal wear.

Cost mentioned in fix

$300-500

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// More Supra (A70) problems

Other known issues

Common Electrical

ABS Module Failure

The ABS warning light illuminates permanently. The ABS system may activate inappropriately (pulsing brake pedal during normal braking) or not function at all.

Minor Electrical

Engine Wiring Harness Degradation

Intermittent electrical faults, random misfires, fluctuating idle, gauge malfunctions, check engine lights with inconsistent fault codes.

Common Engine, 7M-GTE (Turbo)

Head Gasket Failure

The head gasket blows, allowing coolant into the combustion chambers and/or oil passages. White smoke from the exhaust, coolant loss without visible external leak, overheating under boost, milky oil on the filler cap, and bubbles in the coolant overflow tank. In severe cases, hydrolock (coolant filling a cylinder and bending a connecting rod on startup).

Critical Engine, 7M-GTE (Turbo)

Low Oil Pressure at Idle

Oil pressure drops below 10 psi at hot idle. The factory oil pressure warning light may flicker or illuminate at idle, particularly in traffic on hot days. The engine may develop bearing noise (deep knocking from the bottom end).

Common Engine, 7M-GTE (Turbo)

CT-26 Turbo Failure

Loss of boost pressure, excessive oil smoke (blue/grey) on startup or deceleration, whistling or grinding noises from the turbo, and oil in the intercooler piping.

Critical Engine, 7M-GTE (Turbo)

Cooling System Inadequacy Under Boost

Coolant temperature climbs rapidly under sustained boost, particularly in traffic or on hot days. The temperature gauge sits higher than normal and doesn't recover quickly.

View all 17 Supra (A70) problems