The First Gen Power Steering Bible
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: CA
hey guys i have a 94 LS400. not too long ago i also had that problem where the PS leaked to the alternator and killed it, so i went to this shop and they rebuilt my ps...but it still leaks...every week or so i have to refill it =\ at times i also get that white smoke at start up...i think its that idle control valve, maybe? haha iono i need to check up on the price to fix that
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: tx
94 LS400 PS leak--question after reading the "bible"
Hi all,
I read through the PS bible and searched the forums as well. I was hoping someone could help me out a bit. I don't have the white smoke at start up, am not having any PS issues that I notice through steering. But, I took my LS in to have the sub frame bolts torqued and the mechanic said I needed a new rack and pinon steering and showed me leaks and evidence of leeks on both sides. He said you don't see spots because it blows back while driving.
Does this sound like the rack and pinion needs to be replaced? I am no mechanic at all. My 94 has 139k miles and it has not been replaced yet.
Thank you for your help.
I read through the PS bible and searched the forums as well. I was hoping someone could help me out a bit. I don't have the white smoke at start up, am not having any PS issues that I notice through steering. But, I took my LS in to have the sub frame bolts torqued and the mechanic said I needed a new rack and pinon steering and showed me leaks and evidence of leeks on both sides. He said you don't see spots because it blows back while driving.
Does this sound like the rack and pinion needs to be replaced? I am no mechanic at all. My 94 has 139k miles and it has not been replaced yet.
Thank you for your help.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Mission Sucessful
I completed both the alternator replacement and the valve replacement. When the Alternator was out I was able to see the Air Valve from underneath the car. I just unscrewed the valve and replaced it with the new one, then put the new alternator in. I have a 1991, the Air control Valve part number I used is 17630-16040. Payed 200 total. 60 for the Alternator and 140 for the valve at the dealership. Saved $1000. Thank God for this forum!!
It's been about a week and my Lexus LS400 feels brand new. No more white smoke!
It's been about a week and my Lexus LS400 feels brand new. No more white smoke!
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From: PA
I need to resurrect this thread. I had some power steering problems and went to the mechanic today and he tells me that I need to replace the PS rack and he can't give me a price because he's got to get the part from Lexus. I know that if I go with that, I'm gonna get screwed. These guys (Toyota) will let me bring in my own parts. I have three questions:
1) How much can I expect this will set me back if I let them get the part from Lexus and install it?
2) Where can I order the rack myself?
3) Would you recommend a non OEM rack or stick with OEM?
1) How much can I expect this will set me back if I let them get the part from Lexus and install it?
2) Where can I order the rack myself?
3) Would you recommend a non OEM rack or stick with OEM?
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 414
Likes: 4
From: Alabama
Hope you are sitting down when you see the price, assuming you need the entire rack.
Sewell shows the part number as 44250-50090.
The parts diagram and pricing are shown here:
http://www.sewellpartsonline.com/***...l=209&year=157
The price shown ($1,658.51) is suggested retail.
www.lexuspartsonline.com lists their price for this part as $1,326.81.
Sewell shows the part number as 44250-50090.
The parts diagram and pricing are shown here:
http://www.sewellpartsonline.com/***...l=209&year=157
The price shown ($1,658.51) is suggested retail.
www.lexuspartsonline.com lists their price for this part as $1,326.81.
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From: PA
Yes, that's those are the prices that my mechanic quoted me. I found a reman part for $ 400, but now I'm questioning if my problem is a rack. My car only has 114k miles on it and some folks are suggesting that that's too low of a mileage for the car to be needing a rack.
My PS steering fluid was low, but with no evidence of a leak. When I took it in to my local Toyota dealer, they diagnosed the problem as a faulty rack. I noticed a high pitched sound when making sharp turns when parking and some "looseness" when driving. None of this is occuring now since they've refilled the PS steering fluid. What are you guy's thoughts on this?
My PS steering fluid was low, but with no evidence of a leak. When I took it in to my local Toyota dealer, they diagnosed the problem as a faulty rack. I noticed a high pitched sound when making sharp turns when parking and some "looseness" when driving. None of this is occuring now since they've refilled the PS steering fluid. What are you guy's thoughts on this?
Hope you are sitting down when you see the price, assuming you need the entire rack.
Sewell shows the part number as 44250-50090.
The parts diagram and pricing are shown here:
http://www.sewellpartsonline.com/***...l=209&year=157
The price shown ($1,658.51) is suggested retail.
www.lexuspartsonline.com lists their price for this part as $1,326.81.
Sewell shows the part number as 44250-50090.
The parts diagram and pricing are shown here:
http://www.sewellpartsonline.com/***...l=209&year=157
The price shown ($1,658.51) is suggested retail.
www.lexuspartsonline.com lists their price for this part as $1,326.81.
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: OK
Had the fluid loss, white smoke, mechanic telling me it was the rack, and today on my way to work the serp belt threw. Guessing the fluid got to the alt and killed it. Any ideas of what im going to be looking at to get fixed.
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 401
Likes: 3
From: Tennessee
I think you only get the white smoke if its leaking internally, but it could be leaking externally as well like I think mine is. I am losing fluid, getting the white smoke and smell @ startup AND I can see fluid down under the pump.. not wet, but a lot of greasy looking stuff down there along the frame rail under the pump. Now my "brake" light has been coming on, which someone said is likely the alternator failing.
Right when I am about to give this car to my mother and spending about $400 on engine & transmission mounts and labor!
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,431
Likes: 0
From: Ca
oh so, the smell at start up is also caused by the power-steering fluid leak? i was getting worried it might be something else.. i get white smoke now and then and i also get this weird smell.. and what are some signs of the alternator failing?
thanks
thanks
Here's the deal with mine...
Mine started with a slight leak in the vacuum valve. I replaced that, only to have the pump not hold pressure.
A buddy and I ordered a rebuild kit from Lexus to rebuild the pump, however that was no help.
During this process, I guess some fluid leaked into the alternator and caused it to stop charging.
Some signs that the alternator is going (at least in my car), was every time you'd hit the break, the lights would flicker, the door locks don't work with the key out, nor does the trunk release/gas door, anything electrical.
I was able to fully charge another battery, drive it to my mechanic.
$808.36 later, they put on a new alternator, get me a new pump, and now I'm all good to go again.
EXTREMELY expensive, but totally worth it in my opinion. I even got a tiny discount as I knew the shop owners that did the work on my car.
Good luck man.
Mine started with a slight leak in the vacuum valve. I replaced that, only to have the pump not hold pressure.
A buddy and I ordered a rebuild kit from Lexus to rebuild the pump, however that was no help.
During this process, I guess some fluid leaked into the alternator and caused it to stop charging.
Some signs that the alternator is going (at least in my car), was every time you'd hit the break, the lights would flicker, the door locks don't work with the key out, nor does the trunk release/gas door, anything electrical.
I was able to fully charge another battery, drive it to my mechanic.
$808.36 later, they put on a new alternator, get me a new pump, and now I'm all good to go again.
EXTREMELY expensive, but totally worth it in my opinion. I even got a tiny discount as I knew the shop owners that did the work on my car.
Good luck man.
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 401
Likes: 3
From: Tennessee
As far as the alternator goes the above post sums it up some, but some report some random warning lights coming on. I currently have an occasional "brake" warning light coming on (been like that for months). Someone said this could be a sign of it, but as far as I can see, its not leaking down on my alternator... its more on the frame rail area.
Also, this morning (it was very cold, in the upper 20s) and when I started the car, the PS pump was making a dreadful growling sound until it warmed up. I checked the fluid when I got home from work and it was quite low. It has definitely got worse since last winter, but in the summer, it never seemed to leak any. These things seem to also be temperature sensative. If you live in a cold area they seem to give more problems.
Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Would I be correct in assuming that my pulley is wobbling on my ps pump if my fluid is full and it is still whining? The whining increases with rpms, so I'm pretty sure it is the pulley but I just wanted confirmation. Is there any way to fix this without buying a new pump (that I can't afford)? I have white smoke also, but I think that the acv is unrelated to the actual noise. Also, if anyone has a part number for the toyota acv that would be a great help.
Last edited by Ls4hundred; Dec 7, 2008 at 12:17 PM. Reason: Error
Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Uranus
Had the air control valve issue with the funky low idle fluctuation and abnormal power steering fluid consumption with no visible puddling on garage floor. Rather than plugging or changing the valve, I just plugged the vacuum port on the intake plenum and the air intake tract. Then, I just looped the hoses together with a T piece and plugged the third nipple. Now, my idle issue is resolved and flat as a board and the at idle power steering over-boost is squelched perfectly. Steering feels more like an SC 400, now. No complaints.