LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

P/S Fluid leak - not easy to steer.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-05-07, 03:37 AM
  #1  
Sportznuts
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
Sportznuts's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: CA
Posts: 355
Received 39 Likes on 32 Posts
Default P/S Fluid leak - not easy to steer.

Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum. I own a wonderful 1991 Lexus LS400. The power steering fluid is leaking although I have not seen any fluid leak on the ground as of yet.

I go through a bottle of p/s fluid every 10 days. The steering isn't real bad, but it doesn't feel free like it should. Every few days when I hear noise (because of less p/s fluid) I add some more and the noise goes away.

A mechanic told me after taking it for a test drive that he felt the power steering pump is "tired" and should be replaced, if not now, within the next 10-20 thousand miles. That was simply a guess on his part as he didn't do any extensive trouble shooting.

My question is this, should I go ahead and get a new power steering pump/hoses for $500+ or should I pay the $100 to get my car thoroughly checked out first?

Also, if anybody has any suggestions of what might be going on, please chime in. I could use all the help I can get. I certainly would rather spend the $500 toward a new 50" Panasonic Plasma than spend on my car.
Old 03-05-07, 08:32 AM
  #2  
pito
Lead Lap
 
pito's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: ny
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Wow a power steering problem on a first gen LS, that is unheard of...

My man do a search on power steering and you will get tons of info.
Old 03-05-07, 09:39 AM
  #3  
glenmore
Driver School Candidate
iTrader: (1)
 
glenmore's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: California
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Could be anything from a $2 repair to a four fiqure $$ repair. You need to be able to do some diagnosis and repair / maintennce yourself or find a competent indie to do the work.

A simple problem would be the p/s return line, a $2 repair that just about anyone can do.

glenmore
1990 LS400
Old 03-05-07, 10:38 AM
  #4  
B.Diddy
Lexotic Concepts
iTrader: (1)
 
B.Diddy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: New York
Posts: 2,038
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

There is a sticky up at the top of forum ^^^^ check that out
Old 03-05-07, 07:42 PM
  #5  
Sportznuts
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
Sportznuts's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: CA
Posts: 355
Received 39 Likes on 32 Posts
Default

thanks for the heads up regarding the sticky.

I hope my alternator is ok. Just bought the car 3 weeks ago and I already need a new steering pump. That's ok though, sooner or later it's gonna need to be done.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
wkp
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003)
5
11-05-18 05:13 AM
RA40
Maintenance
21
02-18-16 06:10 AM
tcorder
SC- 1st Gen (1992-2000)
14
08-26-11 05:11 PM
StormWolf
SC- 1st Gen (1992-2000)
4
05-29-01 05:01 PM
robmck
SC- 1st Gen (1992-2000)
4
03-03-01 07:14 PM



Quick Reply: P/S Fluid leak - not easy to steer.



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:07 AM.