Tales of the Power Steering Pump
10-26-05, 04:29 AM
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Tales of the Power Steering Pump
94 LS 400 with 176,100
Orginal Pump:
At 139,400 or so my PS pump was making significant noise so I had a total flush done on a BG flush machine at a local shop.
At around 172,200 I noticed noise again and did my own flush and refill. At 175,200 I started to have the well chronicled phenomena of heavy smoke out the exhaust upon startup. A search here let me know that the idle air control valve at the pump had failed. I bypassed it and for a short period went on down the road.
Soon there after I had major leaking and lot's of noise and effort as the pump died. Leak was in the vicinity of the valve on the pump.
-------------------------------------------
New Pump
New pump cost was $350.00 from: mmolini@lexusofroseville.net
1-877-744-0411. No shipping or tax so a good deal. Not much point of a new PS Pump wo doing the pressure hose so I had it rebuilt locally for $64.00. Used Mobil 1 ATF fluid.
IMPORTANT also had the mechanic remove and clean the steering solenoid. There were metal fragments all around the screen and threads when this was removed!!! I posted a pic of this part years ago if u search!
Link to Solenoid pic:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ering+solenoid
Idle air control valve: A new pump does not come w one. It has a plug where the valve screws in. I opted not to replace this $130.00 part and took it out of the system. An SC400 usues the exact same pump in this valve-less configuration. The valve is supposed to give extra engine rpm's at full lock. I have no problems whatsover at full lock and don't miss it. Not purchasing one went a long way toward install cost.
Install cost was $125.00 for the pump, $75.00 for the hose
My new mantra is that much like an AC system after a compressor failure the PS Pump system must be kept contaminant free or you will have a premature failure. I am going to follow a maintenance shedule of 30,000 miles or less to change the PS Fluid going forward.
Drives like a dream and wow is the steering smooth. Love the combo w my new SC430 18" rims and Kumho SPT 235/45/18 tires. It is amazing!!
damon
Orginal Pump:
At 139,400 or so my PS pump was making significant noise so I had a total flush done on a BG flush machine at a local shop.
At around 172,200 I noticed noise again and did my own flush and refill. At 175,200 I started to have the well chronicled phenomena of heavy smoke out the exhaust upon startup. A search here let me know that the idle air control valve at the pump had failed. I bypassed it and for a short period went on down the road.
Soon there after I had major leaking and lot's of noise and effort as the pump died. Leak was in the vicinity of the valve on the pump.
-------------------------------------------
New Pump
New pump cost was $350.00 from: mmolini@lexusofroseville.net
1-877-744-0411. No shipping or tax so a good deal. Not much point of a new PS Pump wo doing the pressure hose so I had it rebuilt locally for $64.00. Used Mobil 1 ATF fluid.
IMPORTANT also had the mechanic remove and clean the steering solenoid. There were metal fragments all around the screen and threads when this was removed!!! I posted a pic of this part years ago if u search!
Link to Solenoid pic:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ering+solenoid
Idle air control valve: A new pump does not come w one. It has a plug where the valve screws in. I opted not to replace this $130.00 part and took it out of the system. An SC400 usues the exact same pump in this valve-less configuration. The valve is supposed to give extra engine rpm's at full lock. I have no problems whatsover at full lock and don't miss it. Not purchasing one went a long way toward install cost.
Install cost was $125.00 for the pump, $75.00 for the hose
My new mantra is that much like an AC system after a compressor failure the PS Pump system must be kept contaminant free or you will have a premature failure. I am going to follow a maintenance shedule of 30,000 miles or less to change the PS Fluid going forward.
Drives like a dream and wow is the steering smooth. Love the combo w my new SC430 18" rims and Kumho SPT 235/45/18 tires. It is amazing!!
damon
Last edited by damon; 10-26-05 at 05:54 AM.
10-26-05, 09:37 AM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Brandicus,
Simply sticking on "two new parts" would have been a bad formula in my case. The thought of all the metal shrapnel I saw at the solenoid circulating in my new PS Pump would be aggravating. A little lost on why I need to contact my dealer? This would have been a $1000.00 dollar day and counting in their hands. Free coffee and drinks however.
damon
Simply sticking on "two new parts" would have been a bad formula in my case. The thought of all the metal shrapnel I saw at the solenoid circulating in my new PS Pump would be aggravating. A little lost on why I need to contact my dealer? This would have been a $1000.00 dollar day and counting in their hands. Free coffee and drinks however.
damon
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
