mark71

Guys, my 1998 ES300 steering wheel doesn't turn as smoothly as I think it should. The best way I can describe it - its noticeable more difficult turning the wheel at the 10 & 2 O'clock positions. That's the best I can do. Now last week I took it to a trusted mechanic and they looked underneath the car. They said that I needed a new power steering pump because the "seal blew." I was expecting the resistance to go away but its still there.

What else is most likely the culprit?

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

It's possible to be a bad diagnosis. When I got my car, my engine was covered in oil and some of it was dripping from the power steering pump. The oil was coming from the camshaft seals, which made me think that I had a power steering leak.

I would start by checking the tension of the power steering belt, then replace your PS fluid. If it's still acting up, it could be a sign of a bad steering rack.

mark71

Mr. Booby you are right on the mark as usual. A mechanic drove my car and said its most likely the steering rack. He basically said its expected for a car that is 16 years old. I told him Ill just live with it since I am assuming this is a very expensive fix. Would you agree its something I could worry about later?

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

You could imagine what would happen if your steering wheel locked up in the middle of driving. I would get it addressed ASAP.

mark71

What am I ultimately looking at ? An entire new steering rack? Will the cost be worth it?
have you replaced yours yet?

ayonnebay

I had what seems to be that problem.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...m-1998-es.html

weaselwee

Just noticed the same thing on my 2002 ES300. I am a little concerned so I am bringing it to the Mechanic tomorrow. I checked the PS fluid and belt. Both seem OK. Seized U-joint?

weaselwee

it turned out to be the same thing as the ayonnebay link above. I think I saved myself a few dollars by diagnosing the problem ahead of time.