gs300kings

I have a 98 GS300 and noticed the steering becoming a little stiff at times. Today i lost total power steering when coming out of a turn and then went back to being stiff then soft again. I need some tips on where to start the repair and troubleshoot. I have checked for all leaks and i dont have any leaks. The level is always good and has not changed. The fluid is very clean amber color. Though since ownership was not changed. The rpm doesnt change much when turning. The pump does not whine when turning on idle. Im confused what else can it be? Now im inspecting the actual pump. I see two vacuum line hoses on a fitting coming out the high pressure side. I know thats normal to adjust rpm. What is the solenoid valve on the pump with the electrical wire? Could it be a bad pump? A replacement pump im looking at has a reservoir and new electrical valve and pump. So im guessing that may solve my problem? The only one little defect i noticed about this whole situation is the pump outer appearance is rusty looking compared to the rest of the engine. which is shiny and clean.

FrankT

The fluid should not be amber, Dexron 3 is what needs to be used. Dexron is red.

gs300kings

Ok i pumped the fluid out the reservoir until i do a flush. See color of fluid below. At the bottom of the reservoir is a strainer full of gunk. See how much gunk in the pic. I topped back up with new dextron 3 fluid and took it for a test drive. It made no difference. Same problem exists. Pump change?

Lukas99GS

Have the fluid flushed, I did this for the first time in the cars life at 210k, my steering wasn't hard or anything, but it did feel noticeably lighter afterwards, crud can get built up in there.

gs300kings

Thanks for the tip!

gs300kings

Ok im gonna get it done tommorow. Mileage is 110km

bonesnj0

Exactly Wrong power steering fluid, It will feel like its hitting hard spots as you turn wheel.

FrankT

That strainer in the reservoir needs to be cleaned.
Removing the reservoir from the pump would be the way I would do it..

Good luck

speedkar9

Check the belt tension.

gs300kings

Ok guys. I havent updated my post since. But my problem still exists. I bought a rebuilt power steering pump. Had it installed. System was flushed and tension was set. Turns out i have exactly the same problem. All that made no difference what so ever. Do u believe its the steering rack seals inside and a problem with flow? Im not sure what else to check. Very rare sometimes its very soft. But most times hard. And under load or at an angle on the road its very stiff like lost of power steering. Any help would be appreciated. Oh and a used rack is costing me $600usd if i need to replace it. Because im a rhd vehicle.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

I've used Seafoam trans cleaner in my power steering fluid to clean out the system with success, It may help with your issue.

FrankT

Your installer should have verified proper flow after installing the pump.
Did you clean out the screen in the reservoir?

$600. for a used rack? must be with install...

1998-2005 LEXUS GS300 RACK AND PINION $229.95 at RACK DOCTOR

Good Luck

gs300kings

Will look at this product. Thanks

gs300kings

I replaced the whole pump with resevoir with a brand new rebuilt brand pump. The pressure was not verified no. The vehicle is right hand drive. So those companies wont work for me. Thanks

isfdude

iTrader: (11)

It's your rack and pinon, when they fail the seals collapse blocking where oil flows causing your problem. Dirty or worn fluid is to thank for this.